TexArrest

  • How TexArrest Sources & Updates Data

    TexArrest publishes arrest and booking information obtained from publicly available government sources. Understanding where this data comes from and how it is updated helps clarify why records may change, appear incomplete, or differ from court documents.

    TexArrest does not create arrest records. It aggregates and displays information as it is made publicly available by law enforcement and government agencies.

    Primary Data Sources

    Arrest records published on TexArrest are sourced from official government systems, which may include:

    • County sheriff and jail booking systems
    • Law enforcement public access portals
    • County-level inmate and custody databases

    These systems record booking events when an individual is taken into custody. TexArrest reflects the information as it exists at the time it is obtained.

    Update Frequency

    TexArrest updates records based on availability and access to source systems. Update frequency may vary by county, agency, and system limitations.

    Some records may be updated multiple times, while others may reflect a single booking snapshot. TexArrest does not guarantee real-time updates.

    Why Records May Change or Differ

    Differences between TexArrest records and court or agency records may occur for several reasons:

    • Charges may be amended or dismissed after booking
    • Agencies may revise or correct their own data
    • Custody status may change after release or transfer
    • Court filings may use different terminology or numbering

    TexArrest does not independently monitor or track ongoing case developments unless legally required to do so.

    Limitations of Aggregated Data

    TexArrest publishes records on an informational basis only. While care is taken to reflect source data accurately, TexArrest does not guarantee completeness, timeliness, or ongoing accuracy beyond the source material provided.

    Errors originating in government systems must be addressed through the official record review process.

    Key Takeaway

    TexArrest reflects publicly available booking information as provided by government sources. Official case status, outcomes, and legal determinations must be obtained from the appropriate court or agency.

    This content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

  • Contact & Legal Boundaries

    TexArrest maintains clear communication standards to ensure accuracy, fairness, and legal compliance. These boundaries exist to protect the integrity of published information and to ensure that all requests are handled consistently and lawfully.

    By interacting with TexArrest, users agree to follow the communication and submission policies outlined below.

    Official Communication Channels

    TexArrest processes requests only through designated, documented channels. This ensures that submissions are reviewed accurately and in accordance with applicable law.

    • Record review, correction, and removal requests must be submitted through the official record review system.
    • Informal requests submitted by email, phone, or social media are not processed.
    • Duplicate or repetitive submissions may be closed without response.

    Attorneys, Courts, and Government Agencies

    Attorneys, courts, and authorized government entities may communicate with TexArrest regarding legally supported matters. All correspondence must include verifiable credentials and relevant documentation.

    TexArrest verifies court orders and legal documents with the issuing authority prior to taking any action.

    What TexArrest Does Not Respond To

    To maintain consistency and prevent misuse of the review process, TexArrest does not respond to:

    • Threatening, abusive, or harassing messages
    • Reputation-based removal demands
    • Requests lacking supporting documentation
    • Third-party demands without legal authority
    • Repeated messages after a final determination has been issued

    Legal Notices and Disputes

    TexArrest complies with applicable Texas and federal laws governing the publication of criminal justice information. Disputes regarding published content must be supported by legally recognized documentation.

    TexArrest does not evaluate legal claims, provide legal advice, or engage in legal argument through informal communication channels.

    Use of TexArrest Content

    TexArrest publishes arrest and booking information for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for how they interpret or use this information.

    TexArrest does not guarantee completeness, accuracy beyond source data, or ongoing updates of third-party records.

    Final Notice

    TexArrest publishes public arrest and booking records in accordance with Texas law. Records are reviewed, corrected, or removed only when legally required and properly documented. TexArrest reserves the right to decline or close submissions that do not meet established criteria.

    This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

  • Government & Court Resources

    TexArrest publishes arrest and booking information obtained from publicly available government sources. For official case status, court dispositions, and authoritative records, individuals should consult the appropriate government agencies and court systems directly.

    The resources below provide access to official criminal justice information maintained by Texas courts, law enforcement agencies, and state entities.

    Texas Judicial & Court Records

    Texas courts maintain official records related to criminal cases, including filings, dispositions, and orders. Court systems vary by county and court level.

    • Texas Judicial Branch – case search and court information
    • County district and county clerk offices
    • Municipal and justice courts
    • Appellate and district court systems

    Court records are the authoritative source for determining case outcomes, dismissals, convictions, and court-issued orders.

