>Brewster County Arrest Records Online

Brewster County, Texas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Brewster County, Texas?

Arrest records are public documents in Brewster County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by governmental entities is available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. The Texas Public Information Act specifically designates arrest records as public information, allowing citizens to access these documents to monitor law enforcement activities and maintain governmental transparency.

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." Brewster County adheres to this mandate by making arrest records accessible through various county offices. The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental functions, including:

Ensuring accountability within the criminal justice system
Providing information for background checks and security clearances
Supporting journalistic and research endeavors
Maintaining historical documentation of law enforcement activities

Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or when disclosure would violate personal privacy in a manner inconsistent with state law. These exceptions are narrowly construed in accordance with § 552.001(b), which states that the provisions of the Act "shall be liberally construed in favor of granting a request for information."

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Brewster County?

Brewster County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official county platforms. The Brewster County Sheriff's Office maintains electronic records that may be accessed by members of the public through designated computer terminals at the Sheriff's Office or through limited online resources. This digital accessibility aligns with Texas Government Code § 552.272, which addresses procedures related to electronic record access.

The online availability of arrest records in Brewster County is subject to the following conditions:

Records may be accessed through the Brewster County Sheriff's Office official website
Some records may require in-person verification before online access is granted
Certain identifying information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
Records may be subject to processing fees as permitted under § 552.261

The Brewster County Clerk's Office also maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings, portions of which may be available through their online portal. Members of the public should note that the most comprehensive access to arrest records typically requires direct contact with the appropriate county office.

How to Look Up Brewster County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Brewster County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The Texas Public Information Act establishes procedures for requesting public records, which Brewster County implements through the following methods:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Brewster County Sheriff's Office located at 201 West Avenue E, Alpine, Texas 79830. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors should be prepared to complete a public information request form and provide identification.
Written Requests: Public information requests may be submitted in writing to the Brewster County Sheriff's Office or the Brewster County Clerk. Written requests should include specific information about the records being sought, including names, dates, and case numbers if available.
Electronic Requests: The Brewster County public information portal accepts electronic submissions for record requests. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.301, the county must promptly respond to requests for public information.
Telephone Inquiries: Preliminary information about the arrest record request process may be obtained by contacting the Brewster County Sheriff's Office at 432-837-6200 Ext. 5541.

Requestors should note that fees may apply for record searches and reproduction in accordance with § 552.261. The county may charge reasonable fees for document retrieval, copying, and staff time as permitted by state law.

Contents of a Brewster County Arrest Record

Brewster 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 documented aliases
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Fingerprint data and identification numbers
Arresting agency and officer information
Booking details including date, time, and facility
Bond or bail information, including amount and conditions if applicable
Case disposition information if available

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the case and stage of proceedings. Records related to ongoing investigations may contain redactions as permitted under Texas Government Code § 552.108. Juvenile records are subject to additional confidentiality provisions under Texas Family Code Chapter 58.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Brewster County

Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, eligible individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Brewster County. Expungement legally removes arrest information from public records and, when granted, permits the individual to deny the occurrence of the arrest except in specific circumstances outlined in statute.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Brewster County include:

Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
Arrests that did not lead to formal charges
Certain misdemeanor juvenile offenses
Arrests for offenses no longer criminalized by Texas law
Situations involving identity theft or mistaken identity
Successful completion of certain diversion programs

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the district court in Brewster County. Pursuant to Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. The court may schedule a hearing to determine eligibility, and if granted, will issue an order of expunction directing all agencies to destroy or return records related to the arrest.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The filing fee for an expungement petition in Brewster County is established by the district clerk in accordance with state law. Successful expungement results in the removal of records from public databases, including those maintained by the Brewster County Clerk and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Search Arrest Records in Brewster County

Brewster County Sheriff's Office
201 West Avenue E
Alpine, Texas 79830
Phone: 432-837-6200 Ext. 5541
Official Website

Brewster County Clerk's Office
201 W Avenue E, Room 110
Alpine, Texas 79830
Phone: 432-837-6200
Official Website