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Allen Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Allen, Texas?

Arrest records are public information in Allen, 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 is available to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act operates under the principle that the public has a right to know about the activities of their government, including law enforcement actions such as arrests.

Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information within these records may be redacted to protect privacy rights in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.108. This may include information related to ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or details that could compromise public safety if released.

The Allen Municipal Court maintains records of arrests within its jurisdiction and processes these records in accordance with state transparency laws. Individuals seeking arrest records should note that while the information is public, there may be administrative fees associated with record retrieval as permitted under Texas Government Code § 552.261.

How to Look Up Allen Arrest Records in 2025

The City of Allen provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. These access methods are designed to comply with the Texas Public Information Act while maintaining efficient government operations. Individuals seeking arrest records in Allen have the following options:

Online Database Access: The Collin County case information system provides electronic access to criminal case records, including those originating from arrests in Allen. This database contains historical criminal cases held in the District Courts from 1988 to the present.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests in person at:

Allen Police Department
205 W. McDermott Drive
Allen, TX 75013
Phone: (214) 509-4200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Written Requests: Public Information Requests may be submitted in writing to:

City of Allen Records Management
305 Century Parkway
Allen, TX 75013
Phone: (214) 509-4100
Electronic Submissions: Requests may be submitted via email to the designated Public Information Officer at records@cityofallen.org.

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information in response to proper requests. The standard timeframe for response is within 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time.

Contents of an Allen Arrest Record

Allen arrest records contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed description of charges filed, including applicable Texas Penal Code sections
Booking information, including the processing agency and facility
Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
Fingerprint records collected during processing
Physical descriptors including height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Case or incident number assigned to the arrest
Bail or bond information, if applicable
Court assignment information

The Collin County public information police records system maintains these arrest records in accordance with state retention schedules. Records are preserved in compliance with the Local Government Records Act (Texas Local Government Code § 201.001 et seq.), which establishes minimum retention periods for various categories of government records.

Legal Uses of Allen Arrest Records

Arrest records in Allen serve multiple legitimate purposes within the criminal justice system and broader society. The Texas Legislature has recognized several authorized uses for these records, as codified in various statutes. Permissible uses include:

Criminal Justice Administration: Law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, and corrections departments utilize arrest records to track individuals through the criminal justice system. This information facilitates case management and ensures appropriate handling of defendants.
Background Screening: Pursuant to Texas Occupations Code § 53.021, certain employers may consider arrest records when evaluating applicants for positions involving security, financial responsibility, or vulnerable populations. However, employers must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) when obtaining and using such information.
Housing Applications: Property managers may review arrest records when evaluating rental applications, subject to limitations imposed by fair housing laws and local ordinances.
Statistical Analysis: Government agencies compile arrest data to analyze crime trends, allocate resources, and develop public safety strategies in accordance with Texas Government Code § 411.047.
Public Safety Awareness: Community members may access arrest records to stay informed about criminal activity in their neighborhoods, supporting community policing initiatives.

It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Local Government Code § 245.005, as referenced in the City of Allen municipal regulations, certain administrative regulations may affect how arrest records are maintained and accessed within city limits.

Limitations on Access to Arrest Records

While arrest records in Allen are generally public, Texas law establishes several important exceptions and limitations to protect individual privacy and the integrity of the justice system. These restrictions include:

Sealed Records: Records that have been sealed by court order pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 are not accessible to the general public. This includes records related to certain dismissed cases, acquittals, and successful completion of deferred adjudication.
Juvenile Records: Arrest records pertaining to individuals under 17 years of age are subject to special confidentiality protections under Texas Family Code § 58.007. These records are generally not available to the public.
Expunged Records: Records that have been expunged pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 are removed from public access and treated as if the arrest never occurred.
Ongoing Investigations: Information related to pending investigations may be temporarily withheld under Texas Government Code § 552.108 if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime.
Privacy Protections: Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and certain medical information is redacted from public records in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.147.

The Allen Municipal Court and Collin County District Courts adhere to these statutory limitations when processing requests for arrest records. Government officials are required to balance the public's right to information with individual privacy rights and the effective administration of justice.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Allen

The expungement process in Allen allows eligible individuals to remove arrest records from public access. This legal remedy is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which establishes specific eligibility criteria and procedures. Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:

The person was arrested but never charged with a crime
Charges were filed but later dismissed
The person was acquitted at trial (found "not guilty")
The person was convicted but later pardoned
The person successfully completed certain pretrial diversion programs

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the appropriate court having jurisdiction over the case. In Allen, expungement petitions are typically filed with:

Collin County District Clerk
2100 Bloomdale Road, Suite 12132
McKinney, TX 75071
Phone: (972) 548-4320
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all agencies holding records of the arrest to destroy or return those records to the petitioner. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.03, once an expungement order is issued, the person may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances.