You need to find Austin Texas arrest records — either because someone was just booked into the Travis County jail, you came across a listing on texas.arrests.org, or you need to verify what actually happened in court after an arrest. Whatever brought you here, one thing is clear: third-party aggregator sites give you a starting point, not the full picture. This guide gives you everything — the official Travis County inmate search, both jail facility locations, the APD incident report database, bond posting, visitation rules, how to send money, and how to look up court case outcomes through the Travis County District Clerk.
Every link here is verified official. No placeholder data. No guessed URLs. Just a direct, step-by-step path through Austin’s real arrest record system — built for families and individuals dealing with a stressful situation right now.
Search Arrests, Inmate & Mugshot Records
Texas.arrests.org is a private aggregator — not an official government database. It shows booking data scraped from the Travis County Sheriff’s site, with a lag of up to 24 hours. It never shows case outcomes, dropped charges, or dismissals. Always verify using the official TCSO inmate search at tcsheriff.org or call (512) 854-4180.
Population
(Downtown + Del Valle)
Magistrate
Database Update
Official Records
Austin Texas Arrest Records — Two Agencies You Must Know
Before you search anything, understanding Austin’s two-agency law enforcement structure saves you significant time. Most people don’t realize there are two separate systems — and searching the wrong one is the most common reason families can’t find someone who was just arrested.
Austin Police Department (APD)
Handles all arrests within Austin city limits. APD makes the majority of arrests in the area. After arrest, they typically transfer custody to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office for booking into the county jail system.
APD HQ: 715 E 8th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Report Sales: (512) 974-5499
Non-Emergency: (512) 974-2000
Travis County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO)
Handles arrests in unincorporated Travis County (outside city limits) and operates both county jail facilities. TCSO maintains the official inmate database for all Travis County bookings — including APD transfers.
Main Office: 5555 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
Jail Info Line: (512) 854-4180
Sheriff’s Office: (512) 854-9770
Most people search for someone arrested in Austin and go directly to the Travis County Sheriff’s site — which is correct. What many families don’t know is that APD arrests are booked into the TCSO system, not a separate APD database. So regardless of whether APD or TCSO made the arrest, your inmate search destination is always tcsheriff.org. The only exception: if someone was arrested by a federal agency (FBI, DEA, ICE), they go into federal custody — search the Federal Bureau of Prisons instead.
How to Search Austin Texas Arrest Records — Exact Step-by-Step Process
Travis County operates two separate jail facilities — a key detail that affects how fast you find someone. Knowing which facility they’re likely in saves time. Here is the complete search process:
Go Directly to the Official Travis County Sheriff Inmate Search
Open tcsheriff.org/inmate-jail-info/inmate-info/find-an-inmate. This is the only source that shows real-time custody status for Travis County. Enter the inmate’s first and last name in the designated fields and click Search. This covers both Travis County jail facilities simultaneously.
Search by Last Name Only First — Then Refine
If a full name search returns nothing, try last name only. Booking clerks enter names under pressure and errors — especially with hyphenated surnames, suffixes (Jr., III), or names with uncommon spellings — are common. If the person goes by a middle name, try that as the first name. Spanish-origin names with maternal surnames are especially prone to entry variation.
Click the Name to View Full Booking Profile
Once you find a match, click the name to open the full profile. You’ll see: booking number, jail ID number, date of birth, booking date and time, charges with offense codes, bond amount (if set), and current housing facility (downtown Travis County Jail vs. TCCC in Del Valle). Write down the booking number and jail ID immediately — you need both for bond posting, commissary, and phone setup.
Check Which Facility They Are In — Matters for Visiting
Travis County has two jail facilities. The profile will indicate which one. If they were arrested within the last 24 hours, they are likely at the downtown Travis County Jail (500 W. 10th St). After 24 hours without release, most inmates are transferred to the Travis County Correctional Complex (TCCC) in Del Valle. Visiting rules and schedules differ between facilities — see Section 5 below.
Not Finding Someone? Call the Jail Information Line Directly
If the person doesn’t appear in the online system, call (512) 854-4180 — the Travis County Jail Information Line. Provide the full legal name and date of birth. This gives a definitive real-time answer in under 3 minutes, faster than any website when the arrest happened recently. Alternatively call the warrant line at (512) 854-9751 to check if an active warrant exists.
Travis County’s Two Jail Facilities — Know the Difference
Travis County Jail — Downtown Austin
📍 500 W. 10th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Where most newly arrested people are initially booked. If someone was arrested and not released on bond within approximately 24 hours, they are typically transferred to TCCC in Del Valle. Mailing address for inmates here: 500 W. 10th St, Austin, TX 78701.
