Hood County Public Records /Hood County Inmate Search

Hood County Inmate Search

What Is Inmate Records In Hood County?

Inmate records are official government documents maintained by the Hood County Sheriff's Office that chronicle an individual's interaction with the county's detention system. These records document the custody, care, and control of persons who have been arrested, detained, or incarcerated within Hood County's correctional facilities. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.001, these records constitute public information that documents the official business of governmental bodies.

Inmate records differ substantially from court records maintained by the Hood County Clerk's office. While court records document judicial proceedings, charges filed, and case dispositions, inmate records specifically track an individual's physical custody status and institutional history. The distinction is important for members of the public seeking specific information about incarcerated individuals.

The creation of inmate records begins at the booking process, when an individual is first taken into custody at the Hood County Jail. During this intake procedure, jail staff collect biographical information, photograph the individual, document identifying characteristics, record the charges, and assign a unique booking number. Throughout an individual's period of incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect housing assignments, disciplinary actions, medical information, visitation logs, and other custody-related events. Upon release, the record is completed with discharge information but remains maintained according to Texas records retention schedules.

The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, specifically Article 62.08, establishes requirements for maintaining certain inmate records, particularly those related to sex offender registration and notification.

Are Inmate Records Public In Hood County?

Inmate records in Hood County are generally considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act (formerly known as the Texas Open Records Act), codified in Texas Government Code Chapter 552. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including those pertaining to inmates, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

However, not all components of inmate records are publicly available. The Texas Legislature has established specific exemptions to protect certain sensitive information. According to Texas Government Code § 552.101, information considered confidential by law, including constitutional, statutory, or by judicial decision, is exempt from public disclosure. This includes medical records, certain personal identifying information, and records pertaining to juveniles.

Information that is typically publicly accessible includes:

Current inmate roster and custody status
Booking information and intake photographs (mugshots)
Criminal charges and case numbers
Bond/bail amounts
Court dates
Facility location
Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
Visitation eligibility

The Hood County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides public access to basic custody information. This system allows members of the public to verify if an individual is currently in custody, view their charges, and determine bond amounts. More comprehensive records may require submission of a formal public information request in accordance with established procedures.

What's Included Inmate Records in Hood County

Inmate records maintained by the Hood County Sheriff's Office contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the county detention system. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Basic Identifying Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints
Assigned inmate identification number

Custody Information:

Date and time of arrest
Arresting agency and officer
Booking date and time
Current custody status
Housing assignment within the facility
Classification level
Disciplinary records
Visitation logs

Charge Information:

Criminal charges (both pending and disposed)
Warrant information
Case numbers
Arresting agency
Jurisdiction of charges

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond amount
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Bondsman information, if applicable
Court-ordered conditions of release

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Judge assigned
Scheduled court appearances
Court case numbers
Attorney of record

Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):

Conviction details
Sentence length
Sentence start date
Projected release date
Good time/work time credits earned
Parole eligibility date

Release Information:

Release date and time
Type of release (bond, time served, transfer)
Conditions of release
Probation or parole requirements
Destination upon release

It is important to note that while basic custody information is publicly accessible through the Hood County Sheriff's online inmate search, more detailed records may require formal requests through established public information procedures.

Hood County Prison System

The Hood County correctional system operates under the authority of the Hood County Sheriff's Office, which maintains primary responsibility for the detention of individuals within county jurisdiction. The system is designed to house pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences of up to one year, and, in some cases, state inmates awaiting transfer to Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities.

Hood County's detention system is distinct from the state prison system operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). While the county jail primarily houses individuals charged with or convicted of misdemeanors and those awaiting trial on felony charges, state prisons house individuals convicted of felonies serving sentences longer than one year.

The Hood County Jail operates in compliance with standards established by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, which conducts regular inspections to ensure facilities meet required operational, safety, and health standards. The jail provides various programs for inmates, including educational opportunities, substance abuse treatment, and religious services.

Hood County Sheriff's Office
400 Deputy Larry Miller Dr.
Granbury, TX 76048
Phone: (817) 579-3316
Hood County Sheriff's Office

Types of Correctional Facilities In Hood County

Hood County maintains a limited number of correctional facilities under local jurisdiction, each serving specific functions within the county's detention system:

Hood County Jail
400 Deputy Larry Miller Dr.
Granbury, TX 76048
Phone: (817) 579-3307
Hood County Jail

The Hood County Jail serves as the primary detention facility for the county. This facility houses individuals who are:

Awaiting arraignment after arrest
Unable to post bond while awaiting trial
Serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions (up to one year)
Awaiting transfer to state prison facilities after felony conviction
Held on immigration detainers
Temporarily housed through inter-agency agreements

The facility is classified as a medium-security detention center with varying security levels within the facility based on inmate classification. The jail maintains separate housing units for male and female inmates, as well as specialized housing for individuals with medical needs or those requiring protective custody.

