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Belton Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Belton, Texas?

Arrest records are public in Belton, 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 the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote transparency and accountability within governmental operations by ensuring citizens have access to records maintained by public agencies and officials. Members of the public may request and review arrest records maintained by the Belton Police Department and other law enforcement agencies operating within Bell County jurisdiction.

The public nature of these records is consistent with Texas state law, which presumes that all government information is available to the public. However, certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or information that could compromise public safety if disclosed. Requestors should be aware that while the records are public, specific procedures must be followed to obtain them, and nominal fees may apply in accordance with § 552.261 of the Texas Government Code.

How to Look Up Belton Arrest Records in 2025

The Belton Police Department maintains arrest records for incidents occurring within city limits. Members of the public seeking arrest information have several official channels through which they may submit requests:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Belton Police Department headquarters to submit a request for arrest records. The department is located at:

Belton Police Department
711 E. 2nd Avenue
Belton, TX 76513
254-933-5840
Official Website

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Bell County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by county law enforcement, requests may be directed to:

Bell County Sheriff's Office
104 S. Main Street
Belton, TX 76513
254-933-5412
Online Portal Access: The City of Belton has implemented a digital records request system accessible through the city's official website. This system allows for the electronic submission of public information requests in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act.
Written Requests: Standard mail requests may be submitted to the Records Division at the Belton Police Department address listed above. All written requests must include the requestor's contact information and specific details about the records being sought.

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information in response to proper requests. The standard timeframe for response is within 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional processing time.

Contents of a Belton Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Belton Police Department and other law enforcement agencies within Bell County typically contain standardized information as required by Texas state law. These official documents generally include:

Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color), and residential address at time of arrest
Arrest Details: Date and time of arrest, location where the arrest occurred, arresting agency and officer identification, and the legal authority under which the arrest was executed
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Texas state law or Belton municipal ordinances for which the individual was arrested, including citation of relevant statutes or codes
Case Processing Information: Booking details, assigned case numbers, custody status, and bail or bond information if applicable
Disposition Data: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system, including whether charges were filed, dismissed, or adjudicated
Fingerprint Records: Biometric identification data collected during the booking process in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.051

The annual crime reports published by the Belton Police Department provide statistical summaries of arrests made within the jurisdiction, though these reports do not contain personally identifiable information about specific arrestees.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Belton

Under Texas law, certain individuals may be eligible to have their arrest records expunged or sealed from public view. Expungement (also referred to as "expunction" in Texas legal terminology) is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and provides for the complete removal of arrest records from public access when specific statutory criteria are met.

Eligibility requirements for expungement in Belton include:

The arrest did not result in a final conviction
The case was dismissed and the statute of limitations has expired
The individual was acquitted of the charges (found "not guilty")
The individual was pardoned by the Governor of Texas or the President of the United States
The individual completed a pretrial diversion program and charges were dismissed

The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Bell County. This legal procedure typically requires:

Preparation of formal legal documents in compliance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.02
Payment of filing fees to the Bell County District Clerk's Office
Notification to all agencies that may possess records related to the arrest
Attendance at a court hearing where a judge will determine if the statutory requirements have been satisfied

For arrests that do not qualify for expungement, individuals may pursue an Order of Nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes. Cases processed through the Belton Municipal Court for Class C misdemeanors may have different procedures for record sealing.

Due to the complex legal requirements involved in the expungement process, many individuals seek legal representation to navigate these proceedings. The Bell County Law Library, located at the Bell County Justice Center, provides public access to legal resources for those researching expungement eligibility.

Legal Framework for Arrest Records in Belton

The management and accessibility of arrest records in Belton operates within a comprehensive legal framework established by Texas state law and local ordinances. The Belton City Council periodically reviews and updates local regulations to ensure alignment with state requirements.

Key legal provisions governing arrest records include:

Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552): Establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest information, are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55: Provides the legal basis for expungement of arrest records when statutory criteria are met
Texas Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter E-1: Outlines procedures for orders of nondisclosure that seal certain records from public view
Texas Local Government Code § 552.021: Mandates that local governmental bodies, including the Belton Police Department, shall make public records available during normal business hours
Belton City Ordinances: Local regulations that may specify additional procedures for records management within city departments

The Belton Police Department's divisions include a Records Unit responsible for maintaining arrest documentation in compliance with state retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. These retention schedules dictate how long different types of arrest records must be preserved before they may be lawfully destroyed.

All arrest record requests must comply with the established procedures under Texas Government Code § 552.234, which permits governmental bodies to require that requests be made in writing and include specific information to facilitate record location.