Arrest records are public in Humble, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for governmental entities is presumed open to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. The Act serves to promote transparency in government operations and provides citizens with the right to access public records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction of Humble, Texas.
The Texas Public Information Act specifically designates arrest records as public information under § 552.021, which states that public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body. Members of the public may request access to these records as a matter of statutory right, though certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections outlined in § 552.101 through § 552.158.
Law enforcement agencies in Humble maintain these records as part of their official duties. The public nature of these documents serves multiple purposes, including:
The City of Humble provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act. Individuals seeking arrest record information may utilize the following official channels:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Humble Police Department or Harris County District Clerk's Office to submit a formal request for arrest records. Requestors must complete a public information request form and present valid identification.
Humble Police Department
310 Bender Avenue
Humble, TX 77338
Phone: (281) 446-7127
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Harris County District Clerk's Office
201 Caroline Street
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 927-5800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Written Requests: Pursuant to § 552.301 of the Texas Government Code, individuals may submit written requests via postal mail. The request must be directed to the Public Information Officer and should include specific details about the records being sought, including names, dates, and case numbers if available.
Electronic Submissions: The City of Humble accepts public information requests through their official online portal. Requestors must complete all required fields and may be subject to reasonable fees for document reproduction as permitted under § 552.261.
Humble Municipal Court Records: Court records related to arrests within Humble city limits may be accessed through the Municipal Court. These records typically include information about arraignments, hearings, and case dispositions.
Humble Municipal Court
114 W. Higgins Street
Humble, TX 77338
Phone: (281) 446-6574
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with § 552.261 of the Texas Government Code, which permits governmental bodies to charge for the cost of materials, labor, and overhead associated with reproducing public information. The City of Humble adheres to the fee schedule established by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas.
Arrest records maintained by the Humble Police Department and other law enforcement agencies within Harris County contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.17. These records typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, hair color, eye color, and any distinguishing physical characteristics or identifying marks such as tattoos or scars.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Description of the alleged offense(s), including the specific violation of Texas Penal Code or Humble Municipal Code; classification of the offense (felony or misdemeanor) and degree; and any aggravating factors noted at the time of arrest.
Booking Information: Unique booking number assigned to the case; fingerprint records; photographic identification (mugshot); and personal property inventory taken at the time of processing.
Judicial Processing: Court of jurisdiction; case number assigned by the clerk of court; name of the presiding judge; scheduled court appearances; and bail or bond information, including amount set and conditions imposed.
Custody Status: Current detention status of the individual; facility where the person is being held; and projected release date if applicable.
It should be noted that pursuant to § 552.108 of the Texas Government Code, certain information may be withheld if release would interfere with the detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. Additionally, information related to juveniles (under 17 years of age) is subject to different confidentiality standards under the Texas Family Code § 58.007.
The State of Texas provides legal mechanisms for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Expungement is a legal process that, when granted, removes arrest records from public access and requires all governmental agencies to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Humble include:
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Harris County. Pursuant to Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the petition must include:
Upon filing, a hearing date will be set, typically within 30 days. If the court grants the expunction, an order will be issued to all agencies possessing records related to the arrest, directing them to destroy or return all files and records. After expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
Legal representation is strongly advised for expungement proceedings due to the complex nature of the process and strict statutory requirements. The Harris County District Attorney's Office reviews all expungement petitions and may contest those that do not meet legal criteria.