Sunnyvale Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Sunnyvale, Texas?
Arrest records are public documents in Sunnyvale, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records maintained by state and local agencies, including those pertaining to arrests. 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. Law enforcement agencies in Sunnyvale are required to maintain these records and make them accessible to members of the public upon proper request, thereby promoting governmental transparency and accountability.
The Dallas County Sheriff's Office, which has jurisdiction over Sunnyvale, maintains arrest records for the municipality. Additionally, the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety retains records of arrests occurring within town limits. Individuals seeking arrest information may submit requests to either agency in accordance with established procedures for public information requests.
How to Look Up Sunnyvale Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Sunnyvale, Texas in 2025. Requestors may utilize any of the following official channels to access this information:
Submit an in-person request at the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety, located at 127 N. Collins Road, Sunnyvale, TX 75182. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
File a request with the Dallas County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 133 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207. The Records Division operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Submit a written request via certified mail to either agency, including the required identification documentation and applicable processing fees.
Access the Dallas County online records portal, which provides limited arrest information for cases processed through the county system.
Utilize the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Record Information system for statewide arrest record searches. This service requires payment of statutory fees and submission of proper identification.
Contact the Sunnyvale Municipal Court at 127 N. Collins Road, Sunnyvale, TX 75182 (972-203-4153) for information regarding arrests related to municipal ordinance violations.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, agencies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records. Fee schedules are established in accordance with guidelines published by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas.
Contents of a Sunnyvale Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Sunnyvale law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information regarding the detained individual and the circumstances of their apprehension. Standard elements included in these official documents comprise:
Biographical data of the arrested person, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, residential address, and other identifying information
Unique identifiers such as state identification numbers, FBI numbers, and local booking identifiers
Photographic documentation (mugshot) and fingerprint impressions collected during the booking process
Date, time, and geographic location of the arrest
Statutory violations or charges filed, including citation of applicable Texas Penal Code sections
Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Narrative description of the incident leading to arrest, often including witness statements and officer observations
Property inventory detailing items in the arrestee's possession at the time of detention
Booking information, including processing location and temporary detention facility
Case disposition information, if available, indicating whether charges were filed, dismissed, or adjudicated
Court assignment data, including cause numbers and scheduled appearance dates
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's documentation protocols, and the stage of criminal proceedings at the time of record request.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Sunnyvale
The expungement process in Sunnyvale follows Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, which provides mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Individuals seeking expungement must petition the court with jurisdiction over their case, typically the Dallas County District Court for felony matters or County Courts-at-Law for misdemeanors.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Sunnyvale include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of charges
- Arrests that did not lead to formal charges
- Convictions that were subsequently pardoned or overturned on appeal
- Successful completion of certain deferred adjudication programs for qualifying offenses
- Juvenile records meeting statutory requirements for sealing or expunction
The petition for expungement must be filed in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.02, which requires specific content and procedural compliance. Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing to determine whether the petitioner meets statutory requirements for expungement.
If granted, an order of expungement directs all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to destroy or return all documentation to the court. Following successful expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most contexts, with limited exceptions for certain licensing bodies and law enforcement agencies under specific circumstances.
Alternative remedies include orders of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code § 411.081, which seal records from public view but maintain them for law enforcement and judicial purposes. These orders are available to individuals who successfully completed deferred adjudication for qualifying offenses.
Legal representation is strongly advised for navigating the technical requirements of the expungement process. The Dallas County District Attorney's Office reviews all expungement petitions and may contest requests that fail to meet statutory criteria.
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