>Franklin County Arrest Records Online

Franklin County, Texas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Franklin County, Texas?

Arrest records are public documents in Franklin County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that government-held records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public upon request. The Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability of public officials, enabling citizens to obtain information relevant to community safety and personal interests.

The Texas Public Information Act specifically designates arrest records as public information under § 552.022, with limited exceptions as provided by law. These exceptions typically involve ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety. Franklin County law enforcement agencies maintain these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Franklin County?

Franklin County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by governmental entities. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to certain arrest information as part of their commitment to public service and transparency. Additionally, the Franklin County Clerk's Office maintains electronic records that may include arrest-related documentation.

Online accessibility is subject to the provisions of Texas Government Code § 552.261, which permits governmental bodies to charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public information. Digital access may be limited for certain protected categories of information as specified in § 552.101 through § 552.158 of the Texas Government Code.

The Texas Department of Public Safety also maintains a statewide criminal history database that includes arrest records from Franklin County. Access to this database requires proper authorization and may involve payment of statutory fees as outlined in Texas Government Code § 411.135.

How to Look Up Franklin County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Franklin County arrest records have multiple official channels available:

Sheriff's Office Records Division: The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records and booking information.

Franklin County Sheriff's Office
208 TX Hwy 37
Mt. Vernon, TX 75457
Phone: 903-537-4539
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
County Clerk's Office: Court records related to arrests, including case dispositions and court proceedings, are maintained by the County Clerk.

Franklin County Clerk's Office
Franklin County Courthouse
200 N. Kaufman Street
Mount Vernon, TX 75457
Phone: 903-537-4342
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Franklin County Clerk
Justice of the Peace Office: Records of Class C misdemeanor arrests and citations are available through the Justice of the Peace.

Franklin County Justice of the Peace
Franklin County Courthouse
200 N. Kaufman St.
Mount Vernon, TX 75457
Phone: 903-537-2342, Ext. 1
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Justice of the Peace Office
District Court: Felony arrest records and related court proceedings are accessible through the District Court.

62nd District Court
Franklin County Courthouse
200 N. Kaufman Street
Mount Vernon, TX 75457
Phone: 903-537-2342
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
District Court Records

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information for inspection or duplication upon request. Requestors may be required to submit requests in writing and provide identification in accordance with local policies established under state law.

Contents of a Franklin County Arrest Record

Franklin County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These official documents typically include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
Arresting agency information and identification of arresting officer(s)
Booking details including mugshot photographs and fingerprint records
Custody status information including bail or bond amounts if applicable
Case disposition information when available
Warrant information if the arrest was executed pursuant to a warrant
Vehicle information if applicable to the arrest circumstances

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the arresting agency's protocols. Records maintained by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office adhere to the Texas Local Government Records Act (Local Government Code Chapter 201-205) which establishes minimum retention periods for law enforcement records.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Franklin County

Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, certain individuals may petition for expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Franklin County. Expungement effectively removes records from public access and, when granted, permits the individual to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except in specific circumstances outlined in statute.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Franklin County include:

Arrests that did not result in formal charges
Cases where charges were dismissed or quashed
Acquittals by trial or appellate courts
Pardons based on actual innocence
Arrests resulting from identity theft or false identification
Successful completion of certain pretrial diversion programs
Arrests for certain misdemeanors committed by minors

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the 62nd District Court in Franklin County. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and the petitioner's eligibility for expungement. The District Attorney's Office must be notified of the petition, and a hearing may be scheduled to determine whether the statutory requirements have been met.

If granted, an Order of Expunction will be issued directing all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to destroy or return all records and files related to the expunged arrest. These agencies include the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and any other entity identified as maintaining records of the arrest.