Hood County does not operate separate minimum-security facilities, work release centers, or juvenile detention facilities within its jurisdiction. Juvenile offenders are typically housed at regional juvenile detention facilities through inter-local agreements with neighboring counties. Individuals requiring specialized mental health services may be transferred to appropriate state facilities when necessary.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice does not maintain any state prison facilities within Hood County boundaries. Individuals sentenced to state prison terms are transferred to TDCJ intake facilities before assignment to appropriate state correctional institutions.

Who's in Prison In Hood County

The Hood County Jail population consists of diverse categories of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The facility primarily houses:

Pre-trial Detainees: Individuals who have been arrested and charged with criminal offenses but have not yet been convicted constitute a significant portion of the jail population. These individuals are either awaiting trial or have been unable to post the required bail amount. Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 17.15, bail is set according to specific factors including the nature of the offense and public safety considerations.

Misdemeanant Offenders: Individuals convicted of Class A or B misdemeanors serving sentences of up to one year. Common misdemeanor offenses include:

Driving While Intoxicated (first offense)
Theft of property valued under $2,500
Simple assault
Criminal trespass
Possession of small amounts of marijuana

Short-term Felony Offenders: Individuals convicted of felonies who are awaiting transfer to state prison facilities operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. These individuals typically remain in county custody for limited periods while processing transfer documentation.

Probation/Parole Violators: Individuals who have violated the terms of their community supervision and are being held pending revocation hearings or court appearances.

Federal Detainees: In some instances, the Hood County Jail may house federal detainees through intergovernmental agreements with federal agencies such as the U.S. Marshals Service or Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Weekend Commitments: Individuals serving intermittent sentences that allow them to maintain employment while serving jail time on weekends or during non-working hours.

The demographic composition of the Hood County Jail population generally reflects the demographics of arrests within the county, with variations based on socioeconomic factors, offense patterns, and bail accessibility. The average daily population fluctuates based on seasonal arrest patterns, court processing times, and available alternatives to incarceration.

How To Search for Inmate Records In Hood County in 2026

Members of the public seeking information about individuals currently incarcerated in Hood County have several methods available to access inmate records. The Hood County Sheriff's Office maintains current systems that provide public access to basic custody information:

Online Inmate Search:

Visit the Hood County Sheriff's Office inmate information page
No login or registration is required to access the public database
Search options include:
- Last name search
- Booking number (if known)
- Date range search
Review the results, which typically include:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Housing location (general)
- Mugshot (if available)

Telephone Inquiry:

Contact the Hood County Jail at (817) 579-3307
Provide the full name and, if possible, date of birth of the individual
Jail staff can confirm custody status, charges, and bond information
Note that telephone inquiries are limited to basic information and may be subject to staff availability

In-Person Records Request:

Visit the Hood County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours:
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Excluding county holidays
Complete a public information request form
Provide specific information about the inmate and records sought
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Pay applicable fees for copies of records (currently $0.10 per page for standard copies)

Formal Public Information Request:

Submit a written request citing the Texas Public Information Act
Address requests to: Hood County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
400 Deputy Larry Miller Dr.
Granbury, TX 76048
Include specific information about the records sought
Provide contact information for response
Allow up to 10 business days for initial response as permitted under Texas Government Code § 552.221

For historical inmate records or individuals no longer in custody, requesters may need to submit formal written requests specifying the time period and information sought. Records retention policies may limit the availability of older records.

How To Find an Inmate in Hood County for Free?

Hood County provides several no-cost methods for locating individuals currently held in county detention facilities. These resources are accessible to the general public without fees or subscription requirements:

Hood County Sheriff's Online Inmate Lookup:

Access the Hood County Sheriff's Office bond information page
This free service requires no registration or account creation
Search by last name or booking number
The system displays current inmates with basic information including:
- Full name
- Physical description
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond amounts
- Court of jurisdiction

Hood County Jail Information Line:

Call the jail information line at (817) 579-3307
Request custody verification from the detention officer
Provide the full name and date of birth (if known) of the individual
Basic custody status, charges, and bond information can be confirmed verbally
This service is available 24 hours daily, though non-emergency inquiries are best made during business hours

County Clerk's Court Records:

Visit the Hood County Clerk's online court records portal
Search by name to locate criminal case information
Court records may indicate custody status and facility location
This method is particularly useful for determining upcoming court dates

In-Person Verification:

Visit the Hood County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours: Hood County Sheriff's Office
400 Deputy Larry Miller Dr.
Granbury, TX 76048
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Request custody verification from the front desk
No fees are charged for basic custody status information

For individuals who may be in state custody rather than county detention, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice maintains a separate offender information search system that provides custody information for state prisoners at no cost.