TCSO Jail Info →Travis County Correctional Complex (TCCC)
📍 3614 Bill Price Road, Del Valle, TX 78617
The primary long-term holding facility for Travis County. Inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences are housed here. Most people still in custody after 24 hours are at TCCC. Finance Office for money deposits: Building #230, Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. Mailing address: 3614 Bill Price Rd, Del Valle, TX 78617.
TCCC Info →Travis County & APD Arrest Records — Complete Official Contact Directory
Agency / Resource |
Address |
Phone |
Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|
TCSO Inmate Search |
Online only |
||
Travis County Jail (Downtown) |
500 W. 10th St, Austin TX 78701 |
||
TCCC (Del Valle) |
3614 Bill Price Rd, Del Valle TX 78617 |
||
TCSO Sheriff Main Office |
5555 Airport Blvd, Austin TX 78751 |
||
TCSO Warrant Search |
Online only |
||
APD Headquarters |
715 E 8th St, Austin TX 78701 |
||
APD Incident Report Database |
Online — daily updates |
||
Travis County Court Docket |
Online — felony & misdemeanor |
||
Travis County District Clerk |
501 W. 11th St, 2nd Fl, Austin TX 78701 |
||
Travis County Clerk (Misdemeanor) |
Online portal |
||
TDCJ State Prison Search |
Online — all 104 TX prisons |
||
TX DPS Criminal History (Certified) |
Online — $1 per search |
How to Search Austin Court Records & Case Outcomes After an Arrest
This is the step most families skip — and it’s the most important one. The jail roster tells you someone was arrested. The court system tells you what actually happened after that. Charges can be dropped, reduced, or dismissed entirely after booking — none of that ever appears on third-party arrest sites. Here’s exactly how to find case outcomes in Travis County:
Search Criminal Court Dockets — Free, No Account Needed
Go to traviscountytx.gov/courts/criminal/docket-search. Search by the defendant’s name, attorney name, judge/court number, or case number. This covers both felony and misdemeanor case settings and shows upcoming court dates, case status, and case type. This is the fastest way to see if a case is still active and what court it’s in.
Felony Case Records — Travis County District Clerk
For detailed felony case records including Register of Actions, call the Travis County District Clerk’s criminal division at (512) 854-9420 with the case number or defendant’s name. In-person access is available at the Blackwell Thurman Criminal Justice Center, 501 W. 11th Street, 2nd Floor, Room 2.300, Austin, TX 78701. Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM. Copies cost $1.00 per page.
Misdemeanor Case Records — Travis County Clerk
For misdemeanor criminal cases, contact the Travis County Clerk at (512) 854-9188 or access the online portal at countyclerk.traviscountytx.gov/court-data. You’ll need the case number or defendant name. The County Clerk’s Office is at 1000 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701.
APD Incident Reports — Separate from Court Records
For the police report filed at the time of arrest (not case outcomes), go to the APD Incident Report Database. This is updated daily and lets you search by case number, date range, or location. To purchase a copy of a police report, contact the Report Sales Unit at (512) 974-5499 — cost is $0.10 per page. Reports can be requested in person at APD HQ (715 E 8th St) Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM.
Certified Criminal History — Texas DPS
For a legally certified background check (required for employment, licensing, or official purposes), use the Texas DPS Criminal History Name Search at $1 per search. This is the only source whose results are admissible for FCRA-governed purposes. Call (512) 424-2474 for assistance.
Travis County has a specialty Drug Court program called HOPE (Helping Ourselves with Positive Efforts) — one of the most effective diversion programs in Texas. If the arrest involved a non-violent drug or alcohol offense, a defense attorney can petition for enrollment. Completion typically takes 12–18 months and can result in reduced or dismissed charges. This is an underused resource many Austin families don’t know to ask about. It operates through the Travis County Criminal Courts — ask any appointed or retained attorney specifically about HOPE eligibility at the first court appearance.
Travis County Bond — How to Get Someone Released After an Austin Arrest
In Travis County, a magistrate must set bond before anyone can be released. Texas law guarantees this within 48 hours of arrest. Once bond is set, you have three options:
Cash Bond — Pay 100% Upfront
Pay the full bond amount at the Travis County Correctional Complex Finance Office (Bldg. #230, 3614 Bill Price Rd, Del Valle). Accepted: cash, money orders, cashier’s checks payable to “Inmate Trust Fund.” Money orders cannot exceed $100 each. No credit/debit cards at the window. The full amount is refunded after the case concludes.
