Gun Barrel Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Gun Barrel, Texas?
Arrest records are public in Gun Barrel, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that government-held records, including those pertaining to arrests within the state, shall be made available to the public upon request. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations and governmental proceedings throughout the state, including Gun Barrel City.
Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Gun Barrel City Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies. These records are considered public information unless specifically exempted by statute. Exemptions may apply to records involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or cases where disclosure would compromise public safety.
The Texas Public Information Act stipulates that governmental bodies must promptly release requested information unless there is a compelling reason to withhold it under statutory exceptions. Pursuant to § 552.221, a governmental body must "promptly produce public information for inspection, duplication, or both" upon request.
How to Look Up Gun Barrel Arrest Records in 2025
Individuals seeking information on Gun Barrel arrest records have multiple avenues available to them. The public information request process established by the city provides several methods for accessing these records:
Submit a written request to the Gun Barrel City Police Department located at 1716 W Main St, Gun Barrel City, TX 75156. The department maintains records of arrests conducted within city limits and processes public information requests during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Contact number: (903) 887-7151.
Visit the Henderson County Courthouse at 100 E Tyler St, Athens, TX 75751. The courthouse maintains records of arrests processed through the county judicial system. Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Phone: (903) 675-6100.
Access the Gun Barrel City Municipal Court records at 298 Municipal Drive, Gun Barrel City, TX 75156. The court maintains records related to misdemeanor offenses and violations occurring within city jurisdiction. Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Phone: (903) 887-1087.
Utilize public access terminals available at the Gun Barrel City Public Library, which may provide access to certain public records databases. The library is located at 571 N Gun Barrel Ln, Gun Barrel City, TX 75156. Hours vary; call (903) 887-6004 for current schedule.
Submit an online request through the official Gun Barrel City website, which provides forms and instructions for requesting public records electronically.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, governmental bodies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public information. Requestors should anticipate potential fees for document reproduction, staff time, and overhead costs as permitted by law.
Contents of a Gun Barrel Arrest Record
Gun Barrel City 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 and generally include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or known pseudonyms
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest within Gun Barrel City or Henderson County jurisdiction
- Detailed description of the alleged offense(s), including applicable Texas Penal Code sections
- Identity of the arresting agency (Gun Barrel City Police Department, Henderson County Sheriff's Office, or other law enforcement entity)
- Booking information, including mugshot photographs, fingerprint records, and processing details
- Demographic information such as date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
- Residential address at time of arrest (may be redacted in certain public versions)
- Case disposition information, if available, indicating whether charges were filed, dismissed, or adjudicated
- Bail or bond information, including amount set and whether posted
- Court docket numbers and scheduled appearance dates at the Gun Barrel City Municipal Court
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, information related to juvenile offenders (under 17 years of age) is subject to different confidentiality standards under Texas Family Code Chapter 58.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Gun Barrel
The State of Texas provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records in Gun Barrel City under specific circumstances. Expungement (also called expunction) effectively removes arrest records from public access and authorizes the destruction of such records. This process is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
Individuals may qualify for expungement of Gun Barrel City arrest records under the following conditions:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction or deferred adjudication
- The case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal
- The individual was arrested but never formally charged
- The individual was convicted but subsequently pardoned or otherwise found to be actually innocent
- The statutory waiting period has elapsed for certain qualifying offenses
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Henderson County. Petitioners must provide detailed information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. The petition is typically filed at:
Henderson County District Clerk's Office
100 E Tyler St, Room 203
Athens, TX 75751
(903) 675-6140
Henderson County District Clerk
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing to determine eligibility. If granted, an Order of Expunction will be issued directing all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to destroy or return all records and files related to the expunged arrest.
Alternatively, individuals who do not qualify for expungement may seek an Order of Nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view but allows access by law enforcement and certain governmental agencies.
Legal representation is advisable when pursuing expungement, as the process involves complex statutory requirements and procedural rules. The Henderson County Bar Association can provide referrals to attorneys specializing in expungement proceedings.
Search Arrest Records in Gun Barrel
