Arrest records in Bowie County, Texas are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest documentation, shall be available to 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 records maintained by state and local agencies, including law enforcement entities operating within Bowie County.
The public nature of these records enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities, conduct background checks, and verify information pertaining to criminal proceedings. Individuals seeking arrest records may obtain them through various county offices, including the Bowie County Sheriff's Office and the Bowie County District Clerk. Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body."
Bowie County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by county agencies. The digital availability of these records is consistent with Texas Government Code § 552.272, which permits governmental bodies to provide public information through electronic means. The Bowie County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search function that allows members of the public to access current arrest and detention information.
Additionally, the Bowie County District Clerk's Office provides electronic access to court records, which may include information related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. These online resources operate in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 10, Chapter 205, which establishes standards for electronic access to governmental records.
Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, comprehensive records may require in-person requests at the appropriate county office. Online systems may also impose nominal fees for certain searches or document retrieval services as permitted under Texas Government Code § 552.261.
Bowie County Sheriff's Office
100 North Stateline Avenue
Texarkana, TX 75501
Phone: (903) 798-3149
Official Website
Bowie County District Clerk
Bowie County Courthouse
710 James Bowie Drive
New Boston, TX 75570
Phone: (903) 628-6751
Official Website
Multiple methods exist for accessing Bowie County arrest records in 2025, accommodating various public needs and preferences. Individuals seeking these records may utilize the following procedures:
Submit a public information request to the Bowie County Sheriff's Office in person, by mail, or through their electronic submission system. Requests must reasonably identify the records sought and may require payment of fees for reproduction costs as authorized by Texas Government Code § 552.261.
Access the Bowie County online case records search portal maintained by the District Clerk's Office. This system provides information on court cases, including those resulting from arrests.
Visit the Bowie County Courthouse to examine public terminals that provide access to court records. These terminals are available during regular business hours and may offer more comprehensive information than online systems.
Contact the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Records Service to request a criminal history check, which may include arrest records from Bowie County and other Texas jurisdictions.
Submit a request to the Bowie County Clerk's Office for public records that may contain arrest information related to county-level proceedings.
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 ten business days, though complex requests may require additional time.
Bowie County Courthouse
710 James Bowie Drive
New Boston, TX 75570
Phone: (903) 628-6700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Official Website
Texas Department of Public Safety
Crime Records Service
PO Box 4143
Austin, TX 78765
Phone: (512) 424-2000
Official Website
Bowie County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These official documents typically include the following elements:
These records serve multiple governmental functions, including law enforcement documentation, judicial processing, and statistical reporting to state agencies. The comprehensiveness of arrest records facilitates accurate identification and case tracking throughout the criminal justice system. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.135, certain information within arrest records may be redacted when provided to the public, particularly when records involve juveniles or cases subject to specific confidentiality provisions.
The expungement process in Bowie County operates under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which establishes legal mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access. Individuals may petition for expungement (legally referred to as "expunction" in Texas) when their circumstances meet statutory criteria.
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01, individuals may qualify for expungement under the following conditions:
The expungement procedure requires filing a petition with the district court in Bowie County that meets the requirements specified in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02. The petition must include identifying information, arrest details, and the statutory grounds for expungement. Upon filing, the court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate eligibility for expungement.
If granted, an expungement order directs all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to delete or return all files and references to the arrest. These agencies include the Bowie County Sheriff's Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and any other entity possessing such records.
Individuals with arrest records that do not qualify for expungement may alternatively seek an order of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which limits public access to records without completely removing them from government databases.
202nd District Court
Bowie County Courthouse
710 James Bowie Drive
New Boston, TX 75570
Phone: (903) 628-6776
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM