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Highland Village Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Highland Village, Texas?

Yes, arrest records are public in Highland Village, Texas. This accessibility is governed by the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), which establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for governmental entities is available to the public, with certain exceptions. Arrest records, as part of the public record, provide transparency and maintain public oversight of law enforcement and governmental activities. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.021, public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body.

The Highland Village Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state law and makes them available through established protocols. 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, juvenile records, or other statutorily protected information as outlined in Texas Government Code § 552.101 through § 552.158.

How to Look Up Highland Village Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain information on arrest records in Highland Village, residents have multiple options for conducting their search. The Highland Village Police Department provides several methods to access these public records:

  • Visit the Highland Village Police Department: Individuals may visit the police department in person to request arrest records. Records requests are processed during regular business hours.

Highland Village Police Department
1000 Highland Village Road
Highland Village, TX 75077
(972) 317-6551
Official Website

  • Submit an Open Records Request: Citizens may file a formal open records request with the police records unit. These requests must be submitted in writing in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act.

  • Online Resources: The department provides access to crime data and statistics through their official website, which may include information about recent arrests.

  • Denton County Records: Since Highland Village is located in Denton County, arrest records may also be available through the Denton County Sheriff's Office or the Denton County Clerk's Office.

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

Contents of a Highland Village Arrest Record

A Highland Village arrest record typically contains several pieces of information regarding the individual and the arrest incident. These documents are maintained in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information. Standard arrest records include:

  • The full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
  • Date of birth and demographic information
  • Date, time, and location of the arrest
  • Booking identification number and case number associated with the arrest
  • Specific charges filed against the individual, including citation of applicable Texas statutes
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Mugshots and fingerprints of the arrested person
  • Bond amount and conditions, if applicable
  • Detention facility information
  • Court appearance dates
  • Disposition of the case, if available

It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108, certain information may be withheld if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. Additionally, information related to juveniles is subject to special confidentiality provisions under Texas Family Code § 58.008.

Legal Restrictions on Accessing Arrest Records

While arrest records are generally public in Highland Village, several legal restrictions limit access to certain information. The Highland Village Municipal Court and Police Department must adhere to these restrictions when processing record requests:

  • Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Texas Family Code § 58.008, records and files concerning a child, including arrest records, are confidential unless specifically authorized for disclosure.

  • Expunged Records: Records that have been legally expunged under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 are removed from public access and treated as if the arrest never occurred.

  • Sealed Records: Records that have been sealed by court order, often through an order of non-disclosure under Texas Government Code § 411.081, are restricted from public view.

  • Ongoing Investigations: Information related to pending investigations may be temporarily withheld under Texas Government Code § 552.108 if release would interfere with law enforcement proceedings.

  • Privacy Protections: Certain personal identifying information may be redacted to protect privacy rights, including social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information.

Governmental entities in Highland Village must respond to requests for arrest records within 10 business days, either by providing the information or explaining why the information cannot be released, as required by Texas Government Code § 552.221.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Highland Village

In Highland Village, the expungement of arrest records is a legal process governed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 that allows individuals to remove their arrest records under specific conditions. This remedy is generally available if:

  • The arrest did not lead to a formal charge
  • The case was dismissed
  • The individual was acquitted at trial
  • The individual was pardoned
  • The individual completed a pretrial diversion program
  • The statute of limitations expired before formal charges were filed

To initiate an expungement, the individual must file a petition in the court that handled the case or would have handled the case if charges had been filed. The petition must include specific information as outlined in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.02, including personal identifying information, details of the arrest, and the grounds for expungement.

The Highland Village Municipal Court processes expungement petitions for eligible cases within its jurisdiction. For more serious offenses, petitions must be filed with the Denton County District Court.

Highland Village Municipal Court
1000 Highland Village Road
Highland Village, TX 75077
(972) 317-3660
Official Website

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing and notifies all agencies that may have records related to the arrest. If the court determines that all legal criteria are met, it will issue an order of expungement, directing all governmental agencies to delete records of the arrest from their files.

Alternative Remedies: Orders of Non-Disclosure

For individuals who do not qualify for expungement, an order of non-disclosure may provide partial relief. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.081, an order of non-disclosure seals criminal records from public view while allowing access by law enforcement and certain governmental agencies. This remedy is typically available to individuals who have successfully completed deferred adjudication community supervision for certain offenses.

The Highland Village Municipal Court provides information about deferred disposition programs, which may lead to eligibility for an order of non-disclosure upon successful completion. Applicants must meet statutory waiting periods, which vary depending on the offense, before filing a petition for non-disclosure.

Unlike expungement, which completely removes records from governmental files, an order of non-disclosure merely restricts public access while maintaining the records for official use. This distinction is important for individuals considering their options for addressing past arrests.

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