Office Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (closed Travis County holidays)
Surety Bond — Licensed Bail Bondsman
Contact a licensed Texas bail bondsman — they pay the full bond and charge you a non-refundable fee, typically 10% of the bond amount. Always verify any bondsman is licensed at tdi.texas.gov before paying. The TCSO does not endorse specific bondsmen — find one through the Texas Department of Insurance directory.
Note: The 10% fee is non-refundable even if charges are dropped.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond)
The court releases the person on their signed promise to appear at all hearings — no money paid upfront. Travis County magistrates may grant PR bonds for first-time or low-risk offenders. A defense attorney can petition for this at the initial hearing. Travis County also has a Pre-Trial Services unit that evaluates PR bond eligibility.
Cannot be guaranteed — entirely at magistrate’s discretion.
Texas law guarantees a magistrate appearance within 48 hours. The magistrate informs the arrested person of charges, reads their rights, and sets the initial bond amount. In Travis County, magistration happens at the jail — the person does not have to go to a courthouse. Bond amount is displayed in the TCSO inmate search immediately after it is set. Until the magistrate appears, no bond can be posted.
Travis County operates an online bond payment option for some cases. Go to tcsheriff.org and look for the bond payment section. Travis County also accepts Western Union deposits as a convenient method for funds — all transaction fees go to Western Union; TCSO does not receive or collect fees from this service. Call (800) 325-6000 for Western Union customer service if you have issues. Always get a receipt number for any deposit you make.
Travis County Jail Visitation — Complete Rules & How to Schedule
Visitation rules differ between the two Travis County facilities. Know which facility your person is in before you make the trip — going to the wrong location wastes a visit.
Travis County Correctional Complex (TCCC) — Del Valle
Schedule Face-to-Face Visits at Least 24 Hours in Advance
All in-person visits at TCCC must be scheduled at least 24 hours ahead of time. Call the jail information line at (512) 854-9889 to obtain visitation scheduling information or to confirm housing location. Walk-in visits without prior scheduling may be denied.
Check In 30 Minutes Before Your Scheduled Visit
Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Late visitors may have their visits canceled. Bring a valid, non-expired government-issued photo ID: driver’s license, state ID, U.S. passport, or military ID. Persons 16 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. No children under 16 are to be left unattended in the lobby.
Regular Visit Schedule at TCCC — Tuesday Through Saturday
Regular visits run Tuesday through Saturday. Sign-up times vary by inmate last name initial: Initials N–Z: sign up 7:00–9:00 AM, visits begin 8:00 AM. Initials A–M: sign up 11:00 AM–1:00 PM, visits begin 12:00 PM. Inmates are permitted two non-contact visits per week, 20 minutes each. Only three visitors allowed per visit.
Video Visits — On-Site (Free) and At-Home (Paid)
Travis County offers two video visit options. On-site video visits are free and available while the visitation center is open. At-home video visits are available 7 days a week including holidays, but the visitor pays. Each inmate is given two free 20-minute video visits per week. Set up at-home visits through the Securus Video Visitation System on the TCSO website. Pricing: $20 per 20-minute session for paid at-home visits.
Dress Code — Strictly Enforced
Travis County enforces a dress code for all visitors. Short skirts, short sleeves, and tank tops are prohibited for both male and female visitors. Long pants are recommended. Visitors who violate the dress code will be turned away. Appropriate conservative attire is required at all times. Visitors are also subject to search upon entry.
Every phone call, video visit, and letter at Travis County jails is monitored and recorded. The Travis County District Attorney’s Office reviews inmate communications. The only protected communication is with your attorney. Never discuss the facts of the case, what happened, witnesses, or legal strategy on any jail communication. Prosecutors use these recordings in court. Discuss only logistics: finding an attorney, childcare, bills, and bond.
How to Send Money to Travis County Jail Inmates — All Official Methods
Travis County uses the Keefe Commissary Network for inmate accounts. Inmates have one combined account used for both commissary purchases and phone calls. Here are all the verified deposit methods:
In Person — TCCC Finance Office
Drop off cash, money orders, or cashier’s checks at TCCC Finance Building #230, 3614 Bill Price Rd, Del Valle, TX 78617. Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (closed Travis County holidays). Money orders cannot exceed $100. Cashier’s checks have no limit. Payable to: “Inmate Trust Fund.” Include inmate’s full name, jail ID, and date of birth.
Official Money Info →By Mail — Money Orders Only
Mail money orders or cashier’s checks to: Inmate Trust Fund, P.O. Box 1368, Del Valle, TX 78617. Include: inmate’s full name, booking number, date of birth, and sender’s return address. Send the money order in its own envelope — never include it with a letter or photos. Never send cash or personal checks.
Online / By Phone — GTL/GettingOut
Send money online through GTL/GettingOut (Viapath). Visit gettingout.com or call (866) 516-0115 to deposit by phone with a credit or debit card. A lobby kiosk at TCCC also accepts cash and card deposits.
gettingout.com →Care Packages — SecurePak
Order approved care packages through SecurePak. Order online or call (800) 546-6283 (automated 24/7; customer service Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–11:00 PM, Sat 10:00 AM–4:00 PM CST). Accepted: credit/debit cards with valid U.S. address, or prepaid cards with address assignment capability.
Phone Calls — Collect & GTL
Inmates can make collect calls to landlines (20-min limit) or cell phones (15-min limit). They can also use phone cards purchased from commissary via Keefe, or use GTL/ConnectNetwork. Fund a GTL prepaid account before the first call so it connects — otherwise calls to unfunded cell numbers may not go through.
GTL ConnectNetwork →Mail — Letters & Books
Mail letters directly to the facility where the inmate is housed. Include inmate’s full name, date of birth, jail ID, and booking number. Books and magazines are only accepted if mailed directly from the publisher or distributing warehouse. Inmates may not possess more than 2 books and 2 magazines at one time.
Contact Inmate Info →You must have the inmate’s full legal name, date of birth, jail ID number, and booking number for every deposit method — without exception. Get this from the TCSO inmate search at tcsheriff.org before attempting any deposit. Deposits without correct inmate ID will be rejected or delayed. The commissary spending limit is typically $200–$300 per month — call (512) 854-5319 to confirm the current limit at TCCC.
Why Someone Doesn’t Show Up in Austin Arrest Records — 7 Reasons
This is the most stressful scenario — you know an arrest happened but nothing comes up in any search. Work through these systematically before assuming the worst:
Recent Arrest — System Lag
It can take up to 24 hours for an arrest to appear in the Travis County online system. If the arrest happened within the last few hours, call (512) 854-4180 directly — phone confirmation is always faster than waiting for the website to update.
Still at APD Before Transfer
APD may hold someone at their facility briefly before transferring to TCSO. Call APD non-emergency at (512) 974-2000 to check if someone is still in APD custody before TCSO booking.
Name Spelled Incorrectly
Booking officers work fast and typos happen constantly. Try all spelling variations, search last name only, try middle names, nicknames, and hyphenated variations. Accented characters in names are especially prone to inconsistency.
Transferred to TDCJ State Prison
If sentenced and transferred out of county, they won’t appear in the Travis County roster. Search the TDCJ Offender Search at inmate.tdcj.texas.gov.
Federal Custody
If arrested by FBI, DEA, ATF, or ICE, the person is in federal — not state — custody. Search the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator at bop.gov instead.
Already Released on Bond
People released quickly after bond are removed from the active roster fast. The arrest still occurred — the person just posted bond before the system populated. Call the jail to confirm release.
Another Travis County Agency
Travis County has five constable precincts, each handling civil process and assisting law enforcement. An arrest by a constable may take slightly longer to enter the TCSO system. Call the main jail line at (512) 854-4180 to verify.
Austin Texas Arrest Record Scams — Know Every Warning Sign
Austin families are targeted by scammers within hours of an arrest becoming public in booking records. These schemes specifically exploit the stress and urgency families feel. Recognize every red flag:
- Unsolicited calls claiming a family member is in danger at Travis County Jail and needs immediate money
- Anyone demanding payment by gift card, Zelle, Venmo, CashApp, Apple Pay, or Bitcoin for “bail”
- A caller posing as your family member — claiming they were in an accident and are in jail
- “Pay in 30 minutes or bail doubles” — artificial urgency and pressure tactics
- A bondsman appearing at your door — you never called them, they somehow know about the arrest
- Any website charging $49–$299 to “remove your Austin mugshot” immediately
- Emails with links claiming to be from “Travis County Jail” or “Texas Courts”
- Anyone claiming they need your bank account number or Social Security Number to post bail
- Services claiming they can get charges dropped before an attorney is involved — for a fee
Legitimate bail is paid at the TCCC Finance Office (3614 Bill Price Rd, Del Valle) or through a licensed bondsman you find and contact yourself. The Travis County Sheriff’s Office never calls families to demand emergency payments. Verify any bondsman at tdi.texas.gov before giving them any money or personal information.