Start with the right Taylor County criminal-record system
Taylor County criminal information is split among the District Clerk, County Clerk, Sheriff’s Office, Adult Detention Center and Texas Department of Public Safety. Felony cases are handled through the District Clerk, Class A and B misdemeanors through the County Clerk, current jail records through the county’s public-access system, local Sheriff’s criminal-history records through a written request, and statewide Texas criminal history through DPS.
Which Taylor County criminal record are you looking for?
Taylor County makes several useful records available, but the office you need depends on whether you are looking for a felony court case, misdemeanor, jail record, Sheriff’s local criminal-history record or broader Texas criminal history.
Felony court record
District-court criminal files and felony copies are maintained by the Taylor County District Clerk.
Class A/B misdemeanor
The County Clerk is the official record keeper for Class A and Class B misdemeanor cases filed in Taylor County Courts at Law.
Online case search
Taylor County’s public-access portal provides Criminal Case Records, Court Calendar, Jail Records and Jail Bond Records from one starting page.
Local criminal history
The Sheriff’s Office provides free copies of qualifying Taylor County criminal records it has on file through a written request.
County jail record
Jail custody is separate from the court record. Use the county’s jail-record search when the immediate question concerns current detention or bond.
State criminal history
Texas DPS provides a statewide name-based criminal-history search and fingerprint-based personal review procedures.
Search Taylor County criminal and jail records online
Taylor County operates an official Odyssey Public Access site that places several commonly requested searches on one page.
The current portal includes:
- Criminal Case Records
- Civil, Family & Probate Case Records
- Court Calendar
- Jail Records
- Jail Bond Records
- public case-search tools
Taylor County felony criminal records
The Taylor County District Clerk is the custodian of District Court records and handles the care, custody and control of felony criminal court files.
Search Taylor County Public Access first
Use Criminal Case Records to locate the case and obtain the case number whenever possible.
Confirm that the case is a felony / district-court matter
Taylor County’s own County Clerk guidance directs felony-record users to the District Clerk.
Keep the case number
The District Clerk currently charges a $5 records-research fee when a court-record request is submitted without the case number.
Request the document in person or in writing
District Clerk criminal-record requests must currently be made in person or submitted in writing.
Send mailed requests to the felony-record office
Address the request to the Taylor County District Clerk, 300 Oak Street, Suite 400, Abilene, TX 79602, Attn: Criminal Felony Court Records.
Felony criminal records contact
300 Oak Street, Suite 400Abilene, TX 79602
Phone: 325-674-1316
Taylor County misdemeanor criminal records
The Taylor County Clerk is the official record keeper for Class A and Class B misdemeanor judicial records filed in the County Courts at Law.
The County Clerk also receives certain Class C misdemeanor appeals from municipal courts and Justice of the Peace courts in Taylor County.
Felony court record → District Clerk.
Class A/B misdemeanor → County Clerk.
Current jail custody → Jail Records.
Statewide Texas criminal history → Texas DPS.
Misdemeanor records contact
300 Oak Street, Suite 100Abilene, TX 79602
Phone:
325-674-1202
Email:
county.clerk@taylorcounty.texas.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
A useful Taylor County detail: misdemeanor cases are split by last name
Taylor County has two County Courts at Law. The County Clerk currently explains that misdemeanor cases are assigned based on the defendant’s last name:
County Court at Law No. 1
Defendants whose last names begin with A through K are filed in County Court at Law No. 1.
County Court at Law No. 2
Defendants whose last names begin with L through Z are filed in County Court at Law No. 2.
