Pasadena Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Pasadena, Texas?
Arrest records are public documents in Pasadena, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that information generated, collected, or maintained by governmental bodies shall be accessible to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. The Texas Public Information Act operates under the principle that citizens are entitled to complete information about governmental affairs and official acts of public officials and employees. Arrest records fall within this framework, allowing members of the public to access these documents to ensure transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations.
The Pasadena Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules as mandated by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Individuals seeking arrest records may submit public information requests through established channels. It should be noted that certain information within arrest records may be redacted pursuant to § 552.108 of the Texas Government Code, which provides exceptions for law enforcement and prosecutorial information that might interfere with ongoing investigations or prosecutions.
How to Look Up Pasadena Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Pasadena provides multiple avenues through which members of the public may access arrest records. These methods have been established to facilitate public access while maintaining compliance with state regulations regarding information dissemination. Individuals seeking arrest records may utilize the following official channels:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Pasadena Police Department Records Division, located at 1201 Davis Street, Pasadena, TX 77506. The Records Division maintains public counter hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Written requests may be submitted via mail to: Pasadena Police Department, Records Division, 1201 Davis Street, Pasadena, TX 77506.
Electronic requests can be submitted through the city's official online portal accessible via the Pasadena Police Department website.
Requests for court records related to arrests may be directed to the Pasadena Municipal Court, located at 1001 Shaw Avenue, Pasadena, TX 77506. Telephone inquiries may be made to 713-475-5568.
Harris County District Clerk's Office maintains records for felony cases and may be contacted at 201 Caroline, Houston, TX 77002. Phone: 832-927-5800.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, the city must promptly produce public information in response to an application. "Promptly" means as soon as possible under the circumstances, within a reasonable time, without delay. Standard processing time for arrest record requests is typically 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time.
Contents of a Pasadena Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Pasadena Police Department contain standardized information as prescribed by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and departmental policies. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors such as height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Unique identifiers including state identification numbers, FBI numbers when applicable, and local booking identification numbers
Photographic documentation, commonly referred to as "mugshots," taken during the booking process
Fingerprint impressions collected at the time of booking, which are subsequently submitted to state and federal databases
Arrest details including the date, time, and location of the arrest, the arresting officer's name and badge number, and the arresting agency
Criminal charges filed, including citation of relevant Texas Penal Code sections and charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
Booking information including date and time of booking, detention facility information, and bail or bond amounts when established
Case disposition information, when available, indicating the outcome of the case (e.g., conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108, certain information within arrest records may be withheld if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. Additionally, in accordance with § 58.008 of the Texas Family Code, records pertaining to juvenile arrests are subject to stricter confidentiality provisions.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Pasadena
The State of Texas provides legal mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Pasadena. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access and, pursuant to Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, allows individuals to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Pasadena include:
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges
- Charges that were dismissed or quashed
- Acquittals by trial or appellate courts
- Pardons granted by the Governor of Texas or the President of the United States
- Successful completion of certain deferred adjudication programs for specified offenses
- Arrests for certain misdemeanors committed by minors
The expungement process requires the filing of a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Harris County. The petition must comply with the requirements set forth in Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, including proper notification to all agencies that may possess records related to the arrest. Upon granting of the expunction order, all agencies must comply by destroying or returning all records and files related to the arrest.
For arrests that do not qualify for expungement, Texas law provides an alternative remedy known as an Order of Nondisclosure under Government Code Chapter 411. This does not remove the record but restricts public access to it, allowing access only by criminal justice agencies and certain authorized entities.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal procedures. The filing fee for an expungement petition in Harris County is approximately $255, with additional costs for service of process on all respondent agencies. The entire process typically takes 90-180 days from filing to final order.
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