Brazos County, Texas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Brazos County, Texas?
Arrest records are public information in Brazos County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that records maintained by governmental bodies, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the general 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.
Members of the public may request arrest records from various Brazos County agencies that maintain such information. These records typically document instances where individuals have been taken into custody by law enforcement officials on suspicion of criminal activity. The public nature of these records allows citizens, researchers, journalists, and other interested parties to monitor law enforcement operations and judicial proceedings within Brazos County.
It should be noted that certain arrest records may be subject to redaction or withholding under specific provisions of Texas law, particularly those involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or cases that have been expunged or sealed by court order.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Brazos County?
Brazos County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Brazos County Sheriff's Office and the Brazos County District Clerk's Office maintain electronic databases that provide public access to arrest information. These online resources have been established to facilitate public access to government records in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act.
The Brazos County Judicial Records Search system serves as the primary online portal for accessing court records, including those related to arrests. This system allows users to search for records using various criteria such as name, case number, or date range. The availability of these records online enhances public access while reducing administrative burden on county offices.
Online access to arrest records is subject to the same legal restrictions that apply to physical records. Information that is confidential by law, such as certain juvenile records or records that have been ordered sealed or expunged, will not be available through online platforms. Additionally, some older records may not have been digitized and may require in-person requests at the appropriate county office.
How to Look Up Brazos County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining Brazos County arrest records in 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following procedures:
Visit the Brazos County Sheriff's Office in person at 1700 Highway 21 West, Bryan, TX 77803. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Call (979) 361-4900 for information.
Access the Brazos County District Clerk's Office located at 300 E. 26th Street, Suite 1200, Bryan, Texas 77803. This office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and can be reached at (979) 361-4230.
Utilize the Brazos County Judicial Records Search system, which provides 24/7 access to court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.
Submit a Public Information Request through the Brazos County website pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act. Requests must be specific regarding the information sought and may be subject to reasonable fees for document retrieval and copying.
Contact the Brazos County Detention Center at (979) 361-4800 for information regarding current inmates and recent bookings.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, agencies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records. These fees may include the cost of materials, labor for document retrieval, and postage if applicable. Fee schedules are established in accordance with guidelines set by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas.
Contents of a Brazos County Arrest Record
Brazos 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:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases or alternative identifications
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Detailed description of the alleged criminal offense(s), including applicable Texas Penal Code sections
- Identity of the arresting agency and the name or badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken during the intake process
- Fingerprint impressions collected at the time of booking
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color
- Residential address of the arrested individual at the time of arrest
- Booking number and other administrative identifiers
- Initial bond amount and type (if applicable)
- Preliminary court appearance information
The Brazos County Criminal Case Information system maintains these records in accordance with state record-keeping requirements. Information contained in arrest records serves multiple governmental functions, including identification of individuals within the criminal justice system, facilitation of background checks, and documentation of law enforcement activities.
It should be noted that an arrest record documents only the fact that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause and does not constitute proof of guilt. The presumption of innocence remains until such time as the individual may be convicted through due process of law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Brazos County
Under certain circumstances, individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records in Brazos County pursuant to Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Expungement (also referred to as expunction) is a legal process that removes arrest records from public access and, when granted, allows the individual to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except in specific situations outlined by statute.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Brazos County include:
- The arrest did not result in a final conviction
- The case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal
- The individual completed a pre-trial diversion program resulting in dismissal
- The statute of limitations has expired for an offense for which the person was released and no charges were filed
- The individual received a pardon for the offense
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Brazos County District Clerk's Office located at 300 E. 26th Street, Suite 1200, Bryan, Texas 77803. The petition must comply with the requirements set forth in Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and is subject to filing fees established by the county.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing to determine whether the petitioner meets the statutory requirements for expungement. If granted, the court will issue an Order of Expunction directing all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to destroy or return those records to the court. Following successful expungement, the arrest is deemed never to have occurred from a legal standpoint, and the individual may deny its existence in most circumstances.
Individuals seeking expungement may wish to consult with legal counsel familiar with Brazos County procedures to ensure proper preparation and filing of the required documentation. The Brazos County Forms & Information page provides additional resources regarding court procedures.
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