Tulsa County Criminal Records
What Is Tulsa County Criminal Records
Tulsa County criminal records are official government documents that detail an individual's criminal history within the jurisdiction of Tulsa County, Oklahoma. These records are maintained pursuant to Oklahoma Statutes Title 51, § 24A.8, which governs law enforcement records and their availability to the public.
Criminal records in Tulsa County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement agencies, including the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office or Tulsa Police Department
- Booking Information: Details recorded during processing at detention facilities
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings in Tulsa County District Court
- Conviction Records: Final judgments resulting from criminal cases
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding time served in Tulsa County Jail or state correctional facilities
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document instances where individuals were taken into custody but do not necessarily indicate guilt. Conviction records, conversely, confirm that a court has determined the individual committed the offense.
Criminal offenses in Tulsa County are categorized as either:
- Felonies: Serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
Juvenile records receive special protection under Oklahoma Statutes Title 10A, § 2-6-102, which generally restricts public access to criminal records of individuals under 18 years of age.
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Tulsa County include:
Tulsa County Sheriff's Office
303 W. 1st Street
Tulsa, OK 74103
918-596-5601
Tulsa County Sheriff's Office
Tulsa County District Court
500 S. Denver Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74103
918-596-5000
Tulsa County District Court
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
6600 N. Harvey Place
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
405-848-6724
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
These criminal records typically include information about charges filed, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing details, and probation or parole status. The comprehensive nature of these records serves the public interest by providing transparency in the criminal justice system while balancing privacy considerations as prescribed by state law.
Are Criminal Records Public In Tulsa County
Criminal records in Tulsa County are generally accessible to the public under the Oklahoma Open Records Act, specifically Title 51, § 24A.1-29. This legislation establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, should be available for public inspection and copying.
The Act explicitly states: "The purpose of this act is to ensure and facilitate the public's right of access to and review of government records so they may efficiently and intelligently exercise their inherent political power." This foundational principle guides record accessibility in Tulsa County.
Public criminal records in Tulsa County typically include:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and dockets
- Conviction information
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
- Probation and parole records
However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Sealed or expunged records pursuant to court order
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
- Information that would compromise victim safety
- Records specifically exempted by state or federal statute
The Oklahoma Open Records Act balances transparency with privacy and security concerns. Under Title 51, § 24A.5, agencies may deny access to records if disclosure would "clearly constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy" or compromise law enforcement operations.
For juvenile records, Oklahoma Statutes Title 10A, § 2-6-102 establishes stricter confidentiality protections. These records are generally sealed from public view, though they may be accessible to certain authorized individuals and agencies, including law enforcement, schools, and juvenile justice officials.
Records related to protective orders and domestic violence cases may have restricted access under 22 O.S. § 60.6 to protect victim safety and confidentiality.
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Tulsa County must follow established procedures, which may include submitting formal requests, paying applicable fees, and providing proper identification. Government agencies are required to respond to records requests "promptly and reasonably" under state law.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Tulsa County in 2026
Members of the public may access Tulsa County criminal records through several established channels. The following procedures outline the current methods for obtaining these records:
In-Person Requests at the Tulsa County Courthouse:
- Visit the Tulsa County Court Clerk's office during regular business hours.
- Complete a records request form, providing specific information about the case or individual.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $0.50-$1.00 per page for copies).
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records.
Tulsa County Court Clerk
500 S. Denver Ave., 2nd Floor
Tulsa, OK 74103
918-596-5000
Tulsa County Court Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Mail Requests to the Court Clerk:
- Prepare a written request specifying the records sought, including names, case numbers, and date ranges if known.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence.
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Mail the complete package to the Tulsa County Court Clerk's address.
Tulsa County Sheriff's Office Records:
For arrest records, booking information, and jail records:
- Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division.
- Complete the required records request form.
- Provide identification and pay applicable fees.
- Specify the exact information being requested.
Tulsa County Sheriff's Office Records Division
303 W. 1st Street
Tulsa, OK 74103
918-596-5601
Tulsa County Sheriff's Records
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) Background Checks:
For comprehensive statewide criminal history:
- Complete the OSBI Criminal History Request Form.
- Include fingerprints if requesting a fingerprint-based search.
- Submit the required identification documentation.
- Pay the statutory fee (currently $15 for name-based searches, $19 for fingerprint-based searches).
- Submit in person or by mail to OSBI headquarters.
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
6600 N. Harvey Place
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
405-848-6724
OSBI Criminal History Checks
When requesting records, individuals should be prepared to provide:
- Full name of the subject (including aliases)
- Date of birth
- Case numbers (if known)
- Approximate dates of incidents or court proceedings
- Specific information being sought
Pursuant to Oklahoma Statutes Title 51, § 24A.5, agencies must provide "prompt, reasonable access" to records during regular business hours.
How To Find Criminal Records in Tulsa County Online?
Tulsa County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information may vary by system.
Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN)
The primary online resource for Tulsa County court records is the Oklahoma State Courts Network:
- Navigate to the OSCN website.
- Select "Tulsa County" from the dropdown menu.
- Choose search criteria (name, case number, or citation number).
- Enter the required information and submit the search.
- Review the results list and select specific cases for detailed information.
The OSCN database includes:
- Case information (filing date, case type, parties involved)
- Docket entries (hearings, filings, orders)
- Case disposition and judgment information
- Some document images (though not all documents are available electronically)
No registration is required for basic OSCN searches, though certain advanced features may require user accounts.
Tulsa County Jail Inmate Information Center
For current incarceration status and booking information:
- Visit the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office Inmate Information Center.
- Search by name or booking number.
- Review results for current inmates, including charges, bond amounts, and court dates.
This system only contains information on current inmates, not historical incarceration records.
