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Denton County, Texas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Denton County, Texas?

Arrest records are public information in Denton County, Texas, in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that government-held records, including those documenting arrests, must be made accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens can access records maintained by state and local government entities. Denton County law enforcement agencies are required to maintain these records and make them available through established procedures that balance public access rights with privacy considerations as outlined in state statutes.

Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal identifying information in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.108 and § 552.130. The public nature of these records supports community awareness and governmental oversight while adhering to legal frameworks established by the Texas Legislature.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Denton County?

Denton County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by county law enforcement agencies and the judicial system. The Denton County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to current inmate information through their online portal, while the Denton County Clerk's Office maintains searchable databases of court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. These digital resources are maintained pursuant to Texas Local Government Code § 191.008, which authorizes county clerks to provide electronic access to public records.

Online accessibility of arrest records in Denton County is subject to specific limitations outlined in the Texas Public Information Act. While basic arrest information is typically available online, certain sensitive details may be restricted in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.1175, which protects personal information of law enforcement personnel, crime victims, and certain other individuals. The electronic availability of these records enhances public access while operating within established legal parameters for information dissemination.

Denton County Sheriff's Office
127 N. Woodrow Lane
Denton, TX 76205
(940) 349-1600
Denton County Sheriff's Office

How to Look Up Denton County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking Denton County arrest records in 2025 have multiple established methods to obtain this information:

  • Visit the Denton County Sheriff's Office Records Division in person at 127 N. Woodrow Lane, Denton, TX 76205. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors must complete a Public Information Request form and present valid government-issued identification.

  • Access the Denton County Judicial Records Search portal through the county's official website. This resource provides 24-hour access to arrest records and related court documents pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, which requires governmental bodies to provide prompt access to public information.

  • Submit a formal written request to the Denton County Clerk's Office at 1450 E. McKinney Street, Suite 1100, Denton, TX 76209. Requests must specify the information sought and may require payment of statutory fees as permitted under Texas Government Code § 552.261.

  • Utilize public access terminals available at the Denton County Law Library located at 1450 E. McKinney Street, Denton, TX 76209. These terminals are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and provide access to court records related to arrests.

Requestors should note that processing times may vary based on the volume of requests and complexity of the search. Fees for copies of records are established in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70, and may be subject to annual adjustments.

Contents of a Denton County Arrest Record

Denton County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These official documents typically include:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or alternative identifications
  • Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Detailed enumeration of criminal charges filed, including applicable Texas Penal Code sections
  • Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
  • Booking information including mugshot photographs and fingerprint records
  • Case number and court assignment information
  • Bail or bond determination and conditions, if applicable
  • Custody status and detention facility location
  • Prior criminal history information that is publicly accessible

The comprehensiveness of arrest records is governed by Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 27, which establishes standards for criminal history record information. Certain elements of arrest records may be redacted or restricted in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.108 if disclosure would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. Juvenile arrest records are subject to additional confidentiality protections under Texas Family Code § 58.007.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Denton County

Denton County provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as authorized by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55. Expungement (also referred to as expunction) permanently removes arrest records from public access and is available to individuals who meet statutory eligibility requirements. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01, expungement may be granted when:

  • An arrest did not result in a formal charge
  • Charges were dismissed or quashed due to mistake, false information, or other similar reason
  • The individual was acquitted of the offense by trial or appellate court
  • The individual was convicted but subsequently pardoned or otherwise granted relief based on actual innocence
  • The statute of limitations for the offense has expired and no charges were filed

The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Denton County District Court located at 1450 E. McKinney Street, Denton, TX 76209. Petitioners must comply with procedural requirements outlined in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, including proper notification to all agencies that may possess records related to the arrest. The court filing fee for an expungement petition is approximately $300, though this amount is subject to periodic adjustment.

Individuals who do not qualify for expungement may alternatively seek an order of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which limits public access to criminal history record information without completely removing it from government databases. Legal representation is strongly advised for navigating these complex legal procedures, as improper filings may result in petition denial.

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