Arrest records are public in Granbury, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that government-held information, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote transparency and accountability within governmental entities, enabling citizens to obtain documentation of law enforcement interactions and judicial proceedings.
Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally available, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as specified under Texas Government Code § 552.101, which exempts information considered confidential by law. Additionally, records pertaining to juveniles or cases that have been expunged or sealed by court order are not accessible to the general public.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Granbury, Texas. The Hood County Sheriff's Office and Granbury Police Department maintain these records in accordance with Texas state law. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:
In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Citizens may submit requests directly at the Hood County Sheriff's Office located at 400 Deputy Larry Miller Dr, Granbury, TX 76048 (Phone: 817-579-3307) or the Granbury Police Department at 116 W. Bridge St, Granbury, TX 76048 (Phone: 817-573-2648). Office hours for record requests typically run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Hood County Clerk's Office: The County Clerk's Criminal Records Division maintains court records related to arrests and case dispositions. The office is located at 1200 W. Pearl St, Granbury, TX 76048 (Phone: 817-579-3290).
Online Access Systems: The Hood County Court Records portal provides electronic access to certain court records, including those related to arrests. Users may search by name, case number, or other identifiers.
Public Access Terminals: Designated computer terminals at the Hood County Law Library provide access to public records databases. These terminals are available during regular courthouse hours at 1200 W. Pearl St, Granbury, TX 76048.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of records or for staff time required to fulfill extensive requests.
Arrest records maintained by Hood County law enforcement agencies typically contain the following information as prescribed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102:
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information, in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.147 and § 552.101.
The expungement process in Granbury follows procedures established under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Individuals may petition for expungement (also called "expunction") of arrest records under specific circumstances, including:
The petition for expungement must be filed in the district court of Hood County. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include:
Upon successful expungement, all records and files pertaining to the arrest are removed from public access and may not be disclosed by any governmental agency. Law enforcement agencies, courts, and other entities that maintain such records are required to destroy or return all documentation related to the expunged arrest.
Individuals seeking expungement may file their petition with the Hood County District Clerk's Office located at 1200 W. Pearl St, Granbury, TX 76048 (Phone: 817-579-3233). Filing fees and requirements are subject to change, and petitioners may wish to consult with legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances.
Certain arrest records in Granbury may be subject to restricted access under Texas law. The following limitations apply to public access:
Law enforcement agencies in Hood County may withhold information related to ongoing investigations under Texas Government Code § 552.108, though basic information about an arrested person must still be released unless doing so would interfere with the detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime.