>Dallas County Arrest Records Online

Dallas County, Texas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Dallas County, Texas?

Arrest records are public in Dallas County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for governmental entities is available to the public, with specific statutory exemptions. The Texas Public Information Act serves as the legal framework ensuring citizens' right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within Dallas County jurisdictions.

Members of the public may access these records to monitor law enforcement activities, conduct background checks, or research criminal justice proceedings. The transparency provided through public arrest records supports accountability within the criminal justice system and enables citizens to remain informed about public safety matters in their communities.

Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." Law enforcement agencies in Dallas County maintain these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Dallas County?

Dallas County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by governmental and law enforcement agencies. The Dallas Police Department provides digital access to certain arrest information through their official website, allowing members of the public to search for records without visiting physical locations. Additionally, the Dallas County Clerk maintains an online database where court records related to arrests can be accessed.

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, agencies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public information. However, many online resources offer basic arrest record information at no cost to users. The availability of these digital resources enhances public access to information while reducing administrative burdens on government offices.

Online access to arrest records is subject to certain limitations established by state law, including privacy protections for juvenile offenders, victims of certain crimes, and other protected categories of information as outlined in Texas Government Code § 552.101 through § 552.158.

Dallas County Sheriff's Office
133 N. Riverfront Blvd., LB-31
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 653-3450
Official Website

How to Look Up Dallas County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Dallas County arrest records in 2025, individuals may utilize several official channels. The Texas State Law Library provides guidance on accessing court records throughout Texas counties, including Dallas County. Members of the public seeking arrest information have the following options:

Online Databases: The Dallas County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate lookup system accessible through their website. This database is updated regularly and provides information on individuals currently in custody.
County Sheriff's Office: In-person requests may be submitted at the Dallas County Sheriff's Office Records Division, located at 133 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207. The public counter is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
District Clerk's Office: Court records related to arrests may be obtained through the Dallas County District Clerk's Office at 600 Commerce Street, Suite 101, Dallas, TX 75202. Public access hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Local Police Departments: Municipal police departments within Dallas County maintain their own arrest records. The Dallas Police Department Records Division is located at 1400 S. Lamar Street, Dallas, TX 75215, with public counter hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and date of birth if available. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, fees may apply for copies of records, with current rates established by each agency's fee schedule.

Contents of a Dallas County Arrest Record

Dallas County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
Date and time of the arrest
Location where the arrest occurred
Specific charges filed, including citation of applicable Texas statutes
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking information, including processing location and time
Physical description of the arrested individual (height, weight, eye and hair color, identifying marks)
Demographic information (date of birth, gender, race)
Booking photograph ("mugshot")
Fingerprint classification and identification
Case or incident number assigned by the arresting agency
Bail or bond information, including amount set and conditions
Court assignment information
Custody status

The 5th Court of Appeals may maintain records of cases that proceed through the appellate process following arrests in Dallas County. These records provide additional context regarding the judicial proceedings that follow an arrest.

It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108, certain information within arrest records may be redacted if its release would interfere with the detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime, or if it relates to an ongoing investigation.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Dallas County

Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, individuals may petition for expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Dallas County under specific circumstances. Expungement effectively removes arrest records from public access and, when granted, allows individuals to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except in certain limited circumstances.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Dallas County 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
Completion of certain pretrial diversion programs
Arrests resulting from identity theft or false identification

The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Dallas County District Court. Petitioners must provide detailed information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Upon review, the court may schedule a hearing to determine if the statutory requirements for expungement have been met.

If granted, an Order of Expunction directs all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to destroy or return those records to the court. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.03, once an expunction order is final, the person arrested may deny the occurrence of the arrest and expunction in most circumstances.

Dallas County District Clerk
George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building
600 Commerce Street, Suite 101
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 653-7301
Official Website

Search Arrest Records in Dallas County

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