Freestone County, Texas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Freestone County, Texas?
Arrest records are public documents in Freestone County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. The Act mandates that governmental bodies, including law enforcement agencies in Freestone County, maintain transparency by providing access to arrest records and other public information.
The Texas Public Information Act serves multiple public interests, including:
- Promoting governmental accountability
- Ensuring informed citizen participation in democratic processes
- Facilitating public oversight of law enforcement activities
- Maintaining transparency in the criminal justice system
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as specified under Texas Government Code § 552.101-152, which outlines exceptions to disclosure.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Freestone County?
Freestone County provides limited online access to arrest records through official county platforms. The Freestone County website serves as the primary portal for accessing digital public records. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.272, governmental bodies may establish reasonable procedures for providing electronic access to public information.
Online availability of arrest records in Freestone County is subject to the following conditions:
- Records may not be comprehensive or include all historical data
- Information is typically updated on a periodic basis rather than in real-time
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with state privacy laws
- Technical limitations may affect accessibility during system maintenance periods
The County Clerk's Office maintains many public records, including certain court records related to arrests. Electronic access to these records is provided as a public service, though the most complete information remains available through in-person requests.
How to Look Up Freestone County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Freestone County. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information for inspection or duplication. The following methods are available for accessing Freestone County arrest records:
Freestone County Sheriff's Office
103 S. Keechi
Fairfield, TX 75840
Phone: (903) 389-3236
Official Sheriff's Office Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Individuals may submit requests in person at the Sheriff's Office. Staff will assist with locating relevant records and providing copies for a nominal fee as established by Texas Government Code § 552.261.
Freestone County Clerk's Office
118 East Commerce Street, Room 102
Fairfield, TX 75840
Phone: (903) 389-2481
County Clerk Records
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The County Clerk maintains court records related to criminal cases. Requestors may search these records by name or case number.
Written Requests
Written requests may be submitted to either the Sheriff's Office or County Clerk by mail. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.301, the governmental body must respond to written requests within 10 business days. Requests should include:
- Full name of the individual in the arrest record
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Specific information being requested
Contents of a Freestone County Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Freestone County law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and generally include:
- Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description including height, weight, eye color, hair color
- Distinguishing physical characteristics such as scars, marks, or tattoos
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint information
- Case disposition information (if available)
- Bond information including amount and status
It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108, certain information within arrest records may be withheld if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under Texas Family Code § 58.007.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Freestone County
Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, eligible individuals may petition for expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Freestone 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.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Freestone County include:
- Arrests that did not lead to charges
- Charges that were dismissed
- Acquittals following trial
- Pardons
- Certain misdemeanor juvenile offenses
- Successful completion of certain diversion programs
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the district court in Freestone County. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include:
- Petitioner's full name, sex, race, date of birth, driver's license number, social security number
- Address at time of arrest
- Offense charged against petitioner
- Date of arrest
- County where arrest occurred
- Name of the agency that made the arrest
- Case number and court of offense
- A list of all law enforcement agencies, jails, courts, and other entities believed to have records subject to expunction
The Freestone County expungement petition form provides guidance for individuals seeking to initiate this process. Filing fees apply in accordance with the Freestone County District Clerk's fee schedule.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing. If the court grants the expungement, an order will be issued directing all relevant agencies to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest.
Search Arrest Records in Freestone County
