Arrest records are public information in De Leon, 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 shall be available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. Law enforcement agencies in De Leon are required to maintain records of arrests, which are classified as public information accessible to citizens upon proper request.
The Texas Public Information Act specifically addresses arrest records in §552.108, which provides that information held by a law enforcement agency or prosecutor that deals with the detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime is excepted from disclosure requirements only under specific circumstances. Standard arrest records that do not compromise ongoing investigations remain accessible to the public.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in De Leon, Texas have multiple official channels through which these documents may be obtained. The following procedures have been established for accessing arrest information:
De Leon Police Department: Citizens may request arrest records in person at the De Leon Police Department located at 125 S. Texas Street, De Leon, TX 76444. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requests require proper identification and completion of a standard records request form. The department can be reached at (254) 893-2410 for inquiries regarding the records request process.
Comanche County Sheriff's Office: As De Leon is located within Comanche County, arrest records may also be obtained from the County Sheriff's Office at 301 N. Austin Street, Comanche, TX 76442. The office maintains records of arrests conducted within county jurisdiction. Contact (325) 356-7533 for information on records request procedures.
Comanche County Clerk's Office: Court records related to arrests may be accessed at the County Clerk's Office located in the Comanche County Courthouse at 101 W. Central Avenue, Comanche, TX 76442. The office maintains records of court proceedings following arrests. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and the office can be reached at (325) 356-5202.
Municipal Court of De Leon: For arrests related to municipal violations, records may be requested from the Municipal Court at 125 S. Texas Street, De Leon, TX 76444. The court maintains documentation of arrests for violations of municipal ordinances. Contact (254) 893-6414 for specific information regarding municipal arrest records.
Texas Department of Public Safety: The DPS maintains a statewide criminal history database that includes arrest records. Requests can be submitted online through the DPS Criminal History Record Information system or in person at the nearest DPS office.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code §552.261, governmental bodies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public information. Requestors should anticipate nominal fees for document reproduction or digital file creation.
Arrest records maintained by De Leon law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.17. These records typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color), and residential address at time of arrest
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; circumstances leading to the arrest; and whether force was used during apprehension
Agency Information: Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); department case number; and booking facility information
Offense Information: Specific charges filed against the individual with reference to applicable Texas Penal Code sections; classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony); and weapon information if applicable
Processing Data: Booking photograph (mugshot); fingerprint records; personal property inventory; and detention facility assignment
Judicial Information: Court case number; assigned court; bail or bond amount set; and initial appearance date
Disposition Information: Current status of the case; court actions taken; and final resolution of charges
It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Government Code §552.108(a)(2), certain information may be redacted if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. Additionally, in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 62.005, information regarding juvenile offenders may be subject to additional confidentiality protections.
The State of Texas provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Expungement (legally referred to as "expunction" in Texas statutes) allows for the complete removal of arrest records from public access and official databases.
Pursuant to Article 55.01 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, individuals may qualify for expungement of arrest records in De Leon under the following circumstances:
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Comanche County. This legal procedure necessitates precise documentation and adherence to statutory requirements. The petition must be filed in the district court for the county in which the arrest occurred or where the offense was alleged to have been committed.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing to determine eligibility. If granted, an Order of Expunction will be issued directing all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to delete those records and cease dissemination of the information.
Individuals seeking expungement of arrest records in De Leon are advised that the process involves complex legal procedures. The Comanche County District Clerk's Office, located at 101 W. Central Avenue, Comanche, TX 76442, can provide the necessary forms and filing information. The office can be reached at (325) 356-5202.
While arrest records in De Leon are generally public, Texas law establishes several important exceptions and limitations to protect privacy rights and ongoing investigations. The following restrictions apply to arrest record access:
Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Texas Family Code §58.007, records and files concerning a child, including arrest records, are not open to public inspection except in limited circumstances. These records receive heightened confidentiality protection.
Sealed Records: Records that have been sealed by court order under Texas Government Code §411.081 are not available for public inspection. This includes certain non-disclosure orders for successfully completed deferred adjudication cases.
Ongoing Investigations: Under Texas Government Code §552.108, law enforcement agencies may withhold arrest information if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime.
Victim Information: Information identifying victims of certain offenses, particularly those of a sensitive nature such as sexual assault, is protected from disclosure under Texas Government Code §552.1325.
Confidential Informants: Information that would reveal the identity of confidential informants is protected from disclosure under Texas Government Code §552.108(a)(2).
Expunged Records: Records that have been expunged pursuant to an order under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure are removed from public access and treated as if the arrest never occurred.
Law enforcement agencies in De Leon are required to balance public information requirements with these statutory protections. Requests for arrest records that fall under these exceptions may be denied or provided with appropriate redactions to comply with legal requirements.