Gillespie County, Texas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Gillespie County, Texas?
Arrest records in Gillespie County, Texas are considered public information pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest information, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to records maintained by governmental bodies. Law enforcement agencies in Gillespie County are required to maintain these records and make them available upon proper request, subject to certain statutory limitations and exceptions.
Certain arrest records may be exempt from disclosure under specific circumstances as outlined in § 552.101 through § 552.158 of the Texas Government Code. These exemptions include records related to ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and information that would compromise personal privacy beyond the public interest in disclosure. Additionally, records that have been ordered sealed or expunged by a court are not available for public inspection.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Gillespie County?
Gillespie County arrest records are partially available through online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Gillespie County Sheriff's Office maintains a database of current inmates and recent arrests that is accessible through their official website. This information is updated regularly but may not include comprehensive historical data. The Texas Department of Public Safety also maintains the Computerized Criminal History System (CCH), which contains arrest information reported by law enforcement agencies throughout the state, including those in Gillespie County.
Online access to Gillespie County arrest records may be limited in scope and detail compared to records obtained directly from the originating agency. Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 27, certain criminal history record information may only be disseminated to authorized entities. Members of the public seeking comprehensive arrest information are advised that the most complete records are typically obtained through formal requests submitted directly to the appropriate county agency.
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains the arresting agency identification numbers for all reporting jurisdictions in Texas, including Gillespie County agencies, which facilitates the proper routing and processing of arrest information within state databases.
How to Look Up Gillespie County Arrest Records in 2025
Individuals seeking Gillespie County arrest records may utilize several authorized methods to obtain this information:
County Sheriff's Office Request: The Gillespie County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county. Requestors may submit a formal public information request in person, by mail, or via electronic means where available.
Gillespie County Sheriff's Office
101 W. Main Street, Unit #5
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-7585
Official WebsiteDistrict Clerk's Office: Court records related to arrests, including indictments and case dispositions, may be obtained through the Gillespie County District Clerk.
Gillespie County District Clerk
101 W. Main Street, Room 204
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-6517
Official WebsiteTexas Department of Public Safety: For statewide criminal history information, including arrests in Gillespie County, requests may be submitted to the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service.
Texas Department of Public Safety - Crime Records Service
PO Box 4143
Austin, TX 78765-4143
(512) 424-2000
Official Website
Requests for arrest records must comply with the provisions of the Texas Public Information Act. Pursuant to § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information in response to proper requests. Requestors may be required to provide identifying information about the subject of the search and may be assessed reasonable fees for document retrieval and reproduction as authorized by § 552.261.
Contents of a Gillespie County Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Gillespie County law enforcement agencies typically contain the following categories of information as prescribed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and ethnicity
- Physical descriptors such as height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks
- Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
- Fingerprint impressions collected at the time of booking
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory offense(s) for which the individual was arrested
- Name and identification of the arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility information
- Bond information, including amount set and whether posted
- Court case number and assigned court, if applicable
- Disposition information, when available
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the stage of the criminal justice process and reporting practices of the arresting agency. Records maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety are subject to verification procedures established under Texas Government Code § 411.085, which requires agencies to maintain the accuracy, completeness, and proper dissemination of criminal history record information.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Gillespie County
Under Texas law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Gillespie County. Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure governs the expungement process, which effectively removes arrest information from public and official records when granted.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Gillespie County include:
- The person was arrested but never charged with an offense
- Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed
- The person was acquitted of the charges at trial
- The person was convicted but subsequently pardoned
- The person successfully completed a pre-trial diversion program, where eligible
- The statutory waiting period has elapsed following dismissal of charges
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Gillespie County District Court. Pursuant to Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Upon filing, a hearing date will be set, and notice must be served to all agencies that may possess records related to the arrest.
If granted, an Order of Expunction directs all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to delete or return all records and files related to the expunged arrest. Following expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
The Texas Racing Commission and other licensing bodies may require disclosure of criminal history information, including expunged records, for certain regulatory purposes as permitted by law.
Search Arrest Records in Gillespie County
