Arrest records are public in Aransas County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities, including arrests made within county jurisdiction. Individuals seeking arrest records may obtain them through designated county offices in accordance with established procedures and applicable fees as determined by state statute.
Arrest records can be accessed online in Aransas County through various authorized platforms. The Aransas County Sheriff's Office maintains digital records of arrests that fall under their jurisdiction. Additionally, the Aransas County District Clerk's Office provides electronic access to court records that may contain information related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Online accessibility enhances public convenience by eliminating the necessity for in-person visits to government facilities. Users should note that while basic arrest information may be available online, comprehensive records may require formal requests through official channels as outlined in Texas Government Code § 552.261.
Members of the public seeking Aransas County arrest records in 2025 may utilize multiple authorized methods to obtain this information. The following procedures have been established for record retrieval:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Aransas County Sheriff's Office located at 2740 Highway 35 N, Rockport, TX 78382-5709. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors should be prepared to complete a formal records request form and provide identification.
Online Access: The Aransas County court docket system provides electronic access to case information. Users may search by name, case number, or date range to locate arrest-related records.
Written Correspondence: Written requests may be submitted to the Aransas County Sheriff's Office Records Division at the address listed above. Correspondence should include the subject's full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and the requestor's contact information.
Telephone Inquiries: Preliminary information may be obtained by contacting the Records Division at (361) 790-0168. Staff can provide guidance on the appropriate request procedures based on the specific information sought.
All requests must comply with the provisions set forth in the Texas Public Information Act, and applicable fees will be assessed in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70.
Aransas County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These official documents typically include the following elements:
The Aransas County Detention Center maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules as established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, certain individuals may qualify for expungement of arrest records in Aransas County. Expungement legally removes arrest information from public records and, when granted, permits the individual to lawfully deny the occurrence of the arrest except in specific circumstances outlined in statute.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Aransas County include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Aransas County District Clerk's Office located at 2718 Highway 35 N, Rockport, TX 78382-5709. The petition must adhere to the requirements specified in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.02. Upon receipt, the court schedules a hearing to determine whether the petitioner meets the statutory requirements for expungement. If granted, an order of expungement is issued directing all agencies possessing records of the arrest to destroy or return such records to the court.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements and statutory timelines. The Aransas County Court system maintains jurisdiction over expungement proceedings within the county.