    County Jail & Sheriff Databases

    Most Texas counties operate online jail or inmate search systems that provide booking and custody information. These systems are the primary sources from which arrest records originate.

    • County sheriff inmate search portals
    • County jail booking logs
    • Law enforcement public access systems

    Booking information displayed in these systems reflects custody events and may change as individuals are released, transferred, or processed.

    Texas Department of Public Safety

    The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains certain criminal history records and provides guidance regarding criminal background information.

    DPS resources may be relevant for understanding criminal history summaries, eligibility for expunction or sealing, and official background checks.

    Expunction and Nondisclosure Information

    Eligibility for expunction or orders of nondisclosure is determined by statute and court authority. Official information regarding these processes is available through Texas courts and legal resources.

    • District court clerks
    • County clerk offices
    • Texas statutes and judicial guidance

    TexArrest does not determine eligibility for expunction or sealing and does not provide legal advice regarding these processes.

    Why Official Sources Matter

    TexArrest aggregates publicly available arrest records for informational purposes. Government agencies and courts are the authoritative sources for:

    • Current custody status
    • Case dispositions and outcomes
    • Court-issued orders
    • Eligibility for expunction or record sealing

    When questions arise regarding the status or outcome of a criminal case, individuals should consult the appropriate government source directly.

    Important Reminder

    TexArrest does not maintain official court records and does not update records based on informal communications or third-party claims. All legal actions must be supported by verified documentation issued by the appropriate authority.

    This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

  • Charge & Offense Descriptions Explained

    Arrest records often include charge or offense descriptions that appear technical, abbreviated, or severe. Understanding how these descriptions are generated and what they represent can help prevent confusion when reviewing arrest information.

    TexArrest publishes charge descriptions as they appear at the time of booking, using terminology provided by arresting agencies and standardized legal references.

    Where Charge Descriptions Come From

    Charge descriptions displayed on TexArrest are sourced directly from publicly available law enforcement and government systems. These descriptions are typically entered during the booking process by the arresting agency.

    At the time of booking, charges may be preliminary and subject to later review, modification, or dismissal by prosecutors or courts.

    Booking Charges vs. Court Charges

    It is common for booking charge descriptions to differ from later court filings. Booking charges reflect the arresting agency’s initial classification of an alleged offense and may not represent the final charge pursued by the prosecution.

    Court documents, indictments, or case dockets may use different terminology, numbering, or offense levels. These differences do not indicate an error in the arrest record.

    Abbreviations and Legal Codes

    Many arrest records contain abbreviations, shorthand descriptions, or statutory references. These formats are used by law enforcement agencies to efficiently record information within their systems.

    Charge descriptions may reference sections of the Texas Penal Code or other statutes and may appear abbreviated or truncated due to system limitations.

    Severity Levels and Offense Classifications

    Charge descriptions may include offense levels such as misdemeanor classifications or felony degrees. These classifications are based on statutory definitions and reflect the alleged offense at the time of arrest.

    The presence of an offense level does not indicate a conviction or final determination. Offense classifications may change as a case progresses through the legal system.

    Multiple Charges on a Single Booking

    An arrest record may list multiple charges associated with a single booking event. This occurs when law enforcement alleges more than one offense at the time of arrest.

    Each listed charge represents an allegation recorded during booking and does not imply guilt, conviction, or sentencing.

    Charge Explanations on TexArrest

    Where available, TexArrest may provide general explanations of common charges for educational purposes. These explanations are informational summaries and are not legal definitions or legal advice.

    Charge explanations are intended to help readers understand commonly used terms and do not reflect the outcome of any specific case.

    Important Context

    Charge descriptions reflect information recorded at the time of arrest. They may not match later court filings or case outcomes. TexArrest publishes arrest records for informational purposes only and does not verify or interpret legal charges.

    This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

  • Expunctions, Sealing & Court Orders

    Under Texas law, arrest records may be removed or restricted from public access only in specific legal circumstances. Understanding the difference between dismissals, expunctions, sealing, and court orders is critical when requesting changes to published arrest information.

    TexArrest evaluates all removal requests strictly according to legally recognized documentation and verified court authority.

    What Is an Expunction?

    An expunction is a court order that directs government agencies and private entities to destroy or remove records of an arrest or criminal case. When properly granted, an expunction legally treats the arrest as though it never occurred for most purposes.

    Expunctions are granted by a court and apply only to the specific records identified in the order. Eligibility for expunction is determined by statute and varies based on the circumstances of the arrest and case outcome.

    Orders of Nondisclosure (Record Sealing)

    An order of nondisclosure, commonly referred to as record sealing, restricts public access to certain criminal records. Sealed records may still exist within government systems but are not available to the general public.

    Unlike an expunction, a sealed record is not destroyed. Certain entities, such as law enforcement agencies and courts, may retain access as permitted by law.

    Whether a nondisclosure order applies to third-party publishers depends on the scope and language of the court order.

    Dismissals and Case Outcomes

    A dismissal, acquittal, or non-prosecution does not automatically result in the removal of an arrest record. These outcomes reflect the resolution of a case, not the erasure of the arrest event itself.

    In Texas, dismissal alone does not require a publisher to remove an arrest record. Removal obligations arise only through legally recognized orders such as expunctions or specific court directives.

    Court Orders and Removal Requests

    TexArrest honors valid court orders that explicitly require the removal, suppression, or restriction of arrest records. All submitted court orders are verified with the issuing court prior to action.

    Orders must clearly identify the subject, the specific arrest or booking record, and the scope of the required action. Orders that do not apply to public publication or third-party publishers may not require removal.

    How TexArrest Processes Legal Removal Requests

    When a legally valid order is submitted through the official record review process, TexArrest follows a verification and compliance workflow:

    1. Receipt of court-issued documentation through the official review system
    2. Verification of authenticity with the issuing court
    3. Confirmation that the order applies to public publication
    4. Identification of all affected records
    5. Execution of removal or restriction as legally required

    TexArrest does not remove records based on informal communications, attorney demand letters, or unsupported claims.

    Important Clarification

    TexArrest publishes arrest and booking information as historical public records. Records are removed or restricted only when legally required and properly documented. TexArrest does not evaluate eligibility for expunction or sealing and does not provide legal advice.

    This content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

  • Record Review & Corrections

    TexArrest provides a structured process for reviewing arrest records that may contain factual inaccuracies or require legal action. This process exists to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with applicable Texas law.

    All review requests are handled through TexArrest’s official record review system. Requests submitted through informal channels, including email or social media, are not processed.

    When a Record Review Is Appropriate

    A record review may be requested when there is reason to believe that published booking information is factually inaccurate or legally incomplete. Appropriate reasons for review include, but are not limited to:

    • Incorrect name or identity
    • Incorrect booking number or arrest date
    • Incorrect arresting agency
    • Duplicate or misattributed records
    • Valid court orders requiring expunction, sealing, or removal

    Requests based solely on reputational concerns, embarrassment, or case outcomes such as dismissal or non-conviction are not grounds for correction or removal.

    How the Review Process Works

    TexArrest follows a standardized, documentation-based review process designed to ensure accuracy and legal compliance:

    1. Requests must be submitted through the official record review form.
    2. Supporting documentation must be uploaded at the time of submission.
    3. Submissions are reviewed for completeness and relevance.
    4. Records are evaluated against source data and applicable legal requirements.
    5. Corrections or actions are taken only when supported by verified information.

    Incomplete submissions or requests lacking documentation may be denied or closed without action.

    Corrections vs. Removals

    It is important to distinguish between record corrections and record removals:

    • Corrections address factual inaccuracies in the published booking information.
    • Removals occur only when legally mandated, such as through a valid court order.

    Dismissed cases, reduced charges, deferred adjudication, or pending status do not, by themselves, require removal under Texas law. TexArrest publishes booking events, not case outcomes.

    Required Documentation

    To ensure accuracy and prevent misuse of the review process, TexArrest requires supporting documentation for all review requests. Acceptable documentation may include:

    • Court-issued expunction or sealing orders
    • Official court disposition documents
    • Government-issued identification (redacted where appropriate)
    • Written authorization when submitting on behalf of another individual

    TexArrest verifies court orders with the issuing authority prior to taking any action.

    Record Review Form >>

    Important Submission Policy

    TexArrest does not process record review or removal requests submitted by email, phone, or social media. Attorneys and courts must submit documentation through the official review process unless otherwise directed.

    This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

  • Texas Law & Publishing Rights

    TexArrest publishes arrest and booking information in accordance with Texas law. Understanding how and why these records may be published helps clarify the rights of individuals, the responsibilities of publishers, and the limits of removal or modification requests.

