Arrest records are public documents in Anderson, 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. Law enforcement agencies in Grimes County, including those serving Anderson, maintain these records as part of their official duties. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding the actions of public officials and governmental bodies.
Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws, particularly in cases involving minors, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations. The custodian of records must comply with the provisions outlined in Texas Government Code § 552.108 regarding law enforcement exceptions when determining what information may be released.
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Anderson, Texas. The Grimes County Sheriff's Department serves as the primary law enforcement agency for Anderson and maintains custody of most local arrest records. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following methods:
Grimes County Sheriff's Office
382 FM 149 West
Anderson, Texas 77830
936-873-2151
Grimes County Emergency Services
Grimes County Clerk's Office
270 FM 149 West
Anderson, Texas 77830
936-873-4410
Grimes County Government
Grimes County Justice of the Peace
270 FM 149 West
Anderson, Texas 77830
936-873-4470
Justice of the Peace - Grimes County
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, governmental bodies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public information. Fee schedules are established in accordance with rules prescribed by the Office of the Attorney General.
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Anderson, Texas typically contain comprehensive information about the arrested individual and the circumstances of their arrest. Standard components of these records include:
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.26 requires peace officers to inform arrested persons of the offense charged and to take the person before a magistrate without unnecessary delay. Documentation of these procedural requirements is typically included in the arrest record.
The legal foundation for public access to arrest records in Anderson is established through multiple statutory provisions. The Texas Public Information Act codifies the public's right to access governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests. Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body.
Requestors should be aware of the following legal considerations:
Law enforcement agencies must balance public access rights with privacy protections and investigative integrity. The Texas Attorney General's Office provides guidance through formal opinions regarding specific disclosure questions that may arise in the administration of these laws.
While arrest records are generally public in Anderson, Texas, certain statutory restrictions limit access to specific information. These restrictions serve to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, and vulnerable populations. Limitations include:
The custodian of records must review each request to determine whether any exceptions apply. Requestors may appeal denials through procedures established in Texas Government Code § 552.301, which includes seeking an opinion from the Texas Attorney General's Office.
Under Texas law, individuals may petition for expungement (expunction) of arrest records under specific circumstances. Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure governs the expungement process in Anderson and throughout Texas. Eligibility criteria include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition in the district court in Grimes County where the arrest occurred. Upon granting an expunction order, all records and files pertaining to the arrest are removed from public access and may not be disclosed by any governmental agency.
Grimes County District Court
270 FM 149 West
Anderson, Texas 77830
936-873-4418
Grimes County Government
Alternatively, individuals who do not qualify for expungement may seek an order of non-disclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes. This remedy is typically available to those who successfully completed deferred adjudication for certain offenses.