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Webster Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Webster, Texas?

Arrest records are public information in Webster, Texas, in accordance with 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 ensures transparency in governmental operations and provides citizens with the right to obtain copies of records maintained by public entities, including the Webster Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies.

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.021, "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." This provision underscores the commitment of Texas jurisdictions, including Webster, to maintaining open access to arrest records and other public documents. However, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, or other legally protected interests as specified in § 552.101 through § 552.158.

How to Look Up Webster Arrest Records in 2025

The Webster Police Department maintains arrest records and provides several methods for public access to this information. Individuals seeking arrest records in Webster may utilize the following official channels:

In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Webster Police Department Records Division to submit requests for arrest records during regular business hours.
Mail Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via postal mail to the Webster Police Department Records Division.
Online Access: The City of Webster provides certain public records through its official website, including limited information about arrests and jail inmates.
Third-Party Databases: Commercial services that compile public records may offer access to Webster arrest information, though these sources may not be as current or comprehensive as official records.

Webster Police Department Records Division
217 Pennsylvania Avenue
Webster, TX 77598
(281) 332-2426
Official Website

Operating hours for records requests are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, the Records Division shall promptly produce public information for inspection, duplication, or both, upon request by any person.

Contents of a Webster Arrest Record

Webster arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement authorities. These records are maintained in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information. Standard arrest records in Webster include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical description
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Name of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Booking information, including processing date and detention facility
Specific criminal charges filed, with reference to applicable statutes
Case numbers and court information
Photographic identification (mugshot)
Fingerprint records
Bail or bond information, when applicable
Disposition of the case, if available

It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108, certain information may be withheld if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. Additionally, juvenile records are subject to different confidentiality standards under Texas Family Code § 58.007.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Webster

The State of Texas provides legal mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement (also referred to as "expunction" in Texas law) is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. When an expungement is granted, all records and files relating to the arrest are removed from public access and may be destroyed.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Webster include:

Arrests that did not lead to charges
Charges that were dismissed
Acquittals or pardons
Completion of certain pretrial diversion programs
Arrests for certain misdemeanors committed by minors

The process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Harris County. Petitioners must provide detailed information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Upon approval, the court issues an Order of Expunction directing all agencies holding records to delete or return them.

For cases not eligible for expungement, individuals may qualify for an Order of Nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes.

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

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The filing fee for an expungement petition in Harris County is approximately $255, plus additional fees for service to each agency holding records.

Legal Restrictions on Accessing Webster Arrest Records

While arrest records in Webster are generally public, Texas law establishes several important exceptions and limitations to protect certain interests. The following restrictions apply to arrest record access:

Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Texas Family Code § 58.007, records pertaining to juvenile offenders (under age 17) are subject to strict confidentiality protections and are not publicly accessible except under limited circumstances.
Sealed Records: Records that have been sealed through an Order of Nondisclosure under Texas Government Code § 411.081 are removed from public access but remain available to law enforcement and certain governmental agencies.
Expunged Records: Following a court-ordered expungement under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, records are removed entirely from public and governmental access.
Ongoing Investigations: Information related to pending investigations may be withheld under Texas Government Code § 552.108 if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime.
Privacy Protections: Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and certain medical information is typically redacted from public records pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.147 and § 552.101.

The Webster Municipal Court and Webster Police Department are required to comply with these statutory restrictions when processing public information requests for arrest records.

Using Webster Arrest Records for Background Checks

Arrest records maintained by the Webster Police Department may be utilized for background screening purposes, subject to certain legal limitations. The following guidelines apply to the use of Webster arrest records for background checks:

Employment Screening: Under Texas Labor Code § 21.002, employers must exercise caution when using arrest records (as opposed to conviction records) for employment decisions, as reliance on arrest information alone may have a disparate impact on protected classes.
Housing Applications: Landlords and property managers may access arrest records but should be aware of Fair Housing Act restrictions regarding discriminatory practices.
Professional Licensing: State licensing boards may consider arrest records when evaluating applications for professional licenses, though policies vary by profession and governing authority.
Educational Institutions: Schools and universities may have limited access to arrest records, particularly for security-sensitive positions.
Volunteer Organizations: Organizations working with vulnerable populations may conduct background checks that include arrest record reviews.

Requestors seeking Webster arrest records for background check purposes should be aware that the Webster Police Department Records Division requires proper identification and may charge fees for record retrieval and copying services in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.261.