Cedar Hill Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Cedar Hill, Texas?
Arrest records in Cedar Hill, Texas are considered public information pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction. The Texas Public Information Act operates under the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions designed to protect privacy, security, and other compelling interests.
Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Cedar Hill Police Department and other law enforcement agencies operating within the city limits. These records document the official actions of government bodies and serve as a mechanism for transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system. The availability of such records enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and maintain awareness of public safety matters within their community.
It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information contained within these records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with applicable privacy laws and statutory exemptions. Such protected information typically includes Social Security numbers, driver's license information, and certain personal identifiers of minors or victims of specific crimes as outlined in Texas Government Code § 552.101-158.
How to Look Up Cedar Hill Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Cedar Hill provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official methods:
- In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests for arrest records by visiting the Cedar Hill Police Department Records Division during regular business hours. Proper identification may be required when requesting records.
Cedar Hill Police Department
285 Uptown Boulevard
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
Phone: (972) 291-5181
Cedar Hill Police Department
Online Requests: The City of Cedar Hill maintains an electronic public records request portal through which citizens may submit formal requests for arrest records and other public information.
Mail Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via postal mail to the Cedar Hill Police Department Records Division at the address listed above. Requests should include specific information about the record being sought, including names, dates, and case numbers when available.
Dallas County Records: For cases that have proceeded to court, records may also be available through the Dallas County Clerk's Office.
Dallas County Clerk's Office
509 Main Street, Suite 200
Dallas, TX 75202
Phone: (214) 653-7099
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, the city must promptly produce public information in response to an application. "Promptly" means as soon as possible under the circumstances, within a reasonable time, without delay.
Contents of a Cedar Hill Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Cedar Hill Police Department typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in arrest. Standard arrest records include the following categories of information:
Biographical Data: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases, date of birth, age at time of arrest, gender, race, and physical descriptors including height, weight, hair color, eye color, and identifying marks such as scars or tattoos.
Arrest Information: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); agency responsible for the arrest; and the statutory authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal Charges: Specific offenses for which the individual was arrested, including citation of applicable Texas Penal Code sections; classification of offenses as misdemeanors or felonies; and preliminary determination of charge severity.
Booking Details: Unique booking identification number; date and time of booking; fingerprint classification data; and photographic identification (commonly referred to as a "mugshot").
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts if applicable; detention facility location; and initial court appearance scheduling.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system, which may be updated as the case progresses through arraignment, pre-trial proceedings, and final disposition.
It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 62.005, certain information related to registered sex offenders may be subject to additional public disclosure requirements beyond standard arrest record information.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Cedar Hill
The State of Texas provides legal mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records maintained by Cedar Hill authorities. Expungement proceedings are governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:
- The person was arrested but never charged with a crime
- Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed
- The person was acquitted of charges at trial (found "not guilty")
- The person was convicted but subsequently pardoned
- The person successfully completed certain deferred adjudication programs for qualifying offenses
- The arrest resulted from identity theft or other mistaken identity situations
The expungement process requires the filing of a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Dallas County. Upon approval, the court issues an Order of Expunction directing all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to delete such information from their databases and physical files. Following expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances, with limited exceptions for certain licensing and employment situations as specified in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 55.03.
Individuals seeking expungement of Cedar Hill arrest records are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The filing fee for an expungement petition in Dallas County is approximately $300, though this amount is subject to change. Additional costs may include attorney fees if legal representation is obtained.
Alternatively, individuals who do not qualify for expungement may pursue an Order of Nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which restricts public access to criminal history record information while maintaining availability to law enforcement and certain authorized entities.
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