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Hockley County, Texas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hockley County, Texas?

Arrest records are public documents in Hockley County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the presumption that all government information, including arrest records, is available to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to records of governmental bodies, including law enforcement agencies operating within Hockley County.

Members of the public may access these records through various county offices, including the Hockley County Sheriff's Office and the Hockley County Clerk's Office. Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and ongoing investigation exemptions as outlined in Texas Government Code § 552.108.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Hockley County?

Hockley County provides limited online access to arrest records through several official channels. The Hockley County Court Dockets website offers information regarding court proceedings that may include arrest-related data. Additionally, the Hockley County Clerk's public search portal provides access to certain official records that may contain information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings.

The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a statewide Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) database that includes arrest data from Hockley County. Access to this database is restricted and requires proper authorization in accordance with Texas Government Code § 411.083. Authorized entities may include law enforcement agencies, licensing authorities, and certain employers as specified by statute.

For comprehensive arrest record searches, individuals may need to supplement online resources with in-person requests at the appropriate county offices. The Hockley County Sheriff's Office maintains the most complete repository of local arrest records, as they are the primary law enforcement agency responsible for documenting arrests within the county's jurisdiction.

How to Look Up Hockley County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods are available for obtaining arrest records in Hockley County. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information in response to proper requests. The following options are available for accessing Hockley County arrest records:

  1. Visit the Hockley County Sheriff's Office in person: Hockley County Sheriff's Office 1310 Avenue H Levelland, TX 79336 Phone: 806-894-3126 Official Website Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

  2. Submit a request to the Hockley County Clerk: Hockley County Clerk's Office 802 Houston Street, Suite 213 Levelland, TX 79336 Phone: 806-894-3185 Official Website Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

  3. Access the Hockley County public records search portal for court case information related to arrests.

  4. Utilize the statewide re:SearchTX platform for court records that may contain information about arrests and subsequent proceedings.

  5. Contact the District Clerk for felony case information: Hockley County District Clerk 802 Houston Street, Suite 316 Levelland, TX 79336 Phone: 806-894-8527 Official Website Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and, if possible, date of birth. Fees may apply for record searches and copies in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.261, which permits governmental bodies to charge for the cost of providing public information.

Contents of a Hockley County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Hockley County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.17. Standard arrest records include the following elements:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
  • Date, time, and location of the arrest
  • Name of the arresting agency and officer(s)
  • Specific criminal charges filed, including applicable Texas Penal Code sections
  • Booking photographs (mugshots) and fingerprint impressions
  • Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color
  • Date of birth and age at time of arrest
  • Residential address of the arrested individual
  • Booking number and unique identifiers
  • Custody status information
  • Bail or bond amount, if applicable
  • Preliminary hearing date, if scheduled

The Hockley County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Texas Local Government Code § 201.003, which establishes requirements for local government record retention. Arrest records are subject to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission pursuant to Texas Government Code § 441.158.

Certain information within arrest records may be redacted prior to public release, including social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information related to juveniles as protected under Texas Family Code § 58.007.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Hockley County

Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 provides the legal framework for expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Hockley County. Individuals may petition for expungement under specific circumstances, including:

  • An arrest that did not lead to a formal charge
  • A charge that was dismissed or quashed
  • An acquittal by trial or appellate court
  • A pardon by the Governor of Texas
  • Completion of certain pretrial diversion programs
  • Arrests resulting from identity theft or mistaken identity

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the District Court in Hockley County. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and the grounds for expungement. If granted, an expungement order directs all agencies holding records of the arrest to destroy or return those records to the court.

For arrests that do not qualify for expungement, Texas Government Code Chapter 411 provides an alternative remedy through an order of nondisclosure. This process seals records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes. Eligibility typically requires successful completion of deferred adjudication or certain misdemeanor probations.

The Seventh Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over Hockley County, handles appeals related to expungement denials. Legal representation is strongly advised for navigating the technical requirements of the expungement process.

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