Howard County, Texas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Howard County, Texas?
Arrest records are public information in Howard County, Texas, pursuant to 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 members of the public upon request. The Texas Public Information Act operates under the principle that governmental bodies are custodians, not owners, of information. As such, the public has the right to access this information with limited exceptions as defined by statute.
The Howard County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their official duties in law enforcement. Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental and societal functions, including:
- Promoting transparency in the criminal justice system
- Enabling citizens to monitor law enforcement activities
- Facilitating background checks for employment and housing
- Supporting journalistic and research endeavors
- Assisting attorneys in case preparation
Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.108 if its release would interfere with law enforcement proceedings or endanger individuals involved in the case.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Howard County?
Howard County arrest records are available through various online platforms, both official and third-party. The digital accessibility of these records is governed by the Texas Public Information Act and county-specific regulations regarding electronic record dissemination.
The Howard County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that provides limited information about current inmates and recent arrests. This resource is updated regularly but may not contain comprehensive historical data. The online system typically includes:
- Basic identifying information about arrested individuals
- Current charges
- Booking date and time
- Bond information, if applicable
- Court dates, when scheduled
Additionally, the Howard County website provides access to judicial and jail record searches through their official portal. Users should note that online records may not be as comprehensive as those obtained directly from the Sheriff's Office or the District Clerk's office. Some records may require in-person requests due to statutory limitations on electronic dissemination of certain information.
How to Look Up Howard County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Howard County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several authorized methods to obtain this information. The following procedures comply with Texas Government Code § 552 and Howard County regulations:
In-person requests at the Howard County Sheriff's Office:
- Visit during regular business hours
- Complete a public information request form
- Provide specific information about the record being sought
- Pay applicable fees for document reproduction
Online access through official county resources:
- Navigate to the Howard County judicial records portal
- Follow the prompts for jail record searches
- Enter required search parameters (name, date range, etc.)
- Review available information online or request copies
Written requests submitted to the records custodian:
- Address correspondence to the Howard County Sheriff's Office
- Include specific details about the requested records
- Provide contact information for response
- Allow processing time as permitted by state law
Requests through the District Clerk's Office for court-related arrest documentation:
- Submit requests for records related to court proceedings
- Specify case numbers when available
- Pay required fees for document retrieval and copying
Howard County Sheriff's Office
3613 W. Highway 80
Big Spring, TX 79720
(432) 264-2244
Howard County Sheriff's Office
Howard County District Clerk
300 S. Main Street, Room 203
Big Spring, Texas 79721
(432) 264-2232
District Clerk - Howard County
Contents of a Howard County Arrest Record
Howard County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These official documents serve as the formal record of an individual's encounter with law enforcement resulting in arrest. Standard arrest records in Howard County include the following components:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks such as tattoos or scars)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Specific criminal charges filed, including statute citations
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint classification and identification
- Case or incident number
- Detention facility information
- Bond amount and status
- Preliminary court appearance information
Pursuant to Texas law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Medical information protected under HIPAA
- Information related to juveniles
- Details that could compromise ongoing investigations
The Howard County Clerk's Office maintains records related to misdemeanor cases, while the District Clerk handles felony case documentation. Both offices operate in accordance with Texas records retention schedules.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Howard County
Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, eligible individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Howard County. Expungement is a legal process that removes arrest records from public access and, