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Princeton Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Princeton, Texas?

Arrest records are public information in Princeton, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the presumption that all government information, including arrest records, is available to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to records documenting law enforcement activities, judicial proceedings, and other governmental functions. Members of the public may request and obtain arrest records from various Princeton municipal agencies, subject to certain statutory limitations regarding confidential information.

The public nature of these records enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities, conduct background checks, and verify the accuracy of information pertaining to arrests within Princeton city limits. While most arrest record information is accessible, certain details may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal identifying information as specified under Texas Government Code § 552.108 and § 552.130.

How to Look Up Princeton Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Princeton, Texas as of 2025. Individuals seeking these records may utilize the following methods:

  • Princeton Police Department: The primary law enforcement agency maintains arrest records for incidents occurring within city limits. Requestors may submit public information requests in person, by mail, or through electronic submission.

Princeton Police Department
2000 East Princeton Drive
Princeton, TX 75407
(972) 736-3901
Princeton Police Department Official Website

  • Collin County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by county law enforcement within Princeton jurisdiction, records may be obtained through the Sheriff's Records Division.

Collin County Sheriff's Office
4300 Community Avenue
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 547-5100

  • Princeton Municipal Court: Court records related to arrests for municipal violations are maintained by the court clerk.

Princeton Municipal Court
2000 East Princeton Drive
Princeton, TX 75407
(972) 736-3901
Princeton Municipal Court Official Website

  • Collin County District Clerk: For felony arrests and related court proceedings, records are maintained by the District Clerk's office.

Collin County District Clerk
2100 Bloomdale Road, Suite 12132
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 548-4320

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, agencies may charge reasonable fees for record retrieval, copying, and staff time required to process requests. Fee schedules are established in accordance with guidelines from the Texas Attorney General's Office.

Contents of a Princeton Arrest Record

Princeton arrest records typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement. Standard information included in these records consists of:

  • Subject identification information:

    • Full legal name and known aliases
    • Date of birth and age at time of arrest
    • Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color, identifying marks)
    • Residential address
    • Government-issued identification numbers (redacted in public copies per § 552.130)
  • Arrest documentation:

    • Date, time, and location of arrest
    • Arresting agency and officer identification
    • Booking photographs ("mugshots")
    • Fingerprint records
    • Probable cause statements
    • Miranda warning acknowledgment
  • Criminal charge information:

    • Specific violations of Texas Penal Code or Princeton Municipal Code
    • Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, infraction)
    • Case numbers assigned by law enforcement and courts
    • Warrant information, if applicable
  • Post-arrest processing:

    • Bail or bond amounts and conditions
    • Detention facility information
    • Initial court appearance dates
    • Disposition information (pending, dismissed, convicted)

The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.26 requires law enforcement to maintain these records, while the Public Information Act governs their accessibility. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies in accordance with exemptions under Texas Government Code § 552.101 through § 552.158.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Princeton

The expungement process in Princeton allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances prescribed by Texas law. Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure establishes the legal framework for expunction (expungement) of arrest records. Individuals may petition for expungement if their situation meets one of the following criteria:

  • The person was arrested but never charged with a crime
  • Charges were filed but later dismissed
  • The person was acquitted of charges (found "not guilty")
  • The person was convicted but later pardoned
  • The person successfully completed certain deferred adjudication programs for eligible offenses

The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Collin County. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include:

  • Detailed personal information of the petitioner
  • Specific information about the arrest and charges
  • All agencies believed to possess records related to the arrest
  • Statutory grounds for expungement

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing to determine eligibility. If granted, an Order of Expunction is issued directing all agencies to destroy or return all records related to the arrest. Following expungement, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.03 specifies that the person may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.

For arrests ineligible for expungement, individuals may qualify for an Order of Nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement and certain governmental purposes.

Limitations on Access to Princeton Arrest Records

Access to arrest records in Princeton is subject to specific statutory limitations designed to protect certain categories of information. The Texas Public Information Act establishes several exemptions that restrict public access to arrest records under the following circumstances:

  • Juvenile records: Pursuant to Texas Family Code § 58.007, records pertaining to juvenile offenders (under age 17) are confidential and not subject to public disclosure except to specific authorized agencies.

  • Ongoing investigations: Texas Government Code § 552.108 permits law enforcement agencies to withhold information related to pending investigations or prosecutions if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime.

  • Victim information: Information identifying victims of sexual assault, family violence, or human trafficking may be redacted under Texas Government Code § 552.138.

  • Personal identifying information: Driver's license numbers, social security numbers, and other personal identifiers are protected from disclosure under Texas Government Code § 552.130 and § 552.147.

  • Sealed or expunged records: Records that have been legally expunged or sealed by court order are not available for public inspection pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Articles 55.03 and 55.04.

  • Deferred adjudication records: In certain cases where defendants successfully complete deferred adjudication, records may be subject to restricted access under Texas Government Code § 411.081.

Law enforcement agencies in Princeton must balance these privacy protections against the public's right to information. Requestors seeking arrest records may be required to submit identification and may receive redacted copies that comply with these statutory exemptions.

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