>Ellis County Arrest Records Online

Ellis County, Texas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Ellis County, Texas?

Yes, arrest records are public in Ellis County, Texas. This accessibility is governed by the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), which establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be available to the public. The Act promotes transparency in governmental operations and ensures citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities within the county. Pursuant to this legislation, members of the public may request and obtain arrest records maintained by Ellis County law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities.

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligations. Records are accessible through the Ellis County District Clerk's Office, which serves as the custodian of court records including those related to criminal proceedings following arrests.

Ellis County District Clerk's Office
109 South Jackson Street
Waxahachie, TX 75165
Phone: 972-825-5070
Ellis County District Clerk

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Ellis County?

Yes, arrest records can be found online in Ellis County through the county's official online records portal. The Ellis County government has implemented digital access systems in compliance with Texas Administrative Code §203.40, which encourages governmental bodies to provide electronic access to public information. The online records search system allows users to search for and retrieve arrest records and related court documents remotely.

The online system provides access to:

Current inmate information
Arrest logs
Court dockets related to criminal cases
Case status information

Users should note that while basic information is freely available, there may be fees associated with obtaining certified copies or complete records. The fee schedule is established pursuant to Texas Local Government Code §118.011 and is subject to periodic review by the Ellis County Commissioners Court.

How to Look Up Ellis County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Ellis County arrest records, multiple methods are available to members of the public. Each method provides different levels of detail and convenience in accordance with Texas Government Code §552.221, which requires governmental bodies to provide prompt access to public information.

In-Person Requests

Individuals may visit the following locations to conduct arrest record searches:

Ellis County Sheriff's Office
2272 FM 878
Waxahachie, TX 75165
Phone: 972-825-4901
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Ellis County Clerk's Office
109 South Jackson Street
Waxahachie, TX 75165
Phone: 972-825-5070
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
County Clerk's Office

Online Access

The Ellis County Online Records Search provides 24-hour access to public records. Users may search by:

Name of the arrested individual
Case number
Date range of arrest
Type of offense

Written Requests

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to:

Ellis County Open Records
109 South Jackson Street
Waxahachie, TX 75165
Open Records Requests

Pursuant to Texas Government Code §552.221(a), the county must promptly produce public information in response to an application. "Promptly" means as soon as possible under the circumstances, within a reasonable time, without delay.

Contents of an Ellis County Arrest Record

Ellis County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 66.251. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and subsequent processing through the criminal justice system.

A complete arrest record typically includes:

Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Specific charges filed, including statute citations
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking information, including processing date and time
Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
Demographic information (date of birth, gender, race)
Mugshot photographs and fingerprint data
Case disposition information (if available)
Bond information, including amount and status
Court assignment details

The Ellis County Criminal Misdemeanor Division maintains records for less serious offenses, while felony records are maintained by the District Clerk's Office. Both offices operate under the supervision of the Ellis County Courts Administration.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in Ellis County, certain restrictions apply to their access and dissemination. These limitations are established by both state and federal laws designed to protect privacy rights in specific circumstances.

The following records may have restricted access:

Juvenile arrest records (governed by Texas Family Code §58.007)
Records sealed by court order
Expunged or non-disclosed records
Records related to ongoing investigations
Records containing information that would compromise public safety

The Justice of the Peace courts in Ellis County handle many initial appearances following arrests and maintain records subject to these restrictions. These courts have jurisdiction over Class C misdemeanors and preliminary matters in more serious cases.

Law enforcement agencies may withhold certain information if disclosure would interfere with the detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. This exception is authorized under Texas Government Code §552.108.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Ellis County

Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Ellis County under specific circumstances outlined in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55. Expungement effectively removes the record from public access and law enforcement databases, allowing eligible individuals to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest.

Eligibility criteria for expungement include:

Acquittal after trial
Dismissal of charges
Arrest without formal charges being filed
Completion of certain diversion programs
Pardon or actual innocence finding

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the district court in Ellis County. The petition must comply with the requirements set forth in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 55.02 and include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings.

Ellis County District Courts
109 South Jackson Street
Waxahachie, TX 75165
Phone: 972-825-5000
Ellis County Courts Information

Individuals with victims' rights concerns related to criminal cases may contact the Ellis County Victim Assistance Program at 972-825-5374 for information about how expungements may affect their rights.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Arrest records in Ellis County may be utilized for background check purposes subject to compliance with applicable state and federal laws. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) and Texas Business and Commerce Code §20.05 govern the use of criminal history information for employment purposes.

Employers, landlords, and other authorized entities may access arrest records through:

Direct requests to Ellis County offices
Third-party background check companies
The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service

Users of arrest record information must be aware that under Texas law, it is generally unlawful to discriminate against an individual solely because of a prior arrest that did not result in conviction. The Ellis County Precinct Three Justice Court handles many employment-related disputes and can provide guidance on applicable laws.

When conducting background checks using Ellis County arrest records, requestors should verify the accuracy and completeness of information obtained, as records may not reflect final dispositions or may contain errors that could adversely affect individuals.

Search Arrest Records in Ellis County

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