Honestly, trying to track down Hood County criminal records in Granbury can feel like you're trying to solve a puzzle where half the pieces are hidden under the rug. You’d think in 2026 everything would just be a simple Google search away, but Texas record-keeping is... well, it’s specific. If you've ever spent three hours clicking through dead links on a government portal, you know exactly what I mean.
Basically, the biggest mistake people make is assuming all "criminal records" live in one giant digital bucket. They don’t. Depending on whether you're looking for a rowdy misdemeanor from a weekend at Lake Granbury or a serious felony, you have to talk to completely different offices.
The Misdemeanor vs. Felony Split
In Hood County, the County Clerk and the District Clerk are two very different worlds. It’s kinda weird, but if you go to the wrong one, they’ll just give you a blank stare.
The Hood County Clerk, currently Christine Leftwich, handles the "smaller" stuff—Class A and B misdemeanors. Think DWIs or petty theft. Their office is over at 201 W. Bridge Street. If you’re looking for those records, they actually have a pretty decent online portal. You’ve just gotta know where to click.
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Now, if we’re talking about the heavy hitters—felonies—you’re looking for the 355th District Clerk. They manage the 355th District Court records. Their portal is separate. You can’t search for a felony in the misdemeanor database and expect it to show up just because it happened in the same county. It’s frustrating, I know.
How to actually get the data
- Online Portals: Both clerks use a system called i-Plow or similar Odyssey-based portals. You can usually search by name or cause number.
- In-Person: Sometimes the online system is "down for maintenance" (which happens more than it should). You can walk into the courthouse at 100 E. Pearl St. and use the public terminals.
- The Cost: Searching is usually free if you're doing it yourself online, but if you want a certified copy to prove something for a job or a lease, expect to pay. It’s usually a few dollars per page.
The Sheriff’s Office and the "Recent Arrest" Confusion
A lot of people search for Hood County criminal records when what they actually want is the jail log. There's a big difference. A criminal record is a permanent history of convictions and court actions. A jail log is just who is sitting in a cell right now.
The Hood County Sheriff’s Office, located at 400 Deputy Larry Miller Drive, handles the jail. They used to have a very public "vines" or "bond" list that showed everyone booked in. Honestly, these lists change by the hour. If you’re looking for an active inmate, you’re better off calling them at 817-579-3333.
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But here is the kicker: an arrest isn't a conviction. Just because someone shows up in the Sheriff's records doesn't mean they have a "criminal record" in the eyes of the court yet. The case has to be filed by the County or District Attorney first.
Why some records seem to "vanish"
You might be looking for a specific person and find absolutely nothing. It’s not always a glitch. Texas has pretty robust laws about expunction and non-disclosure. If someone successfully completed deferred adjudication or got their record expunged, that record is legally dead. It’s like it never happened. If you’re a landlord or an employer, this is why those third-party background check sites are sometimes totally wrong—they buy old data and don't update when a record is cleared.
Dealing with the Texas Public Information Act
If the online portals aren't giving you what you need, you have to go the formal route. The Texas Public Information Act (PIA) is your best friend here. You can submit a written request to the county's PIA officer.
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You don't need a fancy lawyer for this. Just a clear letter. Say exactly what you want: "I am requesting all incident reports and arrest records for [Name] between [Date] and [Date]."
They have about 10 business days to respond. Keep in mind, they can withhold "discovery" items—like body cam footage or active witness statements—if the case is still ongoing. They aren't trying to be difficult; they’re just following the law.
Practical steps for your search
- Start with the County Clerk for misdemeanors if you’re just doing a general check.
- Check the District Clerk for anything that sounds "major" or involves prison time rather than jail time.
- Use the Sheriff's Office only if you're looking for very recent arrests or accident reports.
- Verify the DOB. Hood County is full of people with the same names. Don't ruin someone's reputation because you found a record for a "John Smith" who is 20 years older than the guy you're looking for.
If you’re doing this for a background check, honestly, just pay for a professional service that pulls directly from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). It’s more reliable than trying to DIY it through three different county websites. The DPS maintains the master "CRIM" database for the whole state, which is way more comprehensive than just looking at Hood County’s local filings.
The reality is that Hood County criminal records are public for a reason, but the system isn't designed to be "user-friendly." It's designed to be a legal archive. Take your time, double-check the middle names, and don't be afraid to pick up the phone and call the clerk’s office if the portal is acting up. They’re usually pretty helpful if you’re polite.