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Harris County, Texas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Harris County, Texas?

Arrest records are public in Harris 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 available to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act promotes transparency and accountability in governance by ensuring citizens have access to arrest documentation maintained by county agencies.

Members of the public may request copies of arrest records from various Harris County departments, including the Harris County Sheriff's Office and the Harris County District Clerk's Office. These records typically become available after the booking process is completed and the information is entered into the county's record management system.

Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist under Texas law, particularly for records related to ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or cases that have been expunged or sealed by court order. Additionally, pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 58.008, records involving juveniles are subject to restricted access.

Harris County Sheriff's Office
1200 Baker Street
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 274-5000
Official Website

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Harris County?

Arrest records can be accessed online through several Harris County government portals. The Harris County Justice Information Management System (JIMS) maintains a comprehensive database of arrest information that is accessible to the public via designated online platforms. These digital resources are maintained in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.021, which stipulates that public information is information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for a governmental body.

The Harris County District Clerk's Office provides online access to criminal case records through their website. Users may search by name, case number, or other identifiers to locate arrest information. Additionally, the Harris County Sheriff's Office maintains an inmate inquiry system that allows the public to search for individuals currently in custody or recently released.

It should be noted that while basic arrest information is available online, certain documents associated with arrests may require in-person requests at the appropriate county office. Furthermore, pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108, some records may be withheld if their release would interfere with law enforcement proceedings or deprive a person of a fair trial.

Harris County District Clerk's Office
201 Caroline Street
Houston, TX 77002
(832) 927-5800
Official Website

How to Look Up Harris County Arrest Records in 2025

Harris County provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records:

  • Online Database Access: The Harris County Justice Information Management System offers public access to arrest records. Users may search by name, date of birth, or case number. The system operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week, subject to occasional maintenance periods.

  • Harris County Sheriff's Office Records Division: Citizens may visit the Records Division in person to request arrest records. Staff members are available to assist with searches and provide certified copies of records for a nominal fee as established by the Texas Administrative Code.

  • Harris County District Clerk's Office: This office maintains court records related to arrests and prosecutions. The public access terminals at the courthouse allow for comprehensive searches of case information.

  • Justice of the Peace Courts: For certain misdemeanor offenses, records may be accessed through the Justice of the Peace Court where the case was filed.

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate searches, including the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, fees may be assessed for record searches and copies according to the established fee schedule.

Harris County Records Management Center
11525 Todd Street
Houston, TX 77055
(713) 274-8000
Official Website

Contents of a Harris County Arrest Record

Harris County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 60.01. These records typically include the following elements:

  • Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, hair color, eye color, and identifying marks or tattoos.

  • Arrest Details: Date and time of arrest, location of arrest, arresting agency, arresting officer's name and badge number, and the statutory authority under which the arrest was made.

  • Criminal Charges: Specific offenses charged, including Texas Penal Code references, charge classification (felony or misdemeanor), and degree.

  • Case Processing Information: Booking number, case number assigned by the District Attorney's Office, court assignment, bond amount and type, and preliminary hearing date if applicable.

  • Biometric Data: Fingerprints collected pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 60.002, which requires fingerprinting of all persons arrested for offenses classified as felonies or class B misdemeanors or higher.

  • Photographic Documentation: Booking photographs ("mugshots") taken during the intake process.

  • Detention Status: Information regarding pretrial detention or release, including bail conditions if applicable.

These records are maintained in accordance with the records retention schedule established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the authority of Texas Local Government Code § 203.041.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Harris County

Under Texas law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Harris County. The expungement process is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.

Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:

  • The person was arrested but never charged with an offense
  • Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed
  • The person was acquitted of charges at trial (found "not guilty")
  • The person was convicted but subsequently pardoned
  • The person completed a pretrial diversion program resulting in dismissal
  • The statute of limitations has expired for an offense for which the person was arrested but not charged

The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Harris County District Court. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing to determine whether the petitioner meets the statutory requirements for expungement.

If granted, an Order of Expunction directs all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to delete or return all files and references to the arrest. Following expungement, the person may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.

Harris County District Courts Administration
1201 Franklin Street
Houston, TX 77002
(832) 927-3600
Official Website

Search Arrest Records in Harris County.

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