Culberson County Felony Records
Culberson County felony records are maintained by the District Clerk in Van Horn, Texas, and cover all criminal cases filed with the district court in this far west Texas county along Interstate 10. This page covers where to find these records, how to request them, and what online tools are available.
Culberson County Overview
Culberson County District Clerk
The Culberson County District Clerk's office is at the Culberson County Courthouse in Van Horn, Texas. The District Clerk is the official record keeper for all felony criminal cases in the county. The office files and indexes all indictments, court orders, plea documents, and judgments. It also handles civil, family, and juvenile district court records. At the close of each felony case, the clerk reports the outcome to the Texas Department of Public Safety for inclusion in the statewide criminal history database.
Culberson County sits in one of the most remote areas of Texas, with Van Horn located at the junction of Interstate 10 and US Highway 90. Because of the county's location on a major interstate corridor, drug interdiction cases from traffic stops are a significant source of felony filings. All such cases go through the 394th District Court and are recorded by the District Clerk.
Standard Texas copy fees apply: $1 per page for plain copies, $5 per document for certification. A $5 research fee applies if staff must locate a case without a cause number. Cash or money order is recommended. Call ahead to confirm current hours and payment options before traveling to Van Horn.
The Culberson County official website has contact information for county offices and the courthouse.
The county website provides contact numbers, office locations, and links to county services including the District Clerk.
394th District Court
The 394th Judicial District Court handles all felony criminal cases in Culberson County. The court also has jurisdiction over civil cases, family law matters, and juvenile proceedings. Because Culberson County is sparsely populated, the court may operate on a rotating schedule between Culberson and possibly one or more neighboring counties. Contact the District Clerk in Van Horn to confirm when the court next sits for criminal matters.
Texas felonies run from state jail felonies (180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility) through third-degree (2 to 10 years), second-degree (2 to 20 years), first-degree (5 to 99 years or life), and capital felonies. Drug trafficking cases along the I-10 corridor can result in first-degree or higher charges depending on the quantity and substance involved. All these cases are indexed by the District Clerk once filed.
All case filings are public record unless sealed by court order or restricted under state law, such as juvenile records. Expunged records are removed from public access after an order is granted. Nondisclosure orders seal records from public view but do not destroy them.
Searching Records Online
The re:SearchTX statewide portal at research.txcourts.gov is the best free tool for looking up Culberson County court cases. This system covers all 254 Texas counties and lets you search by name, cause number, or attorney. Basic case information is free. Access to document images may require a subscription or an in-person courthouse visit.
For a broader criminal history search that spans all Texas counties, use the Texas DPS Crime Records Service. Name-based searches cost $3 per name and pull data from the statewide Computerized Criminal History system. A fingerprint-based search is more reliable when results will be used for official or legal purposes.
The free TDCJ Offender Search shows people currently incarcerated in Texas state prisons, including those sentenced from Culberson County cases. The Texas Sex Offender Registry is searchable by county name or zip code for registered offenders.
Records Request Procedures
You can request Culberson County felony records in person or by mail. For in-person requests, go to the Culberson County Courthouse in Van Horn with photo ID. Know your case number or defendant name. Fees are $1 per page plus $5 per document for certification. Staff will pull the file and make copies while you wait for routine requests.
Mail requests go to: Culberson County District Clerk, Culberson County Courthouse, Van Horn, TX 79855. Include the case number or full defendant name, the specific documents requested, your contact information, and payment by check or money order. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return copies. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days.
Under Texas Government Code Chapter 552, agencies must respond to public information requests within 10 business days. If you submit a request and do not hear back, contact the Texas Attorney General Open Government office for help. The Open Government Hotline is (877) OPEN-TEX.
Sheriff and Arrest Records
The Culberson County Sheriff's Office handles arrest records, jail bookings, and incident reports. For arrests that have not yet become court cases, contact the Sheriff directly. Submit a public information request in writing to get arrest reports and booking information. The Sheriff's Office is the main law enforcement agency for Culberson County's unincorporated areas.
Given the county's location on Interstate 10, the Texas Department of Public Safety also makes arrests in Culberson County. DPS records for arrests made in the county may be available through the DPS Records Division or the local District Clerk once charges are filed in court.
Legal Resources
For people who cannot afford an attorney and need help with expunctions or nondisclosures, the TexasLawHelp.org website offers free guides and forms. The Texas State Law Library criminal records guide explains the difference between court records and statewide criminal history, and how to navigate requests to multiple agencies. Official forms for expunctions and nondisclosures are at txcourts.gov/rules-forms.
Nearby Counties
Culberson County is in far west Texas. Neighboring counties have their own district clerks and felony records.