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Goliad County, Texas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Goliad County, Texas?

Arrest records are public documents in Goliad 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 within the county, shall be made available to the public upon request. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability in law enforcement activities.

Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Goliad County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies. These records are considered public information unless specifically exempted by statute. Exemptions may apply to records involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or cases where disclosure would compromise public safety.

Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body. The custodian of public records in Goliad County must promptly produce such records for inspection or duplication, or both, in the offices of the governmental body.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Goliad County?

Arrest records can be accessed online through various governmental and third-party platforms in Goliad County. The Goliad County official website provides digital access to certain public records, including limited arrest information. However, the comprehensiveness and currency of online records may vary significantly from those available through direct requests.

The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a statewide criminal history database that includes arrest records from Goliad County. Access to this database is restricted to authorized entities and requires proper identification and, in some cases, payment of statutory fees as prescribed by Texas Government Code § 411.135.

Online accessibility of arrest records is subject to the following conditions:

  • Records may not be immediately available online following an arrest
  • Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online versions
  • Complete records may require in-person requests
  • Third-party websites may not contain official or up-to-date information

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, a reasonable charge for providing copies of public information may be assessed by the records custodian.

How to Look Up Goliad County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for obtaining Goliad County arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:

  1. Submit a request in person at the Goliad County Sheriff's Office:

    Goliad County Sheriff's Office
    701 E End Street
    Goliad, TX 77963
    (361) 645-3451
    Official Website

    Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

  2. Access the Goliad County Clerk's records for court case information related to arrests:

    Goliad County Clerk's Office
    127 N Courthouse Square
    Goliad, TX 77963
    (361) 645-3438
    Official Website

  3. Utilize the Goliad County public records search portal for digitized records.

  4. Submit a written request via mail or email to the records custodian, pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.301.

  5. Contact the Goliad County District Clerk for felony case information:

    Goliad County District Clerk
    127 N Courthouse Square, Room 204
    Goliad, TX 77963
    (361) 645-3320
    Official Website

Requestors must provide sufficient identifying information to locate specific records. This typically includes the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.222, the officer for public information may ask the requestor to clarify or narrow the request if it is unclear.

Contents of a Goliad County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Goliad County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Standard components of these records 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 violations alleged (Texas Penal Code citations)
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Booking information including fingerprints and mugshot photographs
  • Custody status and bail/bond determination
  • Case disposition information, if available
  • Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction

The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.26 requires peace officers to take arrested persons before a magistrate without unnecessary delay. Documentation of this process forms part of the arrest record.

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, Texas Government Code § 552.1175 protects personal information of certain officials, including peace officers and security officers.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Goliad County

Under Texas law, individuals may petition for expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Goliad County under specific circumstances. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 governs the expungement process, which effectively removes arrest records from public access when granted.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Goliad County include:

  • Arrests that did not lead to formal charges
  • Charges that were dismissed or quashed
  • Acquittals by trial or appellate courts
  • Pardons based on actual innocence
  • Arrests resulting from identity theft
  • Successful completion of certain pretrial diversion programs

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Goliad County District Court. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. The court may set a hearing date not earlier than thirty days from filing.

If granted, an Order of Expunction directs all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to return or destroy all records and files related to the expunged arrest. These agencies are prohibited from disclosing the existence of the records or releasing any information from them.

Individuals with questions regarding eligibility for expungement should consult with legal counsel familiar with Texas expungement law. The Texas Law Library provides self-help resources for those seeking to navigate the expungement process without legal representation.

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