El Paso County, Texas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in El Paso County, Texas?
Arrest records are public information in El Paso County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. The Act mandates that governmental bodies, including law enforcement agencies, make arrest records accessible to members of the public upon request.
The Texas Public Information Act serves several governmental purposes:
- Ensuring transparency in governmental operations
- Promoting accountability of public officials
- Enabling citizens to monitor law enforcement activities
- Facilitating public awareness of criminal activity within the community
Individuals seeking arrest records may encounter certain limitations. Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or those protected by court order may be exempt from disclosure under Texas Government Code § 552.108. Additionally, certain personal identifying information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as specified in § 552.130 and § 552.147.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in El Paso County?
El Paso County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by county and municipal agencies. The El Paso Police Department provides access to certain arrest information through their official website, including recent booking data and current inmate status. The County Clerk's Office maintains a searchable database of court records that may contain information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings.
Online access to arrest records is subject to the following conditions:
- Records may not be comprehensive or immediately updated
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online versions
- Some detailed records may require formal requests through official channels
- Access to certain databases may require registration or payment of nominal fees
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office maintains a public access terminal at their headquarters where more comprehensive arrest record searches may be conducted. This resource is available during regular business hours at:
El Paso County Sheriff's Office
3850 Justice Drive
El Paso, TX 79938
(915) 546-2280
El Paso County Sheriff's Office
How to Look Up El Paso County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in El Paso County have multiple methods available for conducting searches. The appropriate method depends on the specific information needed and the intended use of the records.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
El Paso County Clerk's Office
500 E. San Antonio Avenue, Suite 105
El Paso, TX 79901
(915) 546-2071
El Paso County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
El Paso Municipal Court
810 E. Overland Avenue
El Paso, TX 79901
(915) 212-0215
El Paso Municipal Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
For written requests, applicants must submit a completed Public Information Request Form to the appropriate agency. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information in response to proper requests, typically within 10 business days.
Online searches may be conducted through:
- The El Paso County Court Records Search Portal
- The El Paso County Sheriff's Inmate Lookup System
- The Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search (requires fee payment)
When requesting records, individuals must provide:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date or approximate timeframe of arrest
- Case number (if known)
Contents of an El Paso County Arrest Record
El Paso County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement interactions with individuals suspected of criminal activity.
Standard information included in arrest records:
- Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
- Demographic information (date of birth, gender, race, height, weight)
- Physical identifiers (tattoos, scars, distinguishing features)
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint classification data
- Case disposition information (if available)
- Bond amount and status
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.135, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account information
- Medical or mental health information
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas maintains federal arrest records for cases within its jurisdiction, including those occurring in El Paso County. These records follow federal guidelines for content and accessibility.
Expungement of Arrest Records in El Paso County
Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, eligible individuals may petition for expungement (expunction) of arrest records in El Paso County. Expungement legally removes arrest information from public records and, when granted, permits the individual to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except in specific circumstances.
Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
- Arrests that did not lead to 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 certain misdemeanors committed by minors
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in El Paso County. Petitioners must submit:
- Verified petition containing statutorily required information
- Complete set of fingerprints
- Filing fee (approximately $250-350)
- Supporting documentation regarding case disposition
El Paso District Clerk's Office
500 E. San Antonio Avenue, Room 103
El Paso, TX 79901
(915) 546-2021
El Paso District Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Individuals not qualifying for expungement may be eligible for an Order of Nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes. This remedy is typically available to those who successfully completed deferred adjudication for certain offenses.
Search Arrest Records in El Paso County
