La Porte Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in La Porte, Texas?
Arrest records are public information in La Porte, 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 available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. The La Porte Police Department maintains these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction.
Members of the public may access arrest records through the Records Division of the La Porte Police Department, which serves as the custodian of such records. However, certain arrest records may be subject to restrictions if:
- The record pertains to a juvenile offender (under Texas Family Code § 58.007)
- The record has been ordered sealed or expunged by a court
- The record relates to an ongoing investigation
- The record contains information protected by privacy laws
- The record falls under other statutory exemptions outlined in Texas Government Code § 552.101-152
The Texas Public Information Act requires governmental bodies to promptly release requested information unless there is a compelling reason to withhold it under one of the statutory exceptions.
How to Look Up La Porte Arrest Records in 2025
The La Porte Police Department provides multiple methods for obtaining arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following procedures:
Online Access: The La Porte Police Department's public records portal allows for electronic submission of public information requests. Requestors must provide specific information about the record sought, including the name of the arrested individual and approximate date of arrest.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Records Division in person to submit requests for arrest records.
La Porte Police Department Records Division
3001 North 23rd Street
La Porte, TX 77571
Phone: (281) 842-3120
Official Website
Public Counter Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted via mail to the Records Division address listed above. All written requests must include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information being requested
- Date range of records sought
- Signature and date
Fees: Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, reasonable fees may be charged for copies of public records. The fee schedule is as follows:
- Standard paper copies: $0.10 per page
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page
- Electronic copies: Variable based on storage medium
Requests requiring extensive research or compilation may incur additional labor charges as permitted under Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70.
Contents of a La Porte Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the La Porte Police Department typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement. Standard arrest records include the following components:
Biographical Information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Residential address
- Government-issued identification numbers
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and processing information
- Statutory citation of alleged offense(s)
- Narrative description of the circumstances leading to arrest
Case Processing Information:
- Court docket number
- Arraignment date
- Bond amount and conditions
- Detention facility information
- Court appearance schedules
Biometric Data:
- Fingerprint records
- Mugshot photographs (frontal and profile views)
Disposition Information:
- Case outcome (if available)
- Sentencing details (if applicable)
It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 62.005, if the arrest pertains to a registrable sex offense, additional information regarding the offender's registration status may be included in publicly accessible records.
Expungement of Arrest Records in La Porte
The State of Texas provides legal mechanisms for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records under specific circumstances. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 governs the expungement process in La Porte and throughout the state.
Individuals may qualify for expungement if their situation meets one of the following criteria:
- An arrest occurred but no charges were filed
- Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed
- The individual was acquitted of charges at trial
- The individual was convicted but subsequently pardoned
- The individual successfully completed certain deferred adjudication programs for eligible offenses
- The arrest resulted from identity theft
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction in the district court of Harris County, where La Porte is located. The petition must include:
- The petitioner's full name, sex, race, date of birth, driver's license number, social security number, and address
- The offense charged against the petitioner
- The date of the alleged offense
- The date of the arrest
- The name of the county where the petitioner was arrested
- The name of the agency that arrested the petitioner
- The case number and court of offense
- A list of all law enforcement agencies, jails, courts, and other governmental entities that may possess records subject to expunction
Upon filing, the court will schedule a hearing, typically 30 days after filing. If the court grants the expunction, an Order of Expunction will be issued directing all entities maintaining records of the arrest to destroy or return all records to the court.
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 55.03, once an expunction order is final, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest and the existence of the expunction order, except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
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