Arrest records are public in Bastrop 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 within Bastrop County, 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 within their communities.
The Bastrop County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligations. Under Texas law, certain information related to arrests, including the arrestee's name, age, address, and the charges filed, must be made available for public inspection. This information is considered part of the public domain once an arrest has been processed through the county's booking system.
Members of the public seeking access to arrest records should note that while these records are generally public, certain exceptions may apply in cases involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or where disclosure might compromise public safety as determined by the Bastrop County Criminal District Attorney's Office.
Bastrop County arrest records are available online through several official county platforms. The Bastrop County Case Records Search portal provides digital access to court case information, including records related to arrests processed through the county judicial system. This digital accessibility aligns with the county's commitment to transparency and public service efficiency.
The online availability of these records is subject to the provisions outlined in Texas Government Code § 552.021, which states that public information is information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for a governmental body in connection with official business. The Bastrop County Sheriff's Office maintains these digital records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Users of the online system should be aware that while basic arrest information is typically available, certain details may be redacted in compliance with privacy laws or ongoing investigation protocols. The Bastrop County website provides additional guidance regarding the scope and limitations of online record access.
To obtain Bastrop County arrest records in 2025, individuals may utilize several official channels established by county authorities:
Visit the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office in person at 200 Jackson Street, Bastrop, Texas 78602. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone inquiries may be directed to (512) 549-5100.
Access the Bastrop County online records portal, which is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. This system allows for searches by name, case number, or filing date.
Submit a written request to the Bastrop County Clerk's Office at 804 Pecan Street, Bastrop, Texas 78602. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and can be reached at (512) 332-7244.
Contact the Bastrop County Jail booking desk at (512) 549-5073 for information regarding current inmates or recent bookings.
Visit the Bastrop County District Court at 804 Pecan Street, Bastrop, Texas 78602 to access public terminals for court record searches. The court operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, governmental bodies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public information. Current fee schedules are available at each respective office or on the Bastrop County official website.
Bastrop County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These official documents typically include the following elements:
These records are maintained in accordance with the Texas Local Government Records Act (Texas Local Government Code Chapters 201-205), which establishes minimum retention periods for law enforcement records. The Bastrop County Sheriff's Office serves as the custodian of these records and is responsible for their accuracy and proper maintenance.
In Bastrop County, eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records pursuant to Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. This legal process, known formally as "expunction," allows for the removal and destruction of records pertaining to arrests under specific circumstances prescribed by state law.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Bastrop County generally include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Bastrop County District Court located at 804 Pecan Street, Bastrop, Texas 78602. The petition must comply with the requirements set forth in Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, including proper notification to all agencies that may possess records subject to expungement.
Upon granting an expungement order, the court directs all relevant agencies, including the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office, the Bastrop County Clerk's Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety, to destroy or return all records pertaining to the arrest. Following successful expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.