Arrest records are public information in Fort Bend County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This statute establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by governmental bodies is presumed to be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation to document law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental and civic purposes:
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or where disclosure would compromise public safety. These exceptions are narrowly construed in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.108, which addresses law enforcement exceptions to required disclosure.
Fort Bend County provides digital access to arrest records through several official online platforms. The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office maintains a comprehensive database of arrest information that is accessible to the public via their official website. Additionally, the county's Jail Public Information Inquiry system allows citizens to search for current inmates and their booking information.
Online access to arrest records is governed by the following provisions:
The Odyssey Public Access system provides additional information about criminal cases that result from arrests, including court dates, case dispositions, and related legal documents. Users should note that while basic information is freely available, certain detailed records may require formal requests or payment of administrative fees as permitted under Texas Government Code § 552.261.
Members of the public seeking Fort Bend County arrest records have multiple methods available for conducting searches. The county has implemented several access points to facilitate public information retrieval in compliance with Texas Government Code § 552.221, which requires prompt production of public information.
Individuals may obtain arrest records by visiting the following locations during regular business hours:
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1410 Ransom Road
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 341-4700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Official Website
Fort Bend County District Clerk's Office
301 Jackson Street
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 341-4509
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Court Records Research
Digital access to arrest records is available through the following official platforms:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to:
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office
Attn: Records Division
1410 Ransom Road
Richmond, TX 77469
Requests must include sufficient information to identify the specific records sought, including the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.222, the county may request clarification if the initial request is unclear.
Fort Bend County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.17, which mandates the documentation of all arrests. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
These records are maintained in accordance with the Fort Bend County Records Retention Schedule as authorized under Texas Local Government Code § 203.041.
Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, certain individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Fort Bend County. Expungement is a legal process that removes arrest records from public access and, when granted, allows individuals to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest.
Expungement may be available under the following circumstances:
The expungement process requires filing a petition in the district court where the arrest occurred or where the case was disposed. The petition must include:
Fort Bend County District Clerk's Office
301 Jackson Street
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 341-4509
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Court Records Research
Due to the complex nature of expungement proceedings, petitioners are advised to secure legal representation. The Fort Bend County Bar Association can provide referrals to attorneys specializing in expungement cases.
Fort Bend County Bar Association
501 Jackson Street
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 341-3604
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM