Arrest records are public in Crowell, 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 made within the jurisdiction. The Texas Public Information Act operates under the fundamental principle that governmental transparency serves the public interest by allowing citizens to monitor the activities of public agencies and officials.
Members of the public may request arrest records from the appropriate law enforcement agencies in Crowell and Foard County. These records are maintained as part of the official documentation of law enforcement activities and judicial proceedings. The Texas Public Information Act stipulates that governmental bodies must promptly release requested information unless specific exceptions apply under § 552.101 through § 552.158 of the Government Code.
Certain information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld if it falls under statutory exceptions, such as information that would compromise an ongoing investigation or information protected by privacy laws. The determination regarding which information may be withheld is made by the custodian of records in accordance with state law.
Multiple methods are available for accessing arrest records in Crowell, Texas. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information. Fees may apply for record searches and copies in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.261, which permits governmental bodies to charge reasonable fees for document reproduction.
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Crowell typically contain comprehensive documentation of the arrest event and subsequent processing. Standard components of these records include:
These records are maintained in accordance with Texas Local Government Code § 201.003, which establishes requirements for the creation and retention of local government records. The level of detail contained in arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the offense and the policies of the arresting agency.
The expungement process in Crowell follows Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, which provides legal mechanisms for the removal of arrest records under specific circumstances. Individuals may petition for expungement (also referred to as "expunction" in Texas law) if they meet statutory eligibility requirements.
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.01, individuals may qualify for expungement if:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the district court in Foard County. The petition must include specific information as mandated by § 55.02 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, including personal identifying information, details of the arrest, and the statutory grounds for expungement.
If the court grants the expungement, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest will be ordered to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest. Following expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
For arrests that do not qualify for expungement, individuals may alternatively seek an order of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes.
Access to arrest records in Crowell is subject to certain statutory limitations designed to protect privacy rights and the integrity of the criminal justice system. The Texas Public Information Act provides specific exceptions to disclosure under Government Code § 552.108, which permits withholding information if release would:
Additionally, juvenile arrest records are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under Texas Family Code Chapter 58. These records are generally not available to the public unless specific statutory exceptions apply.
Federal laws, including the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), may further restrict the disclosure of certain information contained within arrest records, particularly medical information obtained during arrest processing.
Law enforcement agencies in Crowell must balance the public's right to information against these statutory protections when responding to requests for arrest records. Determinations regarding disclosure are made on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable laws.
Multiple governmental entities maintain and provide access to arrest records within Crowell and Foard County:
Foard County Sheriff's Office
102 E California St
Crowell, TX 79227
Phone: (940) 684-1501
Foard County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency for Foard County and maintains records of arrests made within county jurisdiction. Office hours for public record requests are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Foard County Courthouse
101 S Main St
Crowell, TX 79227
Phone: (940) 684-1424
Foard County, Texas
The courthouse houses the District Clerk's Office, which maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent judicial proceedings. Public access hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Crowell Municipal Court
P.O. Box 250
Crowell, TX 79227-0250
Phone: (940) 684-1014
City of Crowell
The Municipal Court maintains records of arrests for violations of municipal ordinances within Crowell city limits. Court clerk hours for public assistance are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Each agency follows specific procedures for processing public information requests in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or in some cases, electronically. Response times are governed by § 552.221 of the Government Code, which requires prompt production of public information.