Look up free Smith County public records today to uncover crucial information about anyone in the area. As a state that abides by an open records law, Texas allows public records to be efficiently obtained when you know where to look.
There are several types of public records, including marriage, divorce, arrests, warrants, criminal, court, property, prisoner information, background check reports, probation records, and more. This resource offers citizens the guidance and search tools they need to assist in their pursuit of public records.
Use this streamlined article to find out how to effectively obtain public records in Smith County, Texas.
How To Execute an Arrest Record Search in Smith County Texas for Free
When checking for Smith County bookings, researchers should always start with local government agencies as they tend to offer the broadest search. The sheriff’s office runs the county jail, and they provide Smith County arrest records and information for free online.1
When someone is arrested by the sheriff’s office or one of the local police departments in Smith County, they are brought to the jail for processing. Whichever police department, including local city and town law enforcement agencies, made an arrest will have a record of it.
If an interested person is looking for Smith County arrest records, they may contact the sheriff’s office or one of the local police departments nearest the incident and provide a detainees name to learn more about the arrest. It is not common for local law enforcement agencies to create and provide an online arrest database. Interested persons should contact the police departments directly via phone, email, or in person.
Inquirers should not contact the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to find out if someone has been arrested. This agency maintains the state prison system, which is separate from the Smith County jail.
Learn how to access arrest logs, mugshots, and the reason for detainment below.
Find Out if Someone Is in Jail via the Smith County Sheriff’s Inmate Roster
The county jail, maintained and operated by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, provides records and allows anyone to find someone’s mugshot if they’ve been arrested. Because the sheriff’s office is part of the county government, the jail provides the government with a record of arrestees to be stored in a free jail records search.
This online directory allows members of the public to search past and present jail inmates by name. Researchers need to input both a person’s first and last name for the search to yield results. They may further narrow the results if they can provide a time period for when the arrest took place.
Once results are generated, a list of every booking a person had in the county jail will be shown. The only exception is if the resulting charge was expunged. The database displays an inmate’s name, date of birth, booking number, booking date, release date (if appropriate), arresting agency, and charges.
By clicking on the booking number, researchers will be able to view more information, including:
- Mugshot
- Physical Characteristics
- Address
- Bond Amount & Type
- Disposition
- Court Date
For more information concerning the Smith County jail roster and police records and whether someone has been arrested, contact the Jail Command Staff at 903.590.2661.4
Smith County Jail
206 East Elm Street
Tyler, Texas 75702
Use the information above to find out if someone is in jail.
Look Up Arrests & Obtain Police Reports via Municipal Law Enforcement Agencies in Smith County
Smith County public records also include police and recent arrest reports. Texas’ Open Records Law requires that requests for public records must be in writing. If a law enforcement agency does not provide a written form, researchers may use the Texas Public Information Act Request Form created by the Attorney General.5
Interested parties may obtain arrest and law enforcement reports from the sheriff’s office. Because police department reports are public records they are accessible to anyone upon request.
Smith County offers a public information request form that researchers may complete and send to the Sheriff’s Office’s Public Information Officer.6 This form may be submitted online, downloaded, or printed out.
Requests may also be submitted by email or mail. Once received, the county will inform the requester of any potential fees.
Mail: Smith County Sheriff’s Office
Attn: Public Information Officer
227 North Spring Ave.
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: 903.590.2661
Email: [email protected]
The Tyler Police Department provides an online public information request form for those who want to obtain or inspect police department reports. The requester must provide their contact information and a clear description of the records they wish to observe.
One of the exceptions to the Texas Open Records Law is that certain information pertaining to ongoing investigations may not be subject to disclosure if it were to interfere with the investigation.6 The request form from the Tyler Police Department asks requesters to confirm or deny if they will agree to redactions that fall under this exception.
For more information concerning police department reports in Tyler, contact the police department:
Tyler Police Department
711 West Ferguson Street
Tyler, Texas 75702
Phone: 903.531.1090
The Arp Police Department allows members of the public to submit records requests. They supply a convenient online records request form. Requesters should be sure to provide as much detail about an incident or arrest so that the police department may expedite the search for the appropriate records.
There will be fees associated with the request. The police department will inform requesters of the exact amount they need to pay before the records are released to them. For more information, contact the police department.
Arp Police Department
109 West Longview
Arp, TX 75750
Phone: 903.859.6131
The Lindale Police Department provides its residents with law enforcement services. Arrests are made by its officers, and arrestees are then booked in the county jail. The police department will have records of these arrests and any incident reports.
The police department does not offer any instructions on how to obtain these records, but because of Texas’ Open Records Law, the records are available to the public. Contact the police department and/or submit a written request to gain access to incident reports and arrest records.
Lindale Police Department
105 Ballard Drive
Lindale, TX 75711
Phone: 903.882.3313
The Overton Police Department is a local law enforcement agency that makes arrests and generates incident reports. They do not provide instructions on how to obtain these public records. Researchers should contact the police department or submit a written request describing the records they wish to obtain.
Overton Police Department
111 West N. Street
Overton, TX 75684
Phone: 903.834.3145
Fax: 903.834.3126
The Whitehouse Police Department serves its community by providing law enforcement services.8 Because its officers make arrests and generate reports, the public has access to them.
Contact the police department to learn how to make a request for police and arrest reports. Researchers may also submit a written request.
Whitehouse Police Department
101 B Bascom Rd.
Whitehouse, Texas 75791
Phone: 903.510.7550
Mail: PO Box 776
Whitehouse, Texas 75791
Fax: 903.510.7551
How To View Smith County Texas Criminal Cases
Smith County public records also include criminal records; charges, warrants, probation background check reports, sex offender registries, and more, are available for public access.
If you want to look up someone’s criminal record you must first determine which type of record you are searching for as there may be different records custodians for each type.
Smith County criminal records can be found by utilizing the County Court Records Inquiry.9 The courts compile criminal cases into this database which will help you learn more about a person’s past and current situation. Find out how to conduct a free criminal record check using the Smith County case search by following the information below.
Search Criminal Records & Cases via the District & County Court Clerks
The most expedient way to check public records for Smith County criminal cases is through the County Court Records Inquiry. This public records repository allows anyone to gain access to criminal cases records.
Researchers may use this free public records search by searching a person’s name.
Simply select Defendant in the Search By drop-down menu. Researchers must input both the first and last name for the search yield results. Results will show all criminal cases for which the name of the person input into the search is listed as a Defendant.
Researchers will immediately learn the case number, citation (warrant or indictment) number, filing date and location, type of case, and charges. For more information about a particular case, interested persons may select the case number link. This will reveal more information including, charge information, case history, fine amount, and disposition.
The Smith County District Clerk keeps records of felony cases.10 The public may request information on criminal cases. The request will be complied with as long as it does not interfere with the procedure of an ongoing case. The fee for emailed copies of records is $1 for the 1-15 page, and $15 per document if the document exceeds 15 pages.
Smith County District Clerk
100 N. Broadway, Rm 204
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: 903.590.1660
Fax: 903.590.1661
The Smith County Clerk keeps criminal misdemeanor case records. Interested persons may contact the Clerk’s Office to learn how to inspect or copy criminal case records. The Office is open to the public 8:00am – 4:45pm Monday – Friday.
Smith County Clerk
200 East Ferguson, Suite 300
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: 903.590.4670
How To Track Down Arrest Warrants in Smith County Texas
Checking for Smith County warrants is possible. A warrant is a legal document generated by a law enforcement agency that charges someone with a violation of a criminal law.
To check for warrants, an interested person should contact the law enforcement agency they believe may have issued the warrant. It should be noted that if you have an outstanding warrant, you will likely be arrested if you visit a police department to inquire.
How To Find Smith County Probation Records
The Smith County Adult Probation Department maintains records for those convicted of crimes and placed into the program as part of their disposition or sentence.11 The Department does not offer the public an online probation registry. Researchers should contact the Department to make a request for records.
Smith County Adult Probation Department
217 E. Line St.
Tyler, Texas 75702
Phone 903.590.2700
Alternatively, researchers may use the Smith County Court Records Inquiry to find out if probation was part of someone’s disposition to their criminal case. Under the Events & Orders of the Court section of a case, researchers will be able to view the Disposition information. Probation/Supervision will be clearly identified as part of the sentence.
How To Run a Background Check or Screening in Smith County Texas
Anyone can conduct a personal background check on another person for any reason that is not illegal. You can find out a neighbor or new friend’s criminal history, and you do not need that person’s consent to do it; however, it’s important to note that access to someone’s criminal history does not give you the right to abuse the information you receive or to intimidate, harass, or stalk them.
Generally, personal background checks are name-based and only require a person’s first and last name to obtain results. Smith County does not offer exclusive background check services. Interested persons can still review criminal history information using the county case search function outlined above.
Additionally, researchers can use the Smith County Public Index. This tool allows researchers to search all criminal case details on another person by inputting their complete name.
On the state level, the Texas Department of Public Safety provides a name-based criminal history conviction search. This public database includes all conviction and deferred adjudication information for cases classified from class B misdemeanors to felonies. Users must create an account and pay a search fee to use this tool.
For more information, contact the Texas Department of Public Safety at 855.481.7070.
Texas Department of Public Safety
5805 N. Lamar Blvd
Austin, Texas 78752
On the other hand, there are professional background checks. These checks are done for employment, firearms, housing, elder and child care, volunteer work, and more. These background checks do require a person’s consent to be lawful.
The TX Department of Public Safety uses the Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas (FAST) to manage professional background check requests and fulfillment.12 They have endorsed the third-party IdentoGo to assist in this process.13
Employers, agencies, or other eligible organizations must provide an individual with a service code. Then the individual can schedule a fingerprint session at one of the local IdentoGO locations.
IdentoGO
1201 South Southeast Loop 323
Tyler, Texas 75701
Hours: 8:30am – 1:00pm, 2:00pm – 6:30pm Monday – Friday; 9:00am – 2:00pm Saturday
IdentoGO
2800 Walton Road
Tyler, Texas 75701
Hours: 8:30am – 12:00pm, 12:30pm – 4:00pm Monday – Friday
There are several legal constraints concerning professional background checks. For example, the Fair Credit Reporting Act requires an applicant’s written consent before requesting a background check.14
Additionally, under Texas Fair Credit Reporting Law, employment positions that pay $75000 or less cannot include criminal arrests and convictions on the consumer report if they are more than seven years old.15
More information on these constraints is contained in the concluding section of this resource. Ensure complete compliance with all state and federal laws when accessing someone’s criminal history.
How To View Public Criminal Records Throughout Texas
Smith County public records can be found using the local resources detailed in the sections above. In addition to using county resources, state and federal resources also provide a free record search. Texas public records can be found though the government agencies listed below:
Texas Department of Criminal Justice – this state-level government agency provides a free inmate search function that shows individuals currently located in state prisons. The department also offers a free statewide parole absconder lookup for those who have fled.
Texas Department of Public Safety – this state level law enforcement agency allows members of the public to search the statewide conviction database for a fee. This office also provides the public with a statewide sex offender registry search.
Federal Bureau of Prisons – this federal agency provides an inmate locator that allows the public to search individuals currently located in federal prisons around the country.
U.S. Department of Justice – this federal agency gives the public access to the national sex offender registry to locate individuals convicted of federal sex crimes.
How To Access Smith County Court Records & Cases
When looking for Smith County court records, it’s important to understand the court system in Texas.
The lowest level court is the Municipal Court, which has jurisdiction over criminal misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only, ordinance criminal cases, and limited civil cases. Court case records for this court and all other state-level trial courts can be found online through the Smith County Court Records Inquiry.
Researchers may also search the Municipal Court in a respective city in Smith County. For example, the Tyler Municipal Court also allows members of the public to look up citations that were given.19 Researchers may contact the court to learn more about case records filed with the court.
Tyler Municipal Court
813 North Broadway Avenue
Tyler, Texas 75702
Phone: 903.531.1266
The next level court is the Justice of the Peace. These courts have jurisdiction over class c misdemeanor cases, traffic, and civil cases involving matters not more than $20,000. In addition to using the online search, researchers should contact one of these courts for more information.
The County Court is the next level court. They have jurisdiction over probate cases, class A and B misdemeanor criminal cases, and some concurrent jurisdiction with the Justice of the Peace Courts over civil cases. Many of these records may also be searched online.
For more information contact one of the county courts. They are housed in the Smith County Courthouse.
Smith County Courts
100 North Broadway Ave
Tyler, TX 75702
The highest state trial court is the Smith County District Court. This court is also housed at the Smith County Courthouse. This court has jurisdiction over all felony criminal cases, divorce cases, property cases, election contests, family matters, and civil cases.
Many of these records may be searched using the online search tool. Contact the court for more information concerning District Court records.
