Arrest records are public documents in Seguin, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that records created, collected, or maintained by governmental bodies, including law enforcement agencies, are presumed to be open to public inspection. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability of public officials and agencies. Members of the public may access these records unless specifically exempted by law or judicial order.
The Seguin Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities within municipal boundaries. These records document the apprehension and processing of individuals suspected of violating local ordinances or state laws. While the records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal identifying information as specified under Texas Government Code § 552.108 and § 552.130.
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Seguin, Texas. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods in accordance with established procedures:
Seguin Police Department
350 N. Guadalupe Street
Seguin, TX 78155
830-379-2123
Seguin Police Records Division
Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office
2617 N. Guadalupe Street
Seguin, TX 78155
830-379-1224
Guadalupe County District Clerk
211 W. Court Street
Seguin, TX 78155
830-303-4188
Requestors should note that pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, reasonable fees may be charged for document retrieval, copying, and staff time required to process requests exceeding certain thresholds.
Standard arrest records maintained by the Seguin Police Department contain specific categories of information as mandated by Texas state law and departmental policies. These records typically include:
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.26, arresting officers must document the time and place of arrest, along with the offense charged. Additional information may be included based on departmental procedures and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain information may be withheld from public disclosure if it pertains to confidential informants, ongoing investigations, or juvenile suspects as specified under Texas Family Code § 58.007.
The State of Texas provides legal mechanisms for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records under specific circumstances. Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure governs the expungement process in Seguin and throughout the state. Individuals may petition for expungement if their situation meets statutory requirements, including:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the district court in Guadalupe County. Upon approval, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest, including the Seguin Police Department, Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, are ordered to destroy or return all documentation related to the arrest.
Guadalupe County District Court
211 W. Court Street
Seguin, TX 78155
830-303-4188
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The court filing fee for an expungement petition in Guadalupe County is approximately $300, not including potential attorney fees. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, specific waiting periods may apply depending on the circumstances of the case.
While arrest records are generally public in Seguin, Texas law establishes several categories of protected information. The following restrictions apply to public access:
The Seguin Municipal Court and Seguin Police Department are required to balance public access rights with privacy protections established by state law. Individuals seeking arrest records may be required to submit written requests specifying the information sought.
Seguin Municipal Court
205 N. River Street
Seguin, TX 78155
830-401-2325
Seguin Municipal Court
The public nature of arrest records in Seguin creates significant implications for individuals with documented arrests. These consequences may include:
It is important to note that an arrest record documents only that an apprehension occurred, not that the individual was convicted of any offense. Texas law prohibits certain forms of discrimination based solely on arrest records that did not result in conviction. The Texas Workforce Commission enforces these protections under Texas Labor Code § 21.051.
Individuals concerned about the impact of public arrest records may wish to explore legal remedies including expungement, non-disclosure orders, or record sealing if they qualify under Texas law.