Erath County, Texas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Erath County, Texas?
Arrest records are public information in Erath County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests, unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act operates under the premise that governmental transparency and accountability are best served when citizens have access to information about governmental operations, including law enforcement activities.
The Erath County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its statutory duties. These records document the apprehension and detention of individuals suspected of criminal activity within the county's jurisdiction. Members of the public may request access to these records through established procedures, subject to certain limitations designed to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal privacy in specific circumstances as outlined in § 552.108 and § 552.101 of the Texas Government Code.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Erath County?
Erath County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official county platforms. The Erath County Jail inmate listing offers current information about individuals currently in custody. This resource is maintained by the Erath County Sheriff's Office and is updated regularly to reflect the current jail population.
The online availability of these records is governed by the Texas Public Information Act, which establishes parameters for electronic access to government records. While current inmate information is readily accessible online, historical arrest records may require additional steps to obtain. The county's implementation of digital record systems aims to balance public access with administrative efficiency and individual privacy considerations as mandated by state law.
Users should note that online records may not contain complete arrest history information. Certain details may be redacted in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.130, § 552.136, and § 552.147, which protect specific categories of personal information from public disclosure.
How to Look Up Erath County Arrest Records in 2025
The Erath County government provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Each method offers different advantages in terms of convenience, comprehensiveness, and processing time:
Online County Resources: The Erath County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate database that provides information about current detainees. This resource is accessible through the county's official website and offers basic arrest information for individuals currently in custody.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Erath County Sheriff's Office to submit formal requests for arrest records. This method often provides the most comprehensive access to available records.
Erath County Sheriff's Office
1043 Glen Rose Road
Stephenville, TX 76401
(254) 965-3338
Official WebsiteWritten Requests: Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, individuals may submit written requests for arrest records to the Erath County Clerk's Office. These requests must reasonably identify the records sought and may be subject to processing fees as permitted under § 552.261 of the Texas Government Code.
Erath County Clerk's Office
Donald R. Jones Justice Center
112 W. College Street
Stephenville, TX 76401
(254) 965-1482
Official WebsiteThird-Party Services: Commercial background check services aggregate public records from multiple jurisdictions, potentially including Erath County arrest data. Users should verify the accuracy and currency of information obtained through these services, as they may not reflect recent record updates or expungements.
Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and date of birth when available. Processing times vary based on the method chosen and the complexity of the request.
Contents of an Erath County Arrest Record
Erath County arrest records typically contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. These records serve both administrative and public information purposes as outlined in Chapter 62 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Standard components of an Erath County arrest record include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and other identifying characteristics of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the arresting agency; and the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including citation to the relevant sections of the Texas Penal Code or other applicable statutes.
Case Processing Information: Booking number, court docket number, bail or bond amount (if applicable), and scheduled court appearances.
Biometric Data: Fingerprints collected during booking and mugshot photographs taken at the time of processing.
Custody Status: Current detention status, including release information if applicable.
The Erath County Jail maintains these records in accordance with state record-keeping requirements. Certain elements of arrest records may be redacted when provided to the public, particularly when they contain information protected by privacy statutes or when disclosure might compromise an ongoing investigation as specified in § 552.108 of the Texas Government Code.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Erath County
Texas law provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Erath County. This legal process is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which establishes specific eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Expungement eligibility generally applies in the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not lead to a formal charge
- Charges were dismissed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The individual was pardoned
- The statutory waiting period has elapsed for certain qualifying offenses
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Erath County Court at Law or the 266th District Court, depending on the nature of the original case. The petition must comply with the requirements set forth in Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, including proper notification to all agencies that may possess records related to the arrest.
Erath County Court at Law
Donald R. Jones Justice Center
112 W. College Street, 2nd Floor
Stephenville, TX 76401
(254) 965-1485
Official Website
Upon granting an expungement, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest. Once expunged, the arrest is treated as if it never occurred, and the individual may legally deny the existence of the arrest except in very limited circumstances specified by statute.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The court filing fees for expungement petitions in Erath County typically range from $250 to $500, not including attorney fees if legal representation is obtained.
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