Denton Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Denton, Texas?
Arrest records are public information in Denton, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by governmental entities is available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. The Texas Public Information Act serves as the legal foundation ensuring transparency in government operations and providing citizens with the means to access information about arrests made by law enforcement agencies within Denton County jurisdiction.
Members of the public may request arrest records from various law enforcement agencies operating in Denton, including the Denton Police Department, Denton County Sheriff's Office, and other municipal police departments within the county. These agencies maintain records in accordance with Texas Local Government Code § 201.041, which establishes requirements for local government record retention.
The Texas Department of Public Safety also maintains a statewide criminal history database that includes arrest information from Denton and other Texas jurisdictions. Access to these records is governed by Texas Government Code § 411.083, which specifies authorized recipients of criminal history record information.
How to Look Up Denton Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Denton County as of 2025. The Texas Public Information Act provides the legal framework for these requests, and governmental bodies must promptly produce public information in response to proper requests. Available methods include:
Online Portal Access: The Denton County Sheriff's Office maintains a public-facing inmate lookup system that provides information on currently incarcerated individuals. This system is accessible 24 hours per day through the official county website.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests in person at the records division of the appropriate law enforcement agency. Valid identification must be presented when requesting records.
Denton Police Department Records Division
601 E Hickory St, Suite E
Denton, TX 76205
(940) 349-7969
Denton Police Department
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Denton County Sheriff's Office Records Division
127 N Woodrow Lane
Denton, TX 76205
(940) 349-1700
Denton County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Written Requests: Public information requests may be submitted in writing via mail, email, or fax. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.301, agencies must respond to written requests within 10 business days.
Third-Party Background Check Services: Commercial services that aggregate public records may provide access to Denton arrest information, though these services may not contain complete or current information.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for record searches and copies in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.261, which authorizes governmental bodies to charge for the cost of providing public information.
Contents of a Denton Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Denton law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. Standard arrest record components include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color), and demographic information of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date and time of arrest, location where the arrest occurred, arresting agency, name and badge number of the arresting officer, and the statutory authority for the arrest.
Offense Information: Criminal charges filed, including citation of applicable Texas Penal Code sections, classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony), and case numbers assigned by the arresting agency.
Processing Data: Booking photographs (mugshots), fingerprint records, personal property inventory, and detention facility assignment if the individual was incarcerated.
Judicial Information: Magistration details, bail or bond amount set, court of jurisdiction, and scheduled court appearances.
Disposition Status: Current status of the case, including whether charges were filed, dismissed, or resulted in conviction.
The completeness of arrest records may vary based on the stage of criminal proceedings and the policies of the maintaining agency. Certain information may be redacted or withheld in accordance with exceptions provided in Texas Government Code § 552.108, which protects law enforcement and prosecutorial information in specific circumstances.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Denton
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 provides the statutory framework for expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Denton County. Expungement is a legal process that removes arrest records from public access and, when granted, allows individuals to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Denton County include:
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges
- Charges that were dismissed or quashed
- Acquittals at trial or on appeal
- Pardons based on actual innocence
- Completion of certain pretrial diversion programs
- Arrests for qualifying misdemeanors committed by minors
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Denton County District Court. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. The filing fee for an expunction petition in Denton County is approximately $300, though this amount may vary.
Denton County District Clerk's Office
1450 E McKinney St, Suite 1200
Denton, TX 76209
(940) 349-2200
Denton County District Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Following the filing of a petition, a hearing date will be scheduled. All agencies maintaining records related to the arrest must be notified of the expunction proceeding. If the court grants the expunction, an order will be issued directing all relevant agencies to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest.
For arrests that do not qualify for expungement, Texas Government Code Chapter 411 provides an alternative remedy known as an Order of Nondisclosure. This process seals criminal records from public view but allows access by law enforcement and certain governmental agencies. Eligibility requirements and procedures for nondisclosure differ from those for expungement.
Legal representation is not required for expungement proceedings, but due to the complex nature of the process, many petitioners retain an attorney. The Denton County Bar Association maintains a referral service for individuals seeking legal counsel for expungement matters.
Denton County Bar Association
512 W Hickory St, Suite 202
Denton, TX 76201
(940) 320-1500
Denton County Bar Association
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Search Arrest Records in Denton