Smith County District Court
100 North Broadway
Tyler, Texas 75702
For individuals looking for federal court cases in Smith County, they should contact the U.S. Eastern District of Texas Court.20 Smith County judicial records in federal court may be found by contacting the Clerk of Court.
United States District Clerk
United States Courthouse
211 W. Ferguson St., Rm 106
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: 903.590.1000
How To Retrieve Vital Records (Marriage, Divorce, Birth & Death) in Smith County
The primary vital records such as marriage, divorce, birth, and death records are used to check if someone is married, obtain copies of divorce decrees, genealogy, property transfers, name changes, adoption, inheritance, citizenship, and so much more.
In Texas, certified copies of marital records and other vital records may only be obtained through the county or district clerk. Those interested in obtaining marriage certificates and birth and death certificates must contact the Smith County Clerk’s Office.21 Those interested in obtaining divorce decrees must contact the Smith County District Clerk’s Office.
These records and other vital records may also be obtained through the Texas Department of Health & Human Services.22 Find out how to obtain these records below.
Search Smith County Marriage & Divorce Records via the Clerk’s Office
Interested persons looking to find out if someone is married can fill out an application for a certified copy of marriage license. The fee is $21 made payable to the Smith County Clerk by check or money order. The application to obtain Smith County marriage records must be mailed with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Smith County Clerk’s Office
Attn: Marriage License
200 East Ferguson St, Suite 300
Tyler, Texas-75702
Phone 903.590.4697
Smith County divorce records are maintained by the District Clerk.23 The Clerk’s office keeps divorce decrees exclusively. Contact the Clerk’s Office to learn how to obtain divorce decrees. The fees are $1 per page for the first 15 pages, and $15 total for documents greater than 15 pages.
Smith County District Clerk
100 N. Broadway, Rm 204
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: 903.590.1660
The Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) offers public marriage and divorce verification letters. The letters inform interested parties of marriages on file since 1966, and divorces on file since 1968.
Inquirers may either order a marriage verification letter or divorce verification letter by completing the online form.
It’s unclear whether fees are associated with these requests. Call 1.877.452.9060 for more information concerning marital vital records.
Look Up Birth or Death Records in Smith County via the District Clerk & Texas Department of State Health Services
Birth certificates and death certificates are not public records in Smith County and are only available to the person named on the record, immediate family members, or a legal representative.
Eligible applicants may acquire a certificate of birth in Smith County by filling out a birth record application. The fee to obtain a birth certificate is $23. Applicants must also provide a photocopy of a valid government photo ID and an envelope.
Requests must be mailed to:
Smith County Clerk
Attn: Vitals
200 East Ferguson, Suite 300
Tyler, Texas-75702
Eligible applicants may obtain a certificate of death by filling out an application for certified copy of death certificate.24 The fee is $21, payable by check or money order. Requests must include payment, a copy of a valid government photo ID and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Applications should be mailed to the Smith County Clerk address above.
How To View Free Property Records & Taxes in Smith County Texas
The Smith County Appraisal District (CAD) sets values on real estate. The Smith CAD Property Search allows any member of the public to find out who owns land. This tool allows researchers to search by owner name or address. After locating a property, researchers may click on the account number to learn additional information, including:
- Owner
- Property Value
- Tax Information
- Deed Information
- Dwelling Information
The search tool also allows users to search properties by an interactive map. Researchers can zoom in and out of the Smith County map or type in an owner’s name or address name to locate the property. For more information, contact the Smith County Appraisal District.
Smith County Appraisal District
245 SSE Loop 323
Tyler, Texas 75702
Phone: 903.510.8600
The Smith County Tax Office also allows anyone to find property information through its online tax search. While not as detailed as the Smith County Appraisal District search, this tool still affords members of the public access to property information.
Researchers may search by name or address. Once a property is located, select Details to learn more, including:
- Owners
- Legal Lot Identifier
- Property Tax Records
Contact the Smith County Tax Office to learn more about property tax values.27
Smith County Tax Office
1517 W. Front St.
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: 903.590.2920
Using Smith County Public Records Ethically & Understanding Your Rights
It is crucial that public records and information obtained through them are maintained in ethical and responsible ways. Because of Texas’ Open Records Law anyone may gain access to public records maintained by a government agency.28 This generally means that public records are generally just a request away.
However, this does not give anyone the right to abuse the records by using them for illegal or unlawful reasons.
There are several benefits for accessing public records for personal use, including learning about a family member or new date. You do not need their consent to look them up, but you must be careful in how you use the information, as it may end up in the hands of someone who could steal their identity, stalk them, etc.
The professional use of public records must adhere to specific state and federal laws. For example, the Fair Credit Reporting Act imposes upon employers who request criminal background checks to get an applicant’s written consent. They must also give the applicant a written notice if they plan to screen the applicant based on the contents of the report.
Employers must also notify the applicant if they make a final decision not to consider the applicant based on the background check report. If you believe a violation of this law has been committed, you should file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) prevents employers from discriminating against potential employees based on their criminal record, credit score, or membership in a protected class.29 It also allows you to dispute or file a claim against anyone you feel has discriminated against you.
The Texas Workforce Commission is the body that governs proper business practices in the state. They can help with resources for those in need. They have an entire page dedicated to laws and practices that any Texas business owner needs to know regarding background checks and so much more.
In the event that a government agency does not comply with the open records law, members of the public may file a formal complaint with the Texas Office of the Attorney General.30 If you believe a government body overcharged you for public records copies or inspection, call 512.475.2497. If a government has denied your request without explanation or you disagree with the explanation, call the Open Records Hotline at 512.478.6736.
Citizens have the right to access public criminal records maintained by government agencies in Texas. By using this resource and following the resources above, anyone can learn how to find out if someone has a criminal record and to obtain Smith County public records in an efficient and responsible way.
References
1Smith County Sheriff’s Office. (n.d.). Contact. Retrieved December 15, 2023, from <https://www.smithcountysheriff.com/contact/>
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5Texas Attorney General. (2019, October 1). Public Information Request Form [PDF document]. Retrieved December 15, 2023, from <https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/files/divisions/open-government/Public-Information-Request-Form-10-01-19.pdf>
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7Anonymous Reporting for Police Transparency. (n.d.). Open records request form. Retrieved December 15, 2023, from <https://arptx.com/FormCenter/Open-Records-Request-11/Open-Records-Request-Form-47>
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12Texas Department of Public Safety. (n.d.). Fingerprinting services. Retrieved December 15, 2023, from <https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/crime-records/fingerprinting-services>
13IdentoGO by IDEMIA. (n.d.). Enrollment services. Retrieved December 15, 2023, from <https://uenroll.identogo.com/workflows/11FT12>
14Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (n.d.). Your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act [PDF document]. Retrieved December 15, 2023, from <https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/201504_cfpb_summary_your-rights-under-fcra.pdf>
15Texas Legislature. (n.d.). Texas Business and Commerce Code – Chapter 20. Retrieved December 15, 2023, from <https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/BC/htm/BC.20.htm>
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17Federal Bureau of Prisons. (n.d.). Inmate locator. Retrieved December 15, 2023, from <https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/>
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22Texas Online Vital Record Application System. (n.d.). Order vital records. Retrieved December 15, 2023, from <https://ovra.txapps.texas.gov/ovra/order-vital-records>
23Smith County. (n.d.). District clerk. Retrieved December 15, 2023, from <https://www.smith-county.com/government/elected-officials/district-clerk>
24Smith County. (2015, September). Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate [PDF document]. Retrieved December 15, 2023, from <https://www.smith-county.com/home/showpublisheddocument/180/638215722445300000>
25Smith County Appraisal District. (n.d.). Web appraisal browser. Retrieved December 15, 2023, from <https://smithcad.org/WAB/>
26Smith County. (n.d.). Tax records search. Retrieved December 15, 2023, from <https://publictax.smith-county.com/search>
27Smith County. (n.d.). Locations and hours. Retrieved December 15, 2023, from <https://publictax.smith-county.com/Locations-Hours>
28Texas Secretary of State. (n.d.). Open Records Policy. Retrieved December 15, 2023, from <https://www.sos.state.tx.us/records.shtml#:~:text=Texas%20Government%20Code%2C%20Chapter%20552,the%20disclosure%20of%20the%20information.>
29U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (n.d.). Overview. Retrieved December 15, 2023, from <https://www.eeoc.gov/overview>
30Texas Office of the Attorney General. (n.d.). Open records complaint. Retrieved December 15, 2023, from <https://oag.my.site.com/OpenRecords/s/>