Burnet County, Texas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Burnet County, Texas?
Arrest records in Burnet 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 fundamental right of Texas residents to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within county jurisdiction. The Texas Public Information Act operates under the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions designed to protect sensitive information.
The Burnet County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental purposes, including:
- Ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations
- Facilitating background checks for employment and housing
- Supporting journalistic and research endeavors
- Enabling citizens to monitor the activities of local government agencies
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.108 when disclosure would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. Additionally, records pertaining to juveniles receive special protection under Texas Family Code § 58.007.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Burnet County?
Burnet County provides digital access to arrest records through several official online platforms. The Burnet County Sheriff's Office maintains a database that allows members of the public to search for arrest information using various identifiers such as name, date of birth, or booking number. This electronic access system operates in compliance with Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 10, Chapter 205, which establishes standards for electronic record accessibility.
Online access to arrest records is available 24 hours per day, though system maintenance may occasionally restrict availability. The digital records system is updated regularly, typically within 24-48 hours of processing. Users should note that pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, fees may apply for certain searches or document retrieval services, though basic information is generally provided without charge.
The Burnet County Court Records system provides additional information regarding case dispositions and court proceedings related to arrests. This integration of arrest and court records allows for comprehensive tracking of cases through the criminal justice system.
How to Look Up Burnet County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Burnet County arrest records may utilize several official channels established by county authorities. Each method provides access in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act and county regulations.
Online Access Methods:
- The Burnet County Sheriff's Office Records Division portal allows for name-based searches
- The Burnet County Court Records system provides case status information
- The Marble Falls Municipal Court website offers access to municipal arrest records
In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests in person at:
Burnet County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1601 E. Polk Street, Suite 100
Burnet, TX 78611
(512) 756-8080
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via mail to the above address. All written requests must include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Notarized authorization (if requesting records of another individual)
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, the county must promptly produce requested records unless an exception applies. Standard processing time is 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time.
Contents of a Burnet County Arrest Record
Burnet County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102. These official documents serve as the formal record of an individual's interaction with law enforcement authorities and typically include the following components:
Demographic Information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Any documented aliases or known pseudonyms
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical descriptors including height, weight, eye and hair color
- Residential address at time of processing
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Agency responsible for the arrest (e.g., Burnet County Sheriff's Office, Marble Falls Police Department)
- Booking number and processing information
- Statutory charges filed, including Texas Penal Code references
- Narrative description of the alleged offense
Biometric Data:
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Any distinguishing physical characteristics or identifiers
Case Processing Information:
- Initial bail determination and conditions
- Court assignment information
- Scheduled appearance dates
- Custody status
These records are maintained in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission retention schedule for law enforcement records (Local Schedule PS). Under this schedule, adult arrest records must be retained for at least 75 years from the date of arrest.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Burnet County
The expungement process in Burnet County operates under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which provides a legal mechanism for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Eligible individuals may petition for expungement (also called "expunction") when their situation meets statutory requirements.
Eligibility Criteria: Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01, individuals may qualify for expungement if:
- They were arrested but never charged with a crime
- Charges were dismissed or quashed due to mistake, false information, or other similar reason
- They were acquitted of charges by a court or appellate court
- They were convicted but subsequently pardoned
- They successfully completed certain pretrial diversion programs
Filing Process: Petitions for expungement must be filed with the Third Court of Appeals district court that would have jurisdiction over the case. The petition must include:
- Full name, sex, race, date of birth, driver's license number, social security number, and address of the petitioner
- The offense charged against the petitioner or description of each arrest
- The date of the arrest
- The name of the county where the petitioner was arrested
- The name of the agency that arrested the petitioner
- The case number and court of offense
- An affidavit stating the petitioner is eligible for an expunction
Legal Effect: When granted, an expungement order requires all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to:
- Return all records and files to the court
- Delete all references to the arrest from public records
- Respond to inquiries as though the arrest never occurred
The Burnet County District Clerk's Office processes expungement orders and coordinates with relevant agencies to ensure compliance. Processing fees apply in accordance with Texas Government Code § 51.318.
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