    Public Records in Texas

    In Texas, arrest and booking records are generally classified as public information. These records are created by government agencies during official law enforcement activity and are made available to the public under Texas public information laws.

    The public availability of arrest records exists independently of whether a case results in formal charges, dismissal, or conviction. The publication of such records reflects transparency in government operations, not a judgment of guilt.

    Texas Business & Commerce Code Chapter 109

    Texas Business & Commerce Code Chapter 109, titled “Business Practices in Connection with Criminal Records”, governs how private publishers may collect, display, and respond to requests concerning criminal record information.

    This law establishes a framework that balances public access to criminal justice records with a structured process for review, correction, and removal when legally required.

    What Chapter 109 Allows

    • Publication of arrest and booking records obtained from lawful, publicly available sources
    • Display of historical booking events for informational purposes
    • Maintenance of records unless removal is legally mandated
    • Use of standardized review and correction procedures

    What Chapter 109 Does Not Require

    • Automatic removal of records due to case dismissal or charge reduction
    • Removal of records based on reputational concerns
    • Modification of records without supporting documentation
    • Immediate removal upon informal request

    Dismissed, Reduced, or Pending Cases

    An arrest record documents that a booking event occurred. Subsequent case developments — including dismissals, reductions, deferred adjudication, or pending status — do not retroactively eliminate the existence of the arrest itself.

    Under Texas law, dismissal or non-conviction alone does not require removal of an arrest record from a publisher’s database. Removal obligations arise only when supported by legally recognized orders.

    When Removal Is Legally Required

    TexArrest removes or suppresses arrest records only when legally required to do so. This includes circumstances such as:

    • Valid court-ordered expunctions
    • Orders of nondisclosure or sealing that explicitly apply to public publication
    • Judicial orders directing removal or restriction of access

    All court orders are verified with the issuing court or appropriate authority before action is taken.

    Important Notice

    TexArrest publishes arrest and booking information as historical public records for informational purposes only. TexArrest does not determine guilt or innocence, does not provide legal advice, and does not modify or remove records except as required by law.

    This content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

  • Understanding Arrest Records

    Arrest records are a form of public information created when a person is taken into custody by a law enforcement agency. These records document a booking event, not a final legal outcome. Understanding what an arrest record represents — and what it does not — is essential when reviewing criminal justice information.

    What Is an Arrest Record?

    An arrest record reflects that an individual was detained and processed by a law enforcement agency. It typically includes identifying information, the date of arrest, the arresting agency, and the charge descriptions provided at the time of booking.

    Importantly, an arrest record does not determine guilt or innocence. It documents that an arrest occurred, not how a case was resolved.

    Arrest vs. Charge vs. Conviction

    These terms are often confused but have distinct meanings:

    • Arrest: A person is taken into custody by law enforcement.
    • Charge: An alleged offense recorded during the booking process.
    • Conviction: A legal determination of guilt made by a court.

    An arrest may result in charges being filed, modified, or dismissed. A conviction occurs only if a court formally adjudicates the case. Many arrests do not result in convictions.

    Why Arrest Records Are Public in Texas

    In Texas, arrest records are generally considered public information because they are created by government agencies in the course of official duties. Transparency in law enforcement activities is a foundational principle of public records laws.

    Public access to arrest records allows the public to understand law enforcement activity, monitor government processes, and access historical information. This access exists independently of the outcome of any related court case.

    Booking Information vs. Case Outcomes

    Arrest records are created at the time of booking, often before a case has been reviewed by prosecutors or the courts. As a result, booking information may differ from later court filings or final dispositions.

    TexArrest publishes booking events obtained from publicly available government sources. These records do not represent convictions, sentencing decisions, or the current status of a case.

    Dismissed, Pending, or Reduced Charges

    Cases may be dismissed, remain pending, or result in reduced charges for many reasons, including evidentiary issues, procedural matters, or prosecutorial discretion. These outcomes do not retroactively change the fact that an arrest occurred.

    Because arrest records document historical booking events, they may remain publicly accessible even if a case is later dismissed or resolved without a conviction.

    Accuracy and Corrections

    Arrest records are sourced directly from law enforcement and government systems. While these sources are considered authoritative, errors may occur. Individuals who believe a record contains inaccurate information may request a review through TexArrest’s official record review process.

    Corrections address factual inaccuracies. Removal of records occurs only when legally required, such as through a valid court order.

    This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.