Oklahoma Department of Corrections Offender Search
For individuals sentenced to state custody:
- Access the OK DOC Offender Search.
- Enter name or DOC number.
- Review custody status, facility location, and sentence information.
This database includes only individuals under DOC supervision, not county-level offenders.
Oklahoma Sex Offender Registry
For registered sex offenders residing in Tulsa County:
- Visit the Oklahoma Sex Offender Registry.
- Search by name, location, or other criteria.
- View registration details, offense information, and current address.
Limitations of Online Records
Users should be aware of several limitations when searching online:
- Not all court documents are available electronically
- Recent cases may experience delays in online posting
- Certain sensitive cases may be restricted from online access
- Historical records (pre-digital) may require in-person requests
- Expunged or sealed records will not appear in online searches
For comprehensive criminal history information, including arrests that did not result in charges, users may need to request records directly from the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office or the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, as these records are not fully available through online portals.
Can You Search Tulsa County Criminal Records for Free?
Tulsa County provides several options for accessing criminal records without charge, though certain services may involve fees for specific documents or comprehensive searches. The Oklahoma Open Records Act, Title 51, § 24A.5(3), permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for record retrieval, copying, and certification, but also mandates that inspection of records shall be allowed without charge.
Free In-Person Record Inspection
Members of the public may inspect criminal records without charge at the following locations:
Tulsa County Court Clerk's Office
500 S. Denver Ave., 2nd Floor
Tulsa, OK 74103
918-596-5000
Tulsa County Court Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tulsa County Law Library
500 S. Denver Ave., 5th Floor
Tulsa, OK 74103
918-596-5404
Tulsa County Law Library
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
While inspection is free, copying fees apply (typically $0.25-$1.00 per page).
Free Online Resources
Several online databases provide free access to criminal record information:
-
Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN): The OSCN website offers free searches of court records, including criminal cases. Users can search by name, case number, or filing date without registration or fees.
-
Tulsa County Jail Inmate Information Center: The Inmate Information Center provides free access to current jail population information, including charges and bond amounts.
-
Oklahoma Sex Offender Registry: The state sex offender database is freely accessible for public safety purposes.
-
Oklahoma Department of Corrections Offender Search: The DOC Offender Search provides free information on individuals currently under state custody or supervision.
Services Requiring Fees
Certain criminal record services in Tulsa County do involve fees:
- Certified copies of court documents: $1.00 per page plus certification fee
- Background checks through OSBI: $15-$19 depending on search type
- Extensive research requests requiring staff time
- Expedited record retrieval services
- Complete criminal history reports
The Oklahoma Open Records Act authorizes these reasonable fees to cover the direct costs of record retrieval and duplication, not as revenue sources. Fee waivers may be available in cases of demonstrated financial hardship or when the request serves the public interest, at the discretion of the records custodian.
What's Included in a Tulsa County Criminal Record?
Tulsa County criminal records contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest (including Oklahoma statute citations)
- Probable cause statement
- Bail or bond amount and status
- Pre-trial detention information
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (District Court, Municipal Court)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statute violations cited (including felony/misdemeanor classification)
- Plea entered
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecution attorney information
- Court appearance dates
- Motion filings and rulings
- Evidence submissions
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, nolle prosequi)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentence details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines and court costs imposed
- Restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Post-conviction proceedings
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Sentence completion date
Additional Information:
- Active warrants (if any)
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
The comprehensiveness of records may vary based on case age, disposition type, and the specific maintaining agency. Records maintained by the Tulsa County Court Clerk focus primarily on court proceedings, while Sheriff's Office records contain more detailed arrest and booking information.
Pursuant to Oklahoma Statutes Title 22, § 471.9, certain diversionary program records may contain additional treatment and compliance information for specialized courts such as Drug Court, Mental Health Court, or Veterans Court.
How Long Does Tulsa County Keep Criminal Records?
Tulsa County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and Archives Commission under Oklahoma Statutes Title 67, § 305. These schedules specify minimum retention periods for various document types, though many criminal records are preserved permanently.
Court Records Retention:
- Felony Case Files: Permanently maintained in the Tulsa County Court Clerk's office
- Misdemeanor Case Files: Retained for 10 years after case disposition
- Traffic Violations: Maintained for 5 years after case closure
- Domestic Violence Cases: Permanently maintained
- Protective Orders: Retained for 5 years after expiration
- Court Dockets and Indexes: Preserved permanently as historical records
- Grand Jury Proceedings: Sealed records maintained permanently
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
- Arrest Reports: Maintained for 5 years after creation
- Booking Information: Retained for 5 years after release
- Investigation Files for Solved Cases: 5 years after case closure
- Investigation Files for Unsolved Major Crimes: Maintained permanently
- Incident Reports: Retained for 3 years
- Sex Offender Registration Records: Maintained for the duration of registration requirement plus 5 years
- Jail Records: Retained for 5 years after inmate release
Specialized Records:
- Juvenile Records: Maintained until the subject reaches age 21, then eligible for sealing under 10A O.S. § 2-6-108
- Expunged Records: Physical records destroyed and electronic records sealed from public view pursuant to court order under 22 O.S. § 18
- Deferred Sentence Records: Maintained according to underlying case type, but may be eligible for expungement after successful completion
Digital Records Management:
With the transition to electronic record-keeping, Tulsa County has implemented digital preservation strategies for criminal records. The Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN) maintains digital court records indefinitely, even beyond the required retention periods for physical documents.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation maintains criminal history information in the state's central repository permanently, regardless of local retention schedules. This ensures that comprehensive criminal history information remains available for authorized users even after local records might have been destroyed according to retention schedules.
Records that have exceeded their retention period may be destroyed only after following proper procedures outlined in the Oklahoma Records Management Act, including obtaining necessary approvals from the Archives and Records Commission.