Deaf Smith County Felony Records
Deaf Smith County felony records are kept by the District Clerk's office in Hereford, Texas, and cover all criminal cases before the 287th Judicial District Court in this Texas Panhandle agricultural county. This page explains how to access and request these public records.
Deaf Smith County Overview
Deaf Smith County District Clerk
The Deaf Smith County District Clerk is the clerk for the 287th Judicial District Court. The office handles all district court criminal cases, civil cases, family law matters, and juvenile cases. The office is at the Deaf Smith County Courthouse, 235 E 3rd St, Rm 207, Hereford, TX 79045. Phone: (806) 363-7077, ext. 252. Fax: (806) 363-7054. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The District Clerk is responsible for filing and docketing all District Court documents, maintaining court case files, collecting court fees, fines, and costs, issuing court process including subpoenas and citations, managing jury duty, and reporting felony dispositions to the Texas Department of Public Safety at the close of each case. The clerk also serves as custodian of all District Court records going back many years.
Standard Texas copy fees apply: $1 per page for plain copies, $5 per document for certification, and $5 for a research fee if staff must locate a case without a cause number. Payment accepted includes cash, money orders, cashier's checks, and credit or debit cards. No personal checks.
The Deaf Smith County official website provides contact details for county offices including the District Clerk.
The county site lists courthouse contact information, office hours, and available services from the District Clerk and other county departments.
287th District Court
The 287th Judicial District Court serves Deaf Smith County and has jurisdiction over all felony criminal cases. The court also hears civil cases exceeding $200,000, family law matters, and juvenile cases. District Court is held in Hereford at the Deaf Smith County Courthouse. Contact the District Clerk to confirm upcoming hearing dates for criminal matters.
Texas felony levels run from state jail felonies (180 days to 2 years) through third-degree (2 to 10 years), second-degree (2 to 20 years), first-degree (5 to 99 years or life), and capital felonies. In agricultural Panhandle counties, felony charges often include drug offenses, livestock theft, agricultural equipment theft, assault, and other serious crimes under state law. All are prosecuted by the District Attorney and heard by the 287th District Court.
Each felony case is indexed by the District Clerk under a unique cause number. The case file includes the indictment, arraignment record, motions, orders, plea documents or trial transcript, and the judgment and sentence. These documents are public unless sealed.
Searching Deaf Smith County Records Online
Court records can be accessed through the re:SearchTX statewide portal at research.txcourts.gov. This free system covers all 254 Texas counties. Search by party name, case number, or attorney. Basic case details are free. Document images may require a subscription or in-person visit to the courthouse. Registration uses eFileTexas credentials.
Public access terminals are available at the Deaf Smith County Courthouse during regular business hours, free of charge. For a broader statewide criminal history check, use the Texas DPS Crime Records Service at $3 per name-based search. The TDCJ Offender Search is free and shows current inmates in Texas state prisons.
The Texas Sex Offender Registry at sor.dps.texas.gov lets you search by county name or zip code for registered offenders in Deaf Smith County.
Record Request Procedure
To request copies of Deaf Smith County felony records, visit the courthouse in person or submit a written request. In-person requests are handled at 235 E 3rd St, Rm 207, Hereford, TX 79045. Bring valid ID and know your case number or defendant name. Fees are $1 per page plus $5 per document for certification.
For mail requests, send a written request identifying the case and documents needed, along with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope, to: Deaf Smith County District Clerk, 235 E 3rd St, Rm 207, Hereford, TX 79045. Allow 5 to 10 business days. The office is also reachable by fax at (806) 363-7054 for written record requests.
County Clerk Office
The Deaf Smith County Clerk is at 235 E 3rd St, Hereford, TX 79045. Phone: (806) 363-7077. The County Clerk handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases under $200,000, probate matters, real property records, and vital records. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Misdemeanor records and property records are separate from felony case records and go through the County Clerk rather than the District Clerk.
Expunctions and Legal Help
People with Deaf Smith County arrests that did not lead to conviction may petition for expunction under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The petition is filed with the District Clerk and heard by the 287th District Court. Orders of Nondisclosure apply to deferred adjudication cases. Forms are available from the District Clerk or at txcourts.gov/rules-forms. Free guides are at TexasLawHelp.org.
Under Texas Government Code Chapter 552, all public records requests must be answered within 10 business days. If you have trouble getting records from Deaf Smith County, contact the Texas Attorney General Open Government office or call (877) OPEN-TEX.
Nearby Counties
Deaf Smith County is in the Texas Panhandle west of Amarillo. Neighboring counties maintain separate felony records systems.