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Lancaster Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lancaster, Texas?

Arrest records are public documents in Lancaster, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. The Act ensures transparency in governmental operations by providing citizens with access to records maintained by public bodies, including those pertaining to arrests made within Lancaster city limits.

The Texas Public Information Act specifically designates arrest records as public information under § 552.021, which states that public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body. Members of the public may request these records from the appropriate custodial agencies, including the Lancaster Police Department and the Dallas County Sheriff's Office, which maintain jurisdiction over Lancaster.

Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental and societal purposes, including:

Promoting accountability within law enforcement agencies
Enabling citizens to monitor the activities of public officials
Facilitating background checks for employment and housing
Supporting journalistic and research endeavors related to criminal justice

How to Look Up Lancaster Arrest Records in 2025

The retrieval of arrest records in Lancaster, Texas requires following established protocols that comply with state regulations. Individuals seeking such information may utilize several official channels to obtain these records:

In-Person Requests

Members of the public may submit requests in person at the following locations:

Lancaster Police Department
1650 N. Dallas Avenue
Lancaster, TX 75134
Phone: (972) 218-2700
Lancaster Police Department

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Dallas County Sheriff's Office
133 N. Riverfront Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: (214) 653-3450

Requestors must complete a Public Information Request form and provide sufficient identifying information about the subject of the inquiry.

Online Access Options

The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a centralized database that includes arrest records from Lancaster and other municipalities. Access to this system requires registration and payment of applicable fees as prescribed by Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 27.

Written Requests

Written requests may be submitted via mail or electronic communication to the Lancaster Municipal Court. Such requests must:

Clearly identify the records being sought
Include contact information for the requestor
Specify the preferred format for receiving the information
Be addressed to the designated records custodian

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information in response to proper requests, typically within 10 business days.

Contents of a Lancaster Arrest Record

Lancaster arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Biographical data of the arrested individual (full legal name, date of birth, physical descriptors, and residential address)
Unique identifiers including Texas State Identification Number (SID) and FBI number when applicable
Date, time, and precise location of the arrest
Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
Arresting agency information, including officer identification
Booking photographs ("mugshots") and fingerprint records
Custody status information, including:
- Bond amount and type (cash, surety, or personal recognizance)
- Detention facility location
- Court assignment and scheduled appearance dates

The City Marshal's Division maintains records of arrests related to municipal warrants, while the Lancaster Police Department retains documentation of all other arrests within city jurisdiction.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Lancaster

Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, certain individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records maintained by Lancaster authorities. Expungement constitutes the legal removal and destruction of records pertaining to an arrest, effectively eliminating the arrest from an individual's criminal history.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for expungement in Lancaster is determined by state law and typically requires that one of the following conditions be met:

The individual was acquitted of the offense
The individual was convicted and subsequently pardoned
The individual was arrested but never formally charged
The case was dismissed and the statute of limitations has expired
The arrest resulted from identity theft or other demonstrable error

Procedural Requirements

The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Dallas County. This legal procedure necessitates:

Preparation of formal court documents in compliance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.02
Payment of filing fees (approximately $300 as of 2025)
Service of the petition to all agencies maintaining records of the arrest
Attendance at a scheduled court hearing

Individuals seeking expungement may submit initial inquiries through the Lancaster Municipal Court located at:

Lancaster Municipal Court
220 W. Main Street
Lancaster, TX 75146
Phone: (972) 218-1334

Due to the legal complexities involved, many petitioners secure representation from attorneys specializing in record clearing procedures.

Order of Nondisclosure Alternative

For individuals ineligible for complete expungement, Texas Government Code Chapter 411 provides for Orders of Nondisclosure, which seal records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement access. Applications for nondisclosure may be submitted through the Lancaster Municipal Court for qualifying misdemeanor offenses.