Palestine Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Palestine, Texas?
Arrest records are public documents in Palestine, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that governmental records, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies, must be accessible to members of the public. The statute operates under the presumption that all government information is available to the public, unless specifically exempted by law. This transparency requirement applies to records maintained by the Palestine Police Department, Anderson County Sheriff's Office, and other local law enforcement entities. Citizens may request and obtain these records as part of their right to monitor governmental activities and ensure accountability within the criminal justice system.
How to Look Up Palestine Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Palestine, Texas in 2025. The Anderson County and City of Palestine authorities maintain systems that allow for various access points to this information. Individuals seeking arrest records may utilize the following procedures:
Online Database Access: The Palestine Police Department maintains a digital portal through which members of the public may search for arrest information. Users must provide basic identifying information about the subject of the search, such as name and date of birth. The system operates 24 hours per day and provides immediate results.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may appear in person at the Records Division of the Palestine Police Department located at 504 North Queen Street, Palestine, TX 75801. The public counter operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors must complete a Public Information Request form and present valid identification.
Written Correspondence: Individuals may submit written requests to the Anderson County Sheriff's Office at 1200 East Lacy Street, Palestine, TX 75801. Requests must specify the name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and contact information for the requestor. Processing typically requires 7-10 business days.
Telephone Inquiries: Limited information may be available via telephone by contacting the Palestine Police Department Records Division at (903) 731-8436. Staff may provide confirmation of recent arrests but detailed records require formal written requests.
All requests are subject to processing fees as established by the Texas Administrative Code §70.3, which may include charges for document retrieval, copying, and certification.
Contents of a Palestine Arrest Record
Palestine arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These official documents typically include comprehensive details about both the arrested individual and the circumstances of their detention. Standard arrest records contain:
- Complete legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or known pseudonyms
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Date, time, and specific location where the apprehension occurred
- Detailed description of the alleged criminal offense(s), including applicable Texas Penal Code sections
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Agency responsible for the arrest (Palestine Police Department, Anderson County Sheriff's Office, etc.)
- Booking information, including processing location and identification numbers
- Digital or physical photograph (mugshot) taken during the booking process
- Fingerprint impressions if collected during processing
- Custody status information, including bail amount if applicable
- Case disposition information if available
These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and form part of the individual's criminal history record if the case proceeds through the justice system.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Palestine
The expungement process in Palestine follows Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, which provides mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Individuals may petition for expungement when:
- The arrest did not result in a formal charge
- Charges were dismissed due to mistake, false information, or other similar reasons
- The case resulted in acquittal at trial
- The individual was convicted but subsequently pardoned
- The individual successfully completed a pre-trial diversion program
The procedure requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Anderson County District Court located at 500 North Church Street, Palestine, TX 75801. Petitioners must submit documentation verifying eligibility, including case disposition records and identification materials. The court assesses a filing fee of approximately $300, though fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants.
Upon approval, the court issues an Order of Expunction directing all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to destroy or return all documentation to the court. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure §55.03, once an expunction order is granted, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances, including on employment applications.
Individuals with questions regarding eligibility may contact the Anderson County District Clerk's Office at (903) 723-7415 for procedural guidance, though legal advice must be obtained through private counsel or legal aid services.
Search Arrest Records in Palestine
