Port Lavaca Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Port Lavaca, Texas?
Arrest records in Port Lavaca, Texas are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records throughout the state, including those maintained by local law enforcement agencies in Port Lavaca. 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 privacy, security, and other compelling interests.
The Port Lavaca Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities within municipal boundaries. These records become public information upon creation and are subject to disclosure requirements under state law. The Texas Department of Public Safety further regulates the maintenance and dissemination of criminal history record information through provisions outlined in Texas Government Code § 411.083.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted or withheld in accordance with applicable privacy laws and statutory exemptions. Juvenile records, ongoing investigations, and certain personal identifying information may be subject to restricted access pursuant to Texas Family Code § 58.007 and other relevant statutes.
How to Look Up Port Lavaca Arrest Records in 2025
The Port Lavaca municipal government maintains multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. As of 2025, the following official methods are available for obtaining arrest record information:
In-Person Requests:
- Port Lavaca Police Department maintains physical records that may be requested during regular business hours. Requestors must complete a Public Information Request form and may be required to present identification.
- The Calhoun County Clerk's Office maintains court records related to arrests within county jurisdiction, including those occurring in Port Lavaca.
Online Access:
- The Port Lavaca Municipal Court provides an online records search system for violations processed through the municipal court system.
- The Port Lavaca Police Department website offers information about recent arrests and outstanding warrants.
Written Requests:
- Public Information Requests may be submitted in writing to the Port Lavaca Police Department or appropriate records custodian.
- Requests must reasonably identify the records sought and comply with Texas Public Information Act requirements.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information for inspection or duplication, or both, in the offices of the governmental body. If the requested information is unavailable at the time of the request, the public information officer shall set a date and hour within a reasonable time when the information will be available.
Port Lavaca Police Department
202 N. Commerce Street
Port Lavaca, TX 77979
(361) 552-3788
Official Website
Calhoun County Clerk's Office
211 S. Ann Street, Suite 100
Port Lavaca, TX 77979
(361) 553-4411
Official Website
Contents of a Port Lavaca Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Port Lavaca law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as prescribed by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and departmental policies. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
- Subject identification information, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and address
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory violations alleged, including citation of applicable Texas Penal Code sections
- Arresting officer information and badge number
- Booking details, including processing time and location
- Custody status information
- Bail or bond information, if applicable
- Case disposition, if resolved
- Fingerprint records collected pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.051
- Photographic identification (mugshot)
- Incident report narrative describing circumstances of arrest
- Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of criminal proceedings. Records related to Class C misdemeanors processed through the Port Lavaca Municipal Court may contain different elements than those for more serious offenses handled at the county level.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.135, certain information in arrest records, such as social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and other personal identifying information, may be redacted prior to public disclosure to protect individual privacy while maintaining the public's right to access government records.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Port Lavaca
The expungement of arrest records in Port Lavaca follows procedures established under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Expungement (legally referred to as "expunction" in Texas statutes) provides a mechanism through which qualifying individuals may have arrest records and related documentation removed from public and official records.
Eligibility for expungement in Port Lavaca is determined by specific statutory criteria, including:
- Cases resulting in acquittal (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01(a)(1))
- Cases dismissed or quashed where the statute of limitations has expired (Article 55.01(a)(2))
- Arrests for which no charges were filed, or charges were dismissed due to mistake, false information, or other similar reason indicating absence of probable cause (Article 55.01(a)(2))
- Certain misdemeanor juvenile offenses (Article 55.01(a)(3))
- Victims of identity theft who were falsely arrested (Article 55.01(d))
The expungement process requires filing a petition in the district court with jurisdiction over the case. Petitioners must provide detailed information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings as specified in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02. Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing to determine whether the petitioner meets statutory requirements for expungement.
If expungement is granted, the court will issue an order directing all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to return all records and files to the court for destruction, or to obliterate all portions of records or files that identify the petitioner. Pursuant to Article 55.03, once an expungement order is final, the person arrested may deny the occurrence of the arrest and the existence of the expungement order, except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
Individuals seeking expungement of Port Lavaca arrest records are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements and may benefit from consultation with legal counsel familiar with Texas expungement law.
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