How to read a Taylor County criminal court result
| Record item | What it generally means | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Case number | Unique identifier assigned to the case. | Keep it for copy requests and court contact. |
| Charge | The offense alleged in the prosecution. | A filed charge is not automatically a conviction. |
| Court | The court responsible for the case. | District Court for felony matters or County Court at Law for many misdemeanors. |
| Case events | Hearings, filings, pleas, motions and other docket activity. | Read later events rather than relying only on the first entry. |
| Disposition | The outcome of the charge or case. | Dismissed, convicted, acquitted, deferred adjudication or another result. |
| Sentence | Court-ordered punishment or conditions after a qualifying disposition. | Jail, prison, supervision, fine or other requirements. |
How to obtain Taylor County felony court copies
The District Clerk currently requires the case number for a straightforward criminal-record copy request. If you do not provide the case number, a research fee applies.
No case number
The District Clerk currently lists a $5 records-research fee when the case number is not supplied.
Non-certified
The District Clerk currently lists $1 per page for non-certified court-record copies.
Certified
The District Clerk’s current criminal-record page also lists $1 per page for certified copies.
Taylor County criminal-record fees at a glance
| Service | Current listed cost | Office |
|---|---|---|
| Felony record research without case number | $5 | District Clerk |
| Non-certified felony court copy | $1 per page | District Clerk |
| Certified felony court copy | $1 per page | District Clerk |
| Taylor County Sheriff’s local criminal-history copy | Free | Sheriff’s Office |
| Taylor County Sheriff’s public fingerprinting service | Free | Sheriff’s Office |
| Texas DPS online criminal-history name search | $1 search credit | Texas DPS |
Fees and procedures can change. Confirm current charges with the government office before submitting payment.
Taylor County Sheriff’s local criminal-history records
Taylor County Sheriff’s Office provides a useful service that should not be confused with the statewide DPS criminal-history database.
The Sheriff’s Office states that the public can request free copies of criminal records on file with the Sheriff’s Office.
Those records are limited to Taylor County information held by that office. The Sheriff cannot provide statewide records from other Texas counties or other states.
Prepare a written records request
Provide all useful identifying information about the person whose record you are requesting.
Include photo identification
The Sheriff’s current instructions require a copy of the requestor’s driver’s license with photograph before the request can be honored.
Submit the request
Requests may currently be made in person, by fax or by U.S. Mail.
Use the Sheriff’s Records office
Taylor County Law Enforcement Center, 450 Pecan Street, Abilene, TX 79602.
Arrest reports and offense records in Taylor County
A Sheriff’s criminal-history record, jail entry and court docket are not the same thing as the underlying arrest or offense report.
For records created by Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, use the Sheriff’s records-request process. If the arrest was made by another agency—such as Abilene Police—request the agency’s record directly from that agency instead.
Court case → District Clerk or County Clerk.
Sheriff’s arrest/offense record → Sheriff’s Records.
Other police-agency report → that police department.
State criminal history → Texas DPS.
Texas Public Information Act requests in Taylor County
Texas Government Code Chapter 552 generally gives the public a right to request government records, subject to statutory confidentiality and disclosure exceptions.
Taylor County publishes a Public Information Act notice explaining that government information is presumed public unless a legal exception applies.
Identify the government office holding the record
A court file, Sheriff’s report and county-administration record can require different request routes.
Describe the records clearly
Include names, dates, case or incident numbers, locations and a reasonable date range when known.
Submit through the correct county or Sheriff channel
The Sheriff’s Office currently accepts open-record requests by email at sheriffs.office@taylorcounty.texas.gov .
Expect redaction where law requires it
Protected or confidential information may be withheld or redacted under Texas law.
Taylor County jail and bond records
Taylor County’s official Public Access system includes both Jail Records and Jail Bond Records.
Open Taylor County Jail RecordsTaylor County Adult Detention Center
910 S. 27th StreetAbilene, TX 79602
Phone: 325-691-7423
How Taylor County warrant checks work
Taylor County’s current Sheriff’s FAQ contains an important local restriction: warrant information is not provided by telephone.
The Sheriff’s Office says a person requesting a warrant check must appear at:
Taylor County Sheriff’s Office
450 Pecan StreetAbilene, TX 79602
Main phone: 325-674-1300
Free fingerprinting through Taylor County Sheriff’s Office
Taylor County Sheriff’s Office currently states that it offers fingerprinting services to the public at no charge.
