St. Arr County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Starr County?
Inmate records in Starr County are official documents created and maintained by the Starr County Sheriff's Office and its detention facility to document individuals who are or have been held in custody within the county's correctional system. These records are distinct from court records: while the district and county courts maintain case files, cause numbers, and judicial proceedings, the jail maintains custody records that track an individual's physical detention from the moment of booking through release.
The record creation process begins at intake, when a person is booked into the facility. At that point, staff collect identifying information, document the charges, record bond amounts, and photograph the individual. The record is updated continuously throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in housing assignment, disciplinary actions, medical holds, and court appearances. Upon release, the record is closed and archived. Under Texas Government Code § 552.001, public information is defined broadly to include any information collected, assembled, or maintained by a governmental body, which encompasses inmate custody records held by the Starr County Sheriff's Office.
Are Inmate Records Public In Starr County?
Inmate records maintained by Starr County are generally accessible to the public under Texas law. The Texas Public Information Act, codified at Texas Government Code § 552.021, establishes that public information is available to any person upon request. Correctional and law enforcement agencies are subject to this statute, meaning that basic custody information is presumed open unless a specific statutory exception applies.
The following categories of inmate information are currently accessible to members of the public:
- Current inmate roster — a list of individuals presently held in the Starr County Jail
- Booking and arrest records — date, time, and location of arrest and intake
- Charges filed — the specific criminal offenses for which the individual is held
- Mugshots — booking photographs taken at intake
- Bond and bail amounts — the amount set by the court or magistrate for pretrial release
- Expected release dates — projected or scheduled release information where available
- Housing facility — the specific unit or facility where the individual is currently housed
Certain information may be withheld where disclosure would interfere with an ongoing investigation or where a specific exemption under Texas Government Code applies.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Starr County
Inmate records compiled by the Starr County Sheriff's Office contain multiple categories of information that document an individual's custody from booking through release.
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Race, sex, height, and weight
- Identifying marks, scars, or tattoos
- State identification number
Custody Information:
- Date and time of booking
- Arresting agency
- Current housing assignment within the facility
- Custody status (pretrial, sentenced, hold)
Charge Information:
- Specific criminal charges and applicable Texas Penal Code sections
- Charge level (felony or misdemeanor)
- Arresting offense narrative
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (personal recognizance, surety, cash)
- Bond amount set by the magistrate
- Bond status (posted, pending, denied)
Court Information:
- Assigned court and cause number
- Scheduled court appearance dates
- Case disposition where available
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Length of sentence imposed
- Credit for time served
- Projected release or parole eligibility date
Release Information:
- Date and time of release
- Manner of release (bond, sentence completion, transfer, dismissal)
- Transferring agency if applicable
Starr County Prison System
Starr County operates a local detention facility administered by the Starr County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for housing individuals awaiting trial, those serving sentences of up to one year for misdemeanor offenses, and individuals held on immigration or other federal detainers. The county jail is distinct from state prison facilities operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), which house individuals convicted of felony offenses and serving sentences exceeding one year. Individuals transferred to TDCJ custody are no longer held at the county level and must be located through the state system.
Starr County Sheriff's Office 401 N. Britton Ave, Rio Grande City, TX 78582 Phone: (956) 716-4800 Starr County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains public counter services at the Starr County Courthouse. Members of the public seeking inmate information may contact the office directly by telephone or appear in person during regular business hours, which are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding county holidays.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Starr County
Starr County's correctional infrastructure consists of the primary county detention facility operated under the authority of the Sheriff's Office. The following facility currently serves the county's detention needs:
Starr County Jail 401 N. Britton Ave, Rio Grande City, TX 78582 Phone: (956) 716-4800 Starr County Sheriff's Office
This facility houses pretrial detainees, sentenced misdemeanants, and individuals held pursuant to agreements with federal agencies. Individuals convicted of state felonies and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to a TDCJ unit. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice maintains a statewide network of prison units, transfer facilities, and state jails that receive individuals from county custody upon sentencing.
Who's in Prison In Starr County
The Starr County Jail houses several categories of individuals at any given time. Understanding who is held at the county level, as opposed to the state level, assists members of the public in directing their inquiries appropriately.
Individuals currently held in the Starr County Jail typically include:
- Pretrial detainees — persons arrested and charged but not yet convicted, who have not posted bond or been released on recognizance
- Sentenced misdemeanants — individuals convicted of Class A or Class B misdemeanor offenses and serving sentences of up to one year
- Probation and parole violators — individuals held pending a revocation hearing
- Federal detainees — individuals held pursuant to agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the U.S. Marshals Service
- Individuals awaiting transfer — persons sentenced to TDCJ custody who have not yet been transported to a state facility
Individuals serving felony sentences in TDCJ custody may be located through the statewide offender search portal maintained by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Starr County in 2026
Members of the public may obtain inmate records from Starr County through several official channels. The following steps outline the process for locating custody information:
- Contact the Starr County Sheriff's Office directly — Call (956) 716-4800 during business hours to inquire about an individual's custody status. Staff can confirm whether a person is currently held and provide basic booking information.
- Visit the facility in person — Members of the public may appear at 401 N. Britton Ave, Rio Grande City, TX 78582, during public counter hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) to request inmate information.
- Submit a written public information request — Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.234, a written request may be submitted to the Sheriff's Office by mail, email, or in person. The request should identify the individual by full name and date of birth.
- Search state-level records — For individuals who may have been transferred to TDCJ, the inmate information portal maintained by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice allows searches by name or offender number.
- Contact the Starr County District Clerk — For court case information associated with criminal charges, the District Clerk's office maintains case files and may be contacted at the Starr County Courthouse.
How To Find an Inmate in Starr County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Starr County at no cost is possible through official government resources. The following methods are currently available without charge:
- Call the Starr County Sheriff's Office at (956) 716-4800 — staff can confirm custody status and basic booking information at no cost
- Appear in person at the Starr County Jail, 401 N. Britton Ave, Rio Grande City, TX 78582, during public counter hours
- Use the TDCJ offender search — the offender search tool provided by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice allows free searches by name, SID number, or TDCJ number for individuals in state custody
- Access TDCJ inmate information — the Texas Department of Criminal Justice provides location, offense, and projected release date information online at no charge
No fee is required to obtain basic custody status information from the Starr County Sheriff's Office or from TDCJ's public-facing search tools.
How To Visit an Inmate In Starr County
Visitation at the Starr County Jail is governed by facility rules established by the Sheriff's Office. Members of the public wishing to visit an incarcerated individual must comply with all applicable procedures.
Visit Rules and Procedures All visitors must present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit. Visitors are subject to screening, which may include metal detector screening and inspection of personal items.
Visit Schedule Visitation schedules are set by the Starr County Sheriff's Office and are subject to change. Members of the public should contact the facility at (956) 716-4800 to confirm current visitation days and times prior to arrival.
What to Bring
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
What NOT to Bring
- Weapons or items that could be used as weapons
- Controlled substances or alcohol
- Unauthorized food or beverages
- Electronic devices not approved by the facility
- Cash or valuables beyond what is permitted
Dress Code Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or contains offensive imagery may result in denial of entry.
Visit Types The Starr County Jail may offer in-person contact visits, non-contact visits through a partition, and video visitation depending on the inmate's classification and facility capacity.
Visit Restrictions Visitation privileges may be suspended or revoked for individuals who violate facility rules. Inmates in disciplinary status may have visitation restricted. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
How To Send Money to a Starr County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's trust account at the Starr County Jail through methods authorized by the Sheriff's Office. Members of the public should contact the facility at (956) 716-4800 to confirm currently accepted deposit methods, as procedures are subject to change.
Accepted Methods
- Approved kiosk deposits at the facility
- Money orders made payable to the inmate and submitted through the facility's designated process
- Third-party electronic deposit services authorized by the facility
Amount Limits Deposit limits per transaction or per week may apply. Members of the public should verify current limits directly with the Starr County Sheriff's Office.
Fees Third-party deposit services may charge a transaction fee. The facility itself does not typically charge a fee for receiving funds, but service providers may impose their own charges.
What You Cannot Send
- Cash sent through the mail
- Personal checks
- Funds from unverified or anonymous sources
Use of Funds Inmate trust account funds may be used for commissary purchases, telephone calls, and approved personal items available through the facility. Funds may not be used to pay fines or restitution directly through the trust account unless specifically authorized by the court.
How To Send Jail Mail In Starr County
Mail sent to inmates at the Starr County Jail is processed in accordance with facility rules and applicable Texas law. All incoming and outgoing mail is subject to inspection by facility staff, except for privileged legal mail, which receives additional protections under established constitutional standards.
Mailing Address Mail should be addressed to the inmate using their full legal name and booking number, sent to:
Starr County Jail 401 N. Britton Ave Rio Grande City, TX 78582
Rules for Sending Mail
- All letters must be written on plain white paper in blue or black ink
- Envelopes must be plain white with no decorations, stickers, or markings beyond the address and return address
- Photographs may be permitted subject to facility guidelines; polaroid or instant-print photographs are typically prohibited
- Books and publications must be sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer, not from an individual
- Mail containing contraband, coded messages, or threatening language will be rejected and may result in disciplinary action or criminal referral
- Legal mail from attorneys must be clearly marked as such and is opened only in the presence of the inmate
Prohibited Items in Mail
- Cash, checks, or money orders enclosed in envelopes
- Controlled substances or items soaked in substances
- Sexually explicit material unless specifically authorized
- Items that could be used to facilitate escape or harm