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Anderson Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Anderson, Texas?

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.

How to Look Up Anderson Arrest Records in 2025

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:

  • In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests by visiting the Grimes County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.

Grimes County Sheriff's Office
382 FM 149 West
Anderson, Texas 77830
936-873-2151
Grimes County Emergency Services

  • County Clerk's Office: Court records related to arrests may be obtained through the Grimes County Clerk's Office.

Grimes County Clerk's Office
270 FM 149 West
Anderson, Texas 77830
936-873-4410
Grimes County Government

  • Justice of the Peace Courts: Records of arrests that resulted in cases heard by Justices of the Peace may be available through their respective offices.

Grimes County Justice of the Peace
270 FM 149 West
Anderson, Texas 77830
936-873-4470
Justice of the Peace - Grimes County

  • Online Resources: The Grimes County government website provides limited access to certain public records. Requestors should verify the availability of specific arrest records through this channel.

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.

Contents of an Anderson Arrest Record

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:

  • Full legal name and any documented aliases or known nicknames
  • Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and ethnicity
  • Physical descriptors such as height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks (scars, tattoos)
  • Residential address at time of arrest
  • Biometric data including fingerprints and booking photographs ("mugshots")
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Arresting agency and officer identification information
  • Enumeration of all criminal charges filed
  • Statutory citations for alleged violations
  • Booking information including processing date and facility
  • Bail or bond amount and conditions if applicable
  • Case disposition information if available
  • Court docket numbers and scheduled appearance dates
  • Detention status (released or in custody)

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.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

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:

  • Texas Government Code § 552.108 provides law enforcement exceptions that may limit access to information that could interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime.
  • The Federal Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552) may apply to records held by federal law enforcement agencies operating in the jurisdiction.
  • Criminal history record information is governed by Chapter 411, Subchapter F of the Texas Government Code, which establishes parameters for dissemination.
  • The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains the state's central repository for criminal history information pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.042.

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.

Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

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:

  • Records pertaining to juvenile offenders are subject to confidentiality provisions under Texas Family Code Chapter 58, which restricts public access to juvenile justice information.
  • Information related to victims of sexual offenses is protected under Texas Government Code § 552.138.
  • Details that would reveal the identity of confidential informants may be withheld pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108(a)(2).
  • Records sealed by court order following expungement or non-disclosure proceedings are removed from public access.
  • Information that would interfere with pending or contemplated law enforcement proceedings may be temporarily withheld.
  • Personal identifying information such as social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information is typically redacted before release.

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.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Anderson

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 person was arrested but never charged with a crime
  • Charges were dismissed or quashed due to mistake, false information, or similar reasons
  • The person was acquitted of charges by trial or appellate court
  • The person was convicted but subsequently pardoned
  • The statute of limitations has expired for an offense for which the person was released and no charges were filed

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.

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