The Sheriff’s FAQ recommends making an appointment by calling 325-674-1300. Fingerprint cards can also be provided by the office at no cost.
Texas DPS statewide criminal-history search
If your goal is broader than Taylor County, use the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Name Search.
Open Texas DPS Criminal History SearchTexas DPS states that public criminal-history information can include qualifying conviction and deferred-adjudication records.
First and last name
The public name-search system requires first and last name.
Date of birth
A complete DOB significantly improves the accuracy of a name-based search.
Middle / maiden name
Add middle or maiden-name information when known to reduce ambiguous matches.
The online DPS system currently charges $1 for each search credit. Credit-card purchases currently add a 2.25% fee per credit plus a $0.25 transaction charge.
How to review your own Texas criminal history
If you believe a name-based DPS result belongs to the wrong person—or you want a stronger identity match— Texas DPS directs individuals to request a personal review using fingerprints.
Current Texas DPS guidance lists:
- $15 fingerprint-based criminal-history record check
- additional $10 fingerprinting fee when FAST is used
- appointment through an authorized IdentoGO / FAST location
- valid identification required
Official guidance: Texas DPS Crime Records Services FAQs .
Taylor County criminal appeals
Taylor County is within the jurisdiction of the Eleventh Court of Appeals in Eastland, Texas.
The Eleventh Court of Appeals has intermediate appellate jurisdiction over criminal cases appealed from trial courts in Taylor County, except matters reserved by law to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
Eleventh Court of Appeals
County Courthouse100 West Main Street, Suite 300
Eastland, TX 76448
Phone:
254-629-2638
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
The Court of Criminal Appeals has final statewide appellate jurisdiction in Texas criminal cases, subject to the state’s appellate structure.
Federal criminal records from Taylor County
Taylor County is part of the Abilene Division of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.
U.S. District Court — Abilene
341 Pine Street, Room 2008Abilene, TX 79601
Phone:
325-677-6311
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
PACER
Federal criminal dockets and court documents are searched through PACER rather than the Taylor County Public Access system.
Expunction of Taylor County criminal records
Texas law allows some qualifying records to be expunged, but eligibility depends on the offense, arrest, prosecution and final disposition.
Taylor County publishes a dedicated Expunctions page containing contact information for county and state agencies that may hold records related to an expunction case.
Taylor County information: Taylor County Expunctions .
Texas expunction is different from an order of nondisclosure. An expunction can result in qualifying records being destroyed or removed as provided by law, while nondisclosure generally restricts public disclosure without eliminating every government record.
Orders of nondisclosure in Taylor County
Texas orders of nondisclosure restrict public disclosure of qualifying criminal-history record information while allowing access by criminal-justice agencies and certain other authorized entities.
Taylor County’s County Clerk provides local nondisclosure information and directs users to the Texas Office of Court Administration for current forms and instructions.
Texas Nondisclosure FormsWhat to do if a Texas criminal-history record is wrong
A mistake in a Taylor County court record and a mistake in Texas DPS criminal-history data are separate problems.
Contact the correct clerk
District-court felony issue → Taylor County District Clerk.
County-court misdemeanor issue → Taylor County Clerk.
Use Texas DPS Error Resolution
DPS may require certified court documentation to verify and correct a state criminal-history entry.
Official state guidance: Texas DPS Criminal History Error Resolution .
Taylor County criminal-record offices
Taylor County District Clerk
300 Oak Street, Suite 400Abilene, TX 79602
Phone: 325-674-1316
Taylor County Clerk
300 Oak Street, Suite 100Abilene, TX 79602
Phone:
325-674-1202
Email:
county.clerk@taylorcounty.texas.gov
Taylor County Law Enforcement Center
450 Pecan StreetAbilene, TX 79602
Sheriff:
325-674-1300
Fax: 325-672-8066
Taylor County Adult Detention Center
910 S. 27th StreetAbilene, TX 79602
Phone: 325-691-7423
Taylor County courthouse records map
Taylor County’s District Clerk and County Clerk are both located at 300 Oak Street in Abilene, although they occupy different suites. This is the primary in-person starting point for county felony and misdemeanor court records.
District Clerk: Suite 400.
County Clerk: Suite 100.
Taylor County criminal-record search tips that save time
Start with Public Access
Taylor County combines criminal, calendar, jail and bond searches on its official Odyssey Public Access site.
Keep the case number
The District Clerk charges a $5 research fee when a felony-copy request does not include the case number.
Felony and misdemeanor go to different clerks
Felony → District Clerk. Class A/B misdemeanor → County Clerk.
Misdemeanor court depends on last name
A–K routes to County Court at Law No. 1; L–Z routes to County Court at Law No. 2.
County Sheriff search is local only
The Sheriff’s free criminal-history record does not replace a statewide Texas DPS search.
Warrant status is not given by phone
Taylor County specifically requires in-person warrant-check procedures at the Sheriff’s Office.
Fingerprinting is currently free
Taylor County Sheriff’s Office currently offers free public fingerprinting by appointment.
Read the disposition
A jail record or charge tells you what happened at one stage. The court disposition tells you how the case ended.
Federal case? Use PACER
Taylor County federal criminal cases belong to the Northern District of Texas, Abilene Division.
Using Taylor County criminal records for employment or tenant screening
Public court records and Texas DPS searches can help with personal research and case verification, but an ordinary public-record search is not automatically a legally compliant consumer background report.
Taylor County criminal records: frequently asked questions
1. Where can I search Taylor County criminal court records online?
Use Taylor County’s official Odyssey Public Access system and select Criminal Case Records.
2. Where are Taylor County felony records kept?
Felony district-court records are maintained by the Taylor County District Clerk at 300 Oak Street, Suite 400, Abilene, Texas.
3. Where are Taylor County misdemeanor records kept?
Class A and B misdemeanor judicial records are maintained by the Taylor County Clerk and are heard in the County Courts at Law.
4. How much does Taylor County charge for a felony court-record search?
The District Clerk currently charges a $5 records-research fee when a case number is not provided.
5. How much are Taylor County felony court copies?
The District Clerk currently lists $1 per page for both non-certified and certified criminal court copies.
6. Can I obtain a Taylor County Sheriff’s criminal-history record for free?
Yes. The Sheriff’s Office states that qualifying local criminal-history records on file with that office can be requested in writing at no charge. The service is limited to Taylor County records held by the Sheriff.
7. Can Taylor County tell me by phone whether I have a warrant?
No. Taylor County Sheriff’s current FAQ states that warrant-check results are not provided by phone and directs users to appear at the Sheriff’s Office for a warrant check.
8. Where can I search Taylor County jail records?
The county’s official Odyssey Public Access site includes Jail Records and Jail Bond Records.
9. Does a Taylor County criminal-record search cover all of Texas?
No. County court and Sheriff’s records are local. Use the Texas DPS Criminal History Name Search for broader statewide public criminal-history information.
10. Where do Taylor County criminal appeals go?
Taylor County is within the Eleventh Court of Appeals district in Eastland, Texas. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is the state’s highest criminal appellate court.
Official sources used for this guide
- Taylor County Court Records Inquiry
- Taylor County District Clerk — Criminal Records
- Taylor County Clerk — Misdemeanor Records
- Taylor County Clerk
- Taylor County Sheriff’s Office — Records
- Taylor County Sheriff’s Public Information
- Taylor County Public Information Act
- Taylor County Sheriff’s Office
- Texas DPS Criminal History Name Search
- Texas DPS Crime Records Services FAQs
- Eleventh Court of Appeals
- Texas Orders of Nondisclosure
- Taylor County Expunctions
- U.S. District Court — Northern District of Texas, Abilene
- PACER Federal Court Records