How To Visit an Inmate In Hood County

The Hood County Sheriff's Office maintains specific protocols for inmate visitation to ensure security while facilitating important family and community connections. Individuals planning to visit inmates should familiarize themselves with the following guidelines:

Visit Rules and Procedures:

All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
Inmates may update their visitation list once every 30 days
Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
Visitors with outstanding warrants or criminal histories may be denied entry
Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before being approved for visitation

Visit Schedule:

General Population:
- Tuesday, Thursday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Trustees and Work Release:
- Wednesday, Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Each inmate is permitted two 20-minute visits per week
Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visitation time

What to Bring:

Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
Vehicle keys (will be secured during visit)
Medication required during visit (must be declared and approved)
Baby necessities if accompanied by infant (one clear bottle, one diaper, one small blanket)

What NOT to Bring:

Weapons of any kind
Electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, cameras)
Tobacco products or vaping devices
Food or beverages
Purses, bags, or backpacks
Excessive jewelry or accessories
Cash exceeding $20
Letters, photos, or items for inmates

Dress Code:

Conservative attire required
No revealing clothing (no shorts above mid-thigh, no tank tops, no low-cut tops)
No clothing with offensive language or images
No gang-related colors or symbols
No uniforms resembling law enforcement or corrections attire
Shoes and shirts required at all times

Visit Types:

On-site video visitation (primary method)
In-person non-contact visits through glass partitions
Professional visits (attorneys, clergy) in designated interview rooms
Special visits may be approved by jail administration for exceptional circumstances

Visit Restrictions:

Maximum of two adult visitors per inmate per session
Children count toward the two-visitor maximum
Visitors exhibiting signs of intoxication will be denied entry
Disruptive behavior will result in immediate termination of visit
Three visit rule violations may result in permanent visitation restriction

All visitation procedures comply with Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 9, Chapter 291, which establishes minimum standards for county jail operations, including visitation requirements.

How To Send Money to a Hood County Inmate

Hood County provides several secure methods for depositing funds into an inmate's commissary account. These funds allow inmates to purchase approved items from the jail commissary, including hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and other permitted items.

Online Deposits:

Visit the TouchPay payment portal (accessible through the Hood County Sheriff's website)
Create an account or proceed as a guest
Enter the inmate's full name and booking number
Select payment amount
Complete payment using credit/debit card or electronic check
Service fees apply (currently 3.5% of deposit amount)
Funds are typically available in the inmate's account within 24 hours

Kiosk Deposits:

Visit the payment kiosk located in the Hood County Jail lobby Hood County Jail
400 Deputy Larry Miller Dr.
Granbury, TX 76048
Available 24 hours daily
Follow on-screen instructions
Insert cash or credit/debit card
Obtain receipt for transaction
Funds are typically available within 1-2 hours
Service fees apply for credit/debit transactions

Money Order by Mail:

Purchase money order from approved vendor (USPS, Western Union, MoneyGram)
Make payable to "Hood County Inmate Trust Fund"
Write inmate's full name and booking number in memo line
Mail to: Hood County Jail
Inmate Accounts 400 Deputy Larry Miller Dr.
Granbury, TX 76048
Do not send personal checks or cash
No service fees apply
Processing time is typically 3-5 business days

Amount Limits:

Maximum single deposit: $300
Maximum weekly deposit: $500
Maximum account balance: $1,000
Exceptions may be granted for bond payments or special circumstances

Funds Usage Restrictions: Inmates may use commissary funds for:

Commissary purchases (snacks, hygiene items, writing materials)
Phone calls
Medical co-pays
Haircuts
Legal copies

Funds may not be used for:

Bond payments (separate process required)
Payment of fines or court costs while incarcerated
Purchases for other inmates
Items not approved by jail administration

Upon release, remaining funds are returned to the inmate via debit card or check. Unclaimed funds are handled according to Texas Property Code Chapter 74, which governs unclaimed property.

How To Send Jail Mail In Hood County

Correspondence with inmates housed in the Hood County Jail must follow specific guidelines established to maintain facility security while allowing important communication with family, friends, and legal representatives.

Regular Mail Guidelines:

Address envelopes clearly with:
- Inmate's full name and booking number (if known)
- Hood County Jail
- 400 Deputy Larry Miller Dr.
- Granbury, TX 76048
Include complete return address with sender's full name
All incoming mail is opened and inspected for contraband
Letters must be written on plain white paper
Envelopes must be standard white or manila
Mail lacking proper addressing will be returned to sender

Permitted Items:

Letters on plain white paper
Photographs (maximum 4"x6", limit of 5 per envelope)
Money orders (following proper procedure)
Legal documents
Religious materials (subject to security review)
Greeting cards (plain, no musical or electronic components)

Prohibited Items:

Packages or padded envelopes
Colored paper or envelopes
Stickers, labels, or tape
Perfumed or scented items
Crayon or marker writings
Polaroid photographs
Cash or personal checks
Stamps or envelopes
Plastic or laminated items
Food or clothing items
Any items with biohazards or unknown substances

Legal Mail:

Clearly mark "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication" on envelope
Must come from verifiable attorney or legal organization
Opened in inmate's presence to maintain confidentiality
Subject to inspection for contraband but content not read by staff

Publications:

Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from publisher or approved vendor
Soft-cover books only (hardcover books not accepted)
Subject to content review for security concerns
Maximum of 3 publications in possession at one time

E-Communications: The Hood County Jail currently utilizes a digital messaging system that allows for electronic communication with inmates:

Create account on approved vendor platform
Purchase messaging credits
Compose and send messages
Messages are subject to review before delivery
Responses typically processed within 24-48 hours

All mail procedures comply with Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 9, Chapter 291, Rule §291.2, which establishes minimum standards for inmate correspondence in county jails.