Brownsville Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Brownsville, Texas?
Arrest records are public in Brownsville, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by governmental bodies in the course of official business must be accessible to the public. Law enforcement agencies in Brownsville, including the Brownsville Police Department and Cameron County Sheriff's Office, maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to public records.
Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally available, certain exceptions may apply under § 552.101 through § 552.158 of the Texas Government Code. These exceptions include information related to ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and certain personal identifying information. Additionally, records that have been ordered sealed or expunged by a court are not available for public inspection.
How to Look Up Brownsville Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Brownsville and Cameron County maintain several official channels through which members of the public may access arrest records as of 2025. Individuals seeking arrest information have multiple options available, each with specific procedures and requirements.
- In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Citizens may submit public information requests directly to the Brownsville Police Department or Cameron County Sheriff's Office. Requestors must complete a Public Information Request form and present valid government-issued identification.
Brownsville Police Department
600 E. Jackson Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 548-7000
Brownsville Police Department
Cameron County Sheriff's Office
7300 Old Alice Road
Olmito, TX 78575
(956) 554-6700
Cameron County Sheriff's Office
- Municipal Court Records: The Brownsville Municipal Court maintains records of Class C misdemeanor arrests and citations. These records may be accessed by submitting a request to the court clerk during regular business hours.
Brownsville Municipal Court
1001 E. Elizabeth Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 548-7087
Brownsville Municipal Court
- Cameron County Clerk's Office: For felony and misdemeanor arrests processed through the county court system, records may be obtained from the County Clerk's Office.
Cameron County Clerk's Office
974 E. Harrison Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 544-0838
Cameron County Clerk's Office
- Online Resources: The Cameron County Inmate List provides information about individuals currently in custody or who have been in custody within the past seven days. This resource is updated regularly and includes basic arrest information.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, governmental bodies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public information. Fee schedules are established in accordance with rules prescribed by the Office of the Attorney General.
Contents of a Brownsville Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Brownsville law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and typically include the following elements:
- Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race/ethnicity, height, weight, hair color, eye color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of arresting officer(s); and statutory authority for the arrest
- Criminal Charges: Specific offense(s) charged, including Texas Penal Code section numbers and offense classification (felony or misdemeanor grade)
- Case Processing Information: Booking number, fingerprint identification number, court case number, and disposition status
- Photographic Documentation: Booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots") taken from front and side angles
- Biometric Data: Fingerprints collected during the booking process
- Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or detention status
- Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions, if applicable
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure requires law enforcement agencies to maintain complete and accurate records. However, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and other personal identifying information protected under Texas Government Code § 552.130 and § 552.147.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Brownsville
Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, eligible individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Brownsville. Expungement 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.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Brownsville include:
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges
- Charges that were dismissed or quashed
- Acquittals by trial or appellate courts
- Pardons based on actual innocence
- Successful completion of certain pretrial diversion programs
- Arrests for certain misdemeanors committed by minors
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Cameron County District Court. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing to determine whether the petitioner meets the statutory requirements for expungement.
Cameron County District Court
974 E. Harrison Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 544-0877
Cameron County District Court
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The court filing fee for an expungement petition in Cameron County is approximately $255, though this amount may vary based on the specific circumstances of the case. Additionally, if the expungement is granted, the petitioner is responsible for ensuring that certified copies of the expungement order are delivered to all agencies that maintain records of the arrest.
An alternative to expungement is an Order of Nondisclosure, governed by Texas Government Code Chapter 411. This remedy seals criminal records from public view but allows access by law enforcement and certain governmental entities. Orders of Nondisclosure may be available to individuals who have successfully completed deferred adjudication or who meet other statutory criteria.
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