Highland Park Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Highland Park, Texas?
Arrest records are public in Highland Park, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records maintained by governmental bodies. The Highland Park Department of Public Safety maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and makes them available through established procedures for public information requests.
Individuals seeking arrest records may submit requests to the appropriate custodian of records. The custodian is obligated to respond to such requests promptly, typically within 10 business days, as mandated by Texas Government Code § 552.221. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted if it falls under statutory exceptions, such as information related to ongoing investigations or juvenile records.
How to Look Up Highland Park Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Highland Park. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access to these documents:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Highland Park Department of Public Safety, located at 4700 Drexel Drive, Highland Park, TX 75205. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors should be prepared to complete a public information request form and provide identification.
Written requests may be submitted via mail to: Highland Park Department of Public Safety Attn: Records Division 4700 Drexel Drive Highland Park, TX 75205 Phone: (214) 521-5000 Official Website
Electronic requests can be submitted through the town's online public information request portal. This system allows for the submission of requests 24 hours a day, though processing occurs during regular business hours.
For cases that have proceeded to court, the Highland Park Municipal Court maintains records that may be accessed at: Highland Park Municipal Court 4700 Drexel Drive Highland Park, TX 75205 Phone: (214) 559-9954 Official Website Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Public access terminals are available at both the Department of Public Safety and the Municipal Court for on-site searches of non-confidential records.
Fees for copies of records are established in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70 and may include charges for labor, overhead, and materials. Payment must be rendered before records will be released.
Contents of a Highland Park Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by the Highland Park Department of Public Safety contain specific categories of information as required by Texas law. These records typically include:
- The full legal name of the arrested individual, along with any documented aliases or alternative identifications
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Detailed narrative of the alleged criminal offense(s)
- Statutory citations for violations of Texas Penal Code or local ordinances
- Identity of the arresting officer(s), including name and badge number
- Booking information, including the assigned case number and processing details
- Photographic documentation (mugshots) taken during the booking process
- Fingerprint records collected at the time of processing
- Initial charge assessment and preliminary bail determination
- Disposition information if immediately available
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 62.005, if the arrest pertains to a registrable sex offense, additional documentation regarding sex offender registration requirements may be included. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.101-152, which establishes exceptions to disclosure.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Highland Park
The expungement process in Highland Park follows Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, which provides legal mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Individuals may petition for expungement if:
- The arrest did not lead to a formal charge
- Charges were dismissed or quashed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The individual was convicted but subsequently pardoned
- The statutory waiting period has elapsed following successful completion of deferred adjudication
The legal procedure requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Dallas County. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include:
- Detailed personal information of the petitioner
- Specific information regarding the arrest to be expunged
- The tracking incident number and arresting agency
- A sworn statement that the petitioner meets eligibility requirements
- Supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing. If the court grants the expunction, an order will be issued directing all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to destroy or return all records and files related to the expunged arrest. These agencies include the Highland Park Department of Public Safety, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and any other entity that received information regarding the arrest.
The Highland Park Department of Public Safety complies with court-ordered expunctions by removing designated records from public access and either destroying them or returning them to the petitioner as directed by the court order. Following expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
Search Arrest Records in Highland Park
