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Rio Hondo Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Rio Hondo, Texas?

Arrest records are public documents in Rio Hondo, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that governmental records, including those documenting arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public upon request. The Texas Public Information Act operates under the principle that citizens have a right to information concerning governmental activities, thereby promoting transparency and accountability within law enforcement operations. Residents and non-residents alike may request and obtain arrest records maintained by the Rio Hondo Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies.

The public nature of these records serves multiple purposes within the judicial system:

Ensures transparency in law enforcement operations
Provides citizens with information regarding public safety in their community
Allows for oversight of governmental agencies by the public
Facilitates background checks for employment, housing, and other legitimate purposes

Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.108, particularly for records pertaining to ongoing investigations or cases where disclosure might interfere with law enforcement proceedings.

How to Look Up Rio Hondo Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for accessing arrest records in Rio Hondo, Texas. The City of Rio Hondo maintains several channels through which members of the public may obtain these records. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following procedures:

Submit a public information request in person at the Rio Hondo Police Department located at 121 N. Arroyo Blvd., Rio Hondo, TX 78583
File a written request via mail addressed to the Records Division of the Rio Hondo Police Department
Access the 2025 Public Documents section of the official Rio Hondo municipal website
Utilize the Texas Department of Public Safety's Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) system for statewide arrest record searches
Contact the Rio Hondo Municipal Court for information regarding case dispositions and court proceedings

Rio Hondo Police Department
121 N. Arroyo Blvd.
Rio Hondo, TX 78583
(956) 748-2102
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full legal name, date of birth, and, if available, the approximate date of arrest. Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 27, Rule § 27.1, fees may apply for record searches and document reproduction.

Contents of a Rio Hondo Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Rio Hondo Police Department contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and details of an arrest. In accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.17, these records typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Unique booking identification number assigned by the arresting agency
Statutory charges filed against the individual with corresponding Texas Penal Code references
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
Fingerprint impressions collected during the booking process
Preliminary case disposition information
Bail or bond amount, if applicable
Detention facility information if the individual was remanded to custody

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the arresting agency's protocols. Records maintained by the Rio Hondo Municipal Court may contain additional information regarding court appearances, plea entries, and case dispositions.

Rio Hondo Municipal Court
121 N. Arroyo Blvd.
Rio Hondo, TX 78583
(956) 748-2102
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Expungement of Arrest Records in Rio Hondo

Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Rio Hondo under specific qualifying circumstances. Expungement constitutes the legal process through which arrest records are removed from public access and official databases. The following conditions may qualify an individual for expungement in accordance with Texas law:

The arrest did not result in a formal criminal charge
The criminal charge was dismissed or quashed
The individual was acquitted of the charge following trial proceedings
The individual was convicted but subsequently pardoned
The statutory waiting period has elapsed for certain qualifying offenses
The arrest resulted from identity theft or false identification

The expungement process requires the filing of a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Cameron County, which has jurisdiction over Rio Hondo. This legal procedure typically necessitates:

Preparation and filing of the petition with required supporting documentation
Payment of applicable filing fees to the district clerk
Scheduling of a hearing before a district court judge
Service of the petition to all agencies maintaining records of the arrest
Judicial determination regarding eligibility for expungement
Issuance of an Order of Expunction if the petition is granted

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The Rio Hondo City Hall can provide general information regarding local procedures, though the expungement process typically requires legal representation.

Cameron County District Clerk
974 E. Harrison Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 544-0838
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in Rio Hondo, Texas law establishes certain restrictions on access to protect privacy interests and ongoing investigations. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108 and related provisions, the following limitations may apply:

Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations may be temporarily withheld
Information regarding juvenile arrests is subject to heightened confidentiality under Texas Family Code Chapter 58
Records that have been ordered sealed or expunged by a court are not available for public inspection
Certain identifying information may be redacted to protect victims of crimes
Information that would interfere with law enforcement proceedings may be withheld

The Rio Hondo Police Department follows established protocols for determining which records or portions thereof may be withheld from public disclosure. Individuals whose request for records is denied may appeal the decision through procedures outlined in the Texas Public Information Act.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Arrest records obtained from Rio Hondo governmental agencies may be utilized for certain background check purposes, subject to compliance with applicable state and federal laws. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Texas state regulations govern the permissible uses of criminal history information in employment and housing contexts. Entities conducting background checks using Rio Hondo arrest records should be aware of the following legal considerations:

Employers must obtain written consent before conducting criminal background checks
Texas Occupations Code § 53.021 establishes guidelines for consideration of criminal history in licensing decisions
Housing providers must comply with fair housing laws when utilizing criminal history information
Arrest records that did not result in conviction may have limited permissible uses
Records that have been expunged or sealed cannot legally be considered

The Rio Hondo City Departments do not provide guidance on the permissible uses of arrest records for private background check purposes. Organizations and individuals utilizing such records should consult with legal counsel regarding compliance with applicable laws.