>Hamilton County Arrest Records Online

Hamilton County, Texas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hamilton County, Texas?

Arrest records are public in Hamilton County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies and the judicial system throughout the state. Members of the public may request and obtain arrest records from Hamilton County law enforcement agencies and court offices as part of their right to access public information.

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its statutory duties under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 2.13, which requires peace officers to preserve the public peace and maintain records of offenses. These records document the official actions of law enforcement personnel and become part of the public record upon completion of the booking process, subject to certain privacy restrictions established by state and federal law.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Hamilton County?

Arrest records can be accessed online in Hamilton County through various official and third-party platforms. The Hamilton County District Clerk's Office maintains an electronic database of court records, which may include information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This online accessibility is consistent with the Texas Judicial Council's initiatives to modernize court record systems and improve public access to judicial information.

The online availability of these records is governed by Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 10, Chapter 205, which establishes standards for electronic access to court records. While basic arrest information may be available online, certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.1175, which protects personal information of specific categories of individuals, including crime victims and certain government employees.

Users of online arrest record systems should be aware that electronic records may not always reflect the most current status of a case, and verification with the appropriate county office is recommended for time-sensitive or legally significant matters.

How to Look Up Hamilton County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Hamilton County arrest records, several official channels are available to members of the public. The following methods are authorized under Texas Government Code § 552.021, which provides that public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body:

Visit the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office in person to request access to arrest records: Hamilton County Sheriff's Office 1108 South Rice Hamilton, Texas 76531 Phone: (254) 386-8120 Hamilton County Sheriff's Department Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Submit a request to the Hamilton County District Clerk's Office: Hamilton County District Clerk 102 North Rice Street Hamilton, Texas 76531 Phone: (254) 386-1290 Hamilton County District Clerk Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Access records through the 220th Judicial District Court, which serves Hamilton County: 220th Judicial District Court 102 North Rice Street Hamilton, Texas 76531 Phone: (254) 386-1290 220th Judicial District Court Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Utilize the Hamilton County Municipal Court for records related to arrests within city limits: Hamilton Municipal Court 200 East Main Street Hamilton, Texas 76531 Phone: (254) 386-8116, ext. 3 Hamilton Municipal Court Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and, if possible, date of birth. Pursuant to Hamilton County fee schedules, nominal fees may apply for record searches and copies as authorized by Texas Government Code § 552.261.

Contents of a Hamilton County Arrest Record

Hamilton County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 60.01, which establishes uniform reporting standards for criminal justice agencies. A typical Hamilton County arrest record includes the following components:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or known pseudonyms
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed enumeration of charges filed, including citation of applicable Texas statutes
Identity of the arresting agency and the name or badge number of the arresting officer
Booking photograph (mugshot) of the arrested individual taken during processing
Fingerprint impressions collected pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 60.002
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and identifying marks
Case or booking number assigned for administrative tracking purposes
Custody status information, including bond amount if applicable
Prior criminal history information that is publicly available

The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Texas Local Government Code § 201.003, which governs the retention of local government records. Access to certain elements of arrest records may be restricted based on the nature of the offense, the status of the investigation, or statutory privacy protections.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Hamilton County

In Hamilton County, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as provided by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55. Expungement (also referred to as "expunction") removes the record from public access, effectively sealing it from general public view. The legal process requires adherence to statutory requirements and judicial procedures.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Hamilton County include:

Cases resulting in acquittal (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.01(a)(1))
Cases dismissed or quashed where the statute of limitations has expired (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.01(a)(2))
Arrests that did not result in formal charges being filed
Successful completion of certain pre-trial diversion programs
Pardoned offenses or those overturned on appeal
Arrests for misidentification where another person was arrested using the petitioner's identity

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the 220th Judicial District Court serving Hamilton County. The petition must comply with the requirements set forth in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.02, including proper notification to all agencies that may possess records subject to expungement.

Upon granting of an expungement order, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest are directed to delete or return all records and files subject to the order. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.03, once an expungement order is final, the person arrested may deny the occurrence of the arrest and the existence of the expungement order, except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.

Due to the legal complexities involved in the expungement process, petitioners are advised to consult with legal counsel familiar with Texas expungement law and Hamilton County court procedures.