Arrest records are public information in Dallas, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the presumption that all government-held 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 interactions with law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system.
Members of the public may request arrest records from various Dallas law enforcement agencies, including the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas County Sheriff's Office. These agencies are required by law to respond to public information requests within 10 business days, as stipulated in Texas Government Code § 552.221.
Certain exceptions to disclosure may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or where release would compromise public safety. These exceptions are outlined in Texas Government Code § 552.108 and other relevant statutes.
Dallas County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records through multiple official channels. The following methods are available for obtaining arrest record information:
Dallas Police Department Records Division Jack Evans Police Headquarters 1400 S. Lamar Street Dallas, TX 75215 Phone: (214) 671-3001 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Dallas Police Department Official Website
Dallas County Sheriff's Office Records Division Frank Crowley Courts Building 133 N. Riverfront Boulevard, LB-31 Dallas, TX 75207 Phone: (214) 653-3450 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Dallas County Sheriff's Office Official Website
Dallas County Clerk's Office Records Building 509 Main Street, Suite 200 Dallas, TX 75202 Phone: (214) 653-7099 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Dallas County Clerk's Office Official Website
Online Access Options The Dallas County Criminal Background Search portal provides limited arrest record information through its public access terminal. Users must register for an account and may be subject to access fees in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.261.
Requestors seeking arrest records must provide sufficient identifying information, including the full name of the subject and, if possible, date of birth or other identifying details. Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 1, § 70.13, government agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records.
Dallas arrest records contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. A typical arrest record includes:
Biographical Information
Arrest Details
Case Processing Information
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.252, law enforcement agencies must report complete arrest information to the Texas Department of Public Safety within seven days of the arrest. This information is subsequently entered into the Computerized Criminal History System maintained by the state.
The expungement of arrest records in Dallas is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Under Texas law, expungement (legally referred to as "expunction") allows for the removal and destruction of records related to an arrest under specific circumstances.
Individuals may qualify for expungement in Dallas County if their situation meets one of the following criteria:
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Dallas County District Court. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include:
Dallas County District Clerk's Office George Allen Sr. Courts Building 600 Commerce Street, Suite 101 Dallas, TX 75202 Phone: (214) 653-7149 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Dallas County District Clerk's Office Official Website
Filing fees for expungement petitions in Dallas County typically range from $250 to $500, depending on the nature of the case. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.318, courts may waive fees for indigent petitioners who file an affidavit of inability to pay.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process typically takes 90-180 days from filing to completion. Upon successful expungement, government agencies are required to destroy all records of the arrest pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, Section 5.