>Hays County Arrest Records Online

Hays County, Texas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hays County, Texas?

Arrest records in Hays County, Texas are classified as public information pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation mandates that governmental bodies make public records accessible to citizens, with certain statutory exceptions. The Texas Public Information Act establishes that arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies, including the Hays County Sheriff's Office, are subject to public disclosure requirements. This transparency measure serves to maintain accountability in the criminal justice system and provides citizens with access to information regarding law enforcement activities within the county.

Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally available, certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections established under Texas Government Code § 552.108 and § 552.101. Such protected information may include details pertaining to ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or information that would compromise the safety of law enforcement personnel.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Hays County?

The Hays County government has implemented digital access systems that allow for online retrieval of certain arrest records. The Hays County Court and Jail Records portal provides electronic access to arrest information as part of the county's commitment to technological advancement in public service delivery. This online accessibility is authorized under Texas Government Code § 552.272, which permits governmental bodies to provide for electronic access to public information.

The online system maintains compliance with Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 10, Chapter 205, which establishes standards for electronic and digital transactions. Users of the online system should be aware that while basic arrest information is typically available, comprehensive case details may require additional requests or in-person visits to the appropriate county offices.

Digital access to arrest records is subject to the same legal restrictions that apply to physical records, including protections for confidential information as defined in Texas Government Code § 552.101 through § 552.158.

How to Look Up Hays County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Hays County, each governed by specific procedural requirements. The following options are available to requestors:

Online Portal Access: The Citizens Connect Information Portal provides digital access to arrest records. Users must register and may be subject to usage fees as permitted under Texas Government Code § 552.261.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests in person at the Hays County Sheriff's Office or the Hays County Jail Records Division. Proper identification is required in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.223.

Hays County Sheriff's Office
810 S. Stagecoach Trail
San Marcos, Texas 78666
512-393-7896
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Official Website

Hays County Jail Records Division
1307 Uhland Road
San Marcos, Texas 78666
512-393-7800
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Official Website

Written Requests: Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.301, written requests may be submitted via mail or email to the Hays County Records Custodian. Requests must reasonably identify the records sought and comply with the county's established procedures for public information requests.
Third-Party Background Check Services: Commercial vendors may provide arrest record information, though such services are not officially affiliated with Hays County government agencies and may not contain complete or current information.

Requestors should note that fees may apply for record retrieval and reproduction in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.261. The fee schedule is established by the Office of the Attorney General and is subject to periodic revision.

Contents of a Hays County Arrest Record

Hays County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102. The Hays County District Attorney's Office maintains these records in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements. Standard arrest records include:

Full legal name and known aliases of the arrested individual
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including citation of applicable Texas Penal Code sections
Arresting agency and officer identification information
Booking photographs ("mugshots") taken during processing
Biometric data including fingerprints collected pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.051
Physical descriptors including height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks
Booking number and case identification references
Custody status information
Bond information, if applicable

The completeness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the arrest and subsequent case processing. Records related to arrests resulting in formal charges will typically contain more comprehensive information than those where charges were not pursued.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Hays County

The expungement process in Hays County is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Eligible individuals may petition for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific statutory conditions. The Texas State Law Library provides resources regarding expungement eligibility and procedures.

Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01, individuals may qualify for expungement if:

The arrest did not result in a final conviction
The case was dismissed and the statute of limitations has expired
The individual was acquitted of the charges (found "not guilty")
The individual was pardoned
The individual completed a pretrial diversion program that qualifies for expungement

The expungement petition must be filed in the district court of the county where the arrest occurred. In Hays County, this petition is typically filed with the District Clerk's Office located at:

Hays County District Clerk
712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 2211
San Marcos, Texas 78666
512-393-7660
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Official Website

Upon successful expungement, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest are ordered to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest. This includes records maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety, local law enforcement agencies, and the county clerk's office.

Individuals who do not qualify for expungement may be eligible for an order of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view but maintains them for law enforcement purposes.

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