Midlothian Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Midlothian, Texas?
Arrest records in Midlothian, Texas are classified as public information pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access government records, including documentation related to arrests conducted by law enforcement agencies within the jurisdiction. The statute operates under the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with specific exceptions enumerated in the law.
Members of the public may inspect, request copies of, or otherwise access arrest records maintained by the Midlothian Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies. This transparency requirement serves multiple public interests, including:
- Ensuring accountability of law enforcement operations
- Facilitating public oversight of governmental activities
- Providing necessary information for background checks and security clearances
- Supporting journalistic and research endeavors related to criminal justice
The Texas Public Information Act stipulates that governmental bodies must promptly release requested information unless there exists a specific exception under law. Pursuant to § 552.221, a request for information must be honored "promptly," which is defined as "as soon as possible under the circumstances" and without delay.
How to Look Up Midlothian Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Midlothian. The following methods are available for obtaining this information:
Midlothian Police Department 1150 N. Highway 67 Midlothian, TX 76065 (972) 775-3333 Midlothian Police Department Official Website
The Records Division operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors may submit public information requests in person, by mail, or through the department's online portal. Pursuant to § 552.261 of the Texas Government Code, fees may apply for document reproduction.
Ellis County Sheriff's Office 109 S. Jackson Street Waxahachie, TX 75165 (972) 825-4901 Ellis County Sheriff's Office Official Website
The Records Division processes requests Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors must complete a Public Information Request form and may be required to present identification when collecting records.
Ellis County District Clerk's Office 109 S. Jackson Street, Suite 201 Waxahachie, TX 75165 (972) 825-5070 Ellis County District Clerk Official Website
Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings may be accessed through the District Clerk's office. Public terminals are available for on-site searches Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Online Public Access Services The Midlothian Municipal Court provides online access to certain records through its Municipal Online Services portal. This system allows for remote searches of violation records and case status information.
Contents of a Midlothian Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Midlothian law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as prescribed by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and departmental policies. Standard arrest records include the following components:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
- Physical descriptors including height, weight, eye color, hair color, and distinguishing features
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including citation of applicable Texas Penal Code sections
- Booking photographs ("mugshots") taken during processing
- Fingerprint impressions collected during booking procedures
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and other administrative identifiers
- Custody status information
- Bond amount, if applicable
Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 27, Rule § 27.1, law enforcement agencies must maintain complete and accurate records of all arrests. These records must be retained according to the schedule established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains the central repository for criminal history record information through the Computerized Criminal History System (CCH), which includes arrest data submitted by local agencies including the Midlothian Police Department.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Midlothian
Under Texas law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records maintained by Midlothian law enforcement agencies. Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure governs the expungement process, which provides for the complete removal of records from public access.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Midlothian include:
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges
- Cases where charges were dismissed
- Acquittals following trial proceedings
- Pardons granted by the Governor or President
- Arrests for certain misdemeanors committed by minors
- Arrests for certain non-violent offenses after prescribed waiting periods
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Ellis County District Court. Pursuant to § 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. The filing fee for an expungement petition in Ellis County is approximately $300, though this amount may vary based on case complexity.
Ellis County District Court 109 S. Jackson Street Waxahachie, TX 75165 (972) 825-5000 Ellis County Courts Official Website
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing to determine eligibility. If the court grants the expunction, an order will be issued directing all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to destroy or return all documentation to the court. Following successful expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except in specific circumstances outlined in § 55.03.
For individuals who do not qualify for expungement, Texas law provides an alternative remedy through orders of nondisclosure pursuant to Government Code Chapter 411. These orders prohibit criminal justice agencies from disclosing criminal history record information to the general public but do not completely destroy the records.
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