Richardson Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Richardson, Texas?
Arrest records in Richardson, Texas are public documents available for inspection by members of the public. This accessibility is governed by the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), which establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by governmental bodies is presumed to be open to public examination unless specifically exempted by law. The Richardson Police Department maintains these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement activities. Public access to arrest records serves the dual purpose of ensuring transparency in the criminal justice system and allowing citizens to exercise their right to information about governmental proceedings.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.021, arrest records fall under the category of public information that governmental bodies are required to promptly produce upon request. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections outlined in § 552.101 through § 552.158, particularly when the information involves juveniles, ongoing investigations, or certain personal identifying information.
How to Look Up Richardson Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Richardson, Texas in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The Richardson Police Department serves as the primary custodian of local arrest records and provides multiple methods for record retrieval:
• In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests by visiting the Records Division at the Richardson Police Department headquarters. Requestors must complete a Public Information Request form and provide proper identification.
Richardson Police Department
140 N. Greenville Avenue
Richardson, TX 75081
(972) 744-4800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Online Requests: The City of Richardson maintains an online portal through which citizens may submit public information requests electronically. This system allows for the submission of requests 24 hours a day and provides tracking capabilities for submitted requests.
• Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division. All requests must specify the information sought with reasonable particularity as required by Texas Government Code § 552.222.
• Collin County/Dallas County Records: As Richardson spans both Collin and Dallas counties, arrest records may also be available through:
Collin County District Clerk's Office
2100 Bloomdale Road, Suite 12132
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 548-4320
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Dallas County Records Building
509 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 653-7099
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must respond to requests promptly, and within 10 business days must either provide the information or notify the requestor of a reasonable date when the information will be available.
Contents of a Richardson Arrest Record
Richardson arrest records contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and details of an individual's arrest. These official documents typically include the following elements as mandated by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.17:
• Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, any known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, hair and eye color, and last known address.
• Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
• Criminal Charges: Specific offenses for which the individual was arrested, including citation of applicable Texas Penal Code sections and whether the charges constitute misdemeanors or felonies.
• Case Identifiers: Booking number, case number, and other administrative identifiers used to track the case through the criminal justice system.
• Processing Information: Fingerprint classification, mugshot photographs taken from front and profile views, and personal property inventory at the time of booking.
• Detention Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, if applicable, and whether the individual was released or remanded to custody pending further proceedings.
• Prior Criminal History: In some instances, the record may reference previous arrests or convictions if relevant to the current case.
The Texas Local Government Code § 552.108 permits the withholding of certain information in law enforcement records if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. Consequently, some details in arrest records may be redacted when provided to the public.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Richardson
The expungement of arrest records in Richardson follows procedures established under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Expungement (also referred to as "expunction") legally removes arrest records from public access and allows individuals to lawfully deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Richardson include:
• Cases resulting in acquittal (finding of "not guilty") • Cases dismissed by the prosecutor or court without resulting in a final conviction • Arrests that did not lead to formal charges • Arrests for which charges were dismissed due to completion of a pretrial diversion program • Arrests for certain misdemeanors committed by minors who have satisfied statutory requirements • Arrests for which a pardon has been granted
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in either Collin or Dallas County, depending on where the arrest occurred within Richardson city limits. The petition must comply with the requirements set forth in Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and include:
• All identifying information related to the arrest • Date of the arrest • Offense charged • The law enforcement agency that made the arrest • The case number and court of jurisdiction
Upon filing, the court will schedule a hearing, typically 30 days after filing. All agencies possessing records related to the arrest must be notified of the expungement proceeding. If the court grants the expunction, all governmental agencies must destroy records pertaining to the arrest.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal procedures. Filing fees for expungement petitions typically range from $200-$400, not including attorney fees if legal representation is obtained.
An alternative to expungement is an Order of Nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view but allows access by criminal justice agencies. This option may be available to individuals who have successfully completed deferred adjudication for certain offenses.
Search Arrest Records in Richardson
• Richardson Police Department Records • Collin County Jail Records • Dallas County Jail Lookup • Richardson City Government Court Records • Richardson Police Department Press Releases • Richardson Texas Police Department Crime Map
