Access Hardin County Felony Records
Hardin County felony records are maintained by the District Clerk's office in Kountze, Texas. The 88th and 356th District Courts handle felony criminal cases for the county. This page explains how to search, access, and request copies of those public records.
Hardin County Overview
Hardin County District Clerk
The Hardin County District Clerk's office is located at the Hardin County Courthouse, 300 Monroe Street, Kountze, TX 77625. Phone: (409) 246-5185. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The District Clerk files all felony indictments, maintains official case records, and provides copies on request. Staff can search by defendant name or cause number. Walk-in visits and mail requests are both accepted.
Kountze is a small town that serves as the county seat for Hardin County in Southeast Texas near Beaumont. The county includes cities like Silsbee, Lumberton, and Vidor (partly). Hardin County has a significant timber and petrochemical economy. The District Clerk keeps permanent records for all felony cases filed in the county from the time of filing through final disposition and beyond.
Hardin County Sheriff's Office provides an alphabetical inmate listing that shows each inmate's name, photo, date of birth, physical description, booking number, file number, arrest and booking dates, offense details, arresting officer, scheduled release date, and bond or bail information. This inmate database is a useful resource if you want to check whether someone is currently held in the Hardin County Jail pending trial on a felony charge.
The Hardin County official website provides links to county department information and contact numbers.
The Hardin County homepage links to the sheriff's inmate list and other department contacts useful for felony records research.
Felony Courts in Hardin County
Hardin County has two district courts handling criminal cases. The 88th District Court and the 356th District Court both handle felony criminal matters for the county. Both courts sit in Kountze. Together they handle the full caseload of felony filings including cases from Silsbee, Lumberton, and all other Hardin County communities.
The full range of Texas Penal Code felony levels are handled in these courts. State jail felonies carry 180 days to 2 years. Third-degree felonies bring 2 to 10 years. Second-degree felonies run 2 to 20 years. First-degree felonies carry 5 to 99 years or life. Capital felonies may result in life or the death penalty. The District Clerk indexes all cases and maintains the official court record.
All felony cases become public record in Texas once filed unless sealed by court order. Convictions, acquittals, dismissals, and deferred adjudication outcomes are accessible under Texas Government Code Chapter 411. Those who successfully complete deferred adjudication may seek a nondisclosure order through the district court to limit public access to their record.
Searching Hardin County Felony Records Online
The re:SearchTX statewide court portal is the primary online tool for Hardin County felony record searches. This official Texas judiciary system covers all 254 counties and is free for basic lookups. Search by party name, cause number, or attorney. Case status, party information, and hearing dates are visible. Some document images are also available. Data refreshes nightly.
For statewide criminal history checks, use the Texas DPS Crime Records Service. Name-based searches cost $3 per search. Create a free account before you begin. Fingerprint-based FAST searches are more precise and required for formal background check uses such as professional licensing.
The Hardin County Sheriff's Office inmate listing is another useful tool for recent bookings. Check the county website for the current URL for the sheriff's inmate search. This tool is separate from the court records portal and shows only people currently in custody, not past defendants or those already sentenced to state prison.
Requesting Copies of Felony Records
Standard copy fees apply in Hardin County. Plain copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies run $1 per page plus $5 per document for the certification seal. Name-based search fees without a cause number are $5 per name. Payment is accepted by cash, credit or debit card, money order, and cashier's check.
In-person visits are the fastest method. Go to the District Clerk at 300 Monroe Street, Kountze, TX 77625 during regular business hours. Bring photo ID. For mail requests, write to the same address with the defendant's full name, approximate year, cause number if known, and a money order for the estimated copy cost.
Under the Texas Public Information Act, Government Code Chapter 552, government bodies must respond to records requests within 10 business days. If they need more time or plan to withhold records, they must notify you and may seek an opinion from the Texas Attorney General.
Statewide Resources for Hardin County Cases
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice Offender Search covers all people in Texas state prisons. Search by name, TDCJ number, or SID. Results include current facility, projected release date, and offense information. People convicted in Hardin County and sent to TDCJ will appear here.
The Texas Sex Offender Registry is searchable by county, zip, or name. It is maintained by Texas DPS under Government Code Chapter 62 and lists all registered sex offenders in Hardin County with name, date of birth, address, and offense details. Searches are free.
For expunctions in Hardin County, the process is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. For nondisclosure orders, see Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter E-1. The District Clerk's office in Kountze can provide the required petition forms for both processes. The Texas Office of Court Administration publishes annual caseload statistics for all Texas counties including Hardin.
Nearby Counties
Hardin County is in Southeast Texas near Beaumont. Records for neighboring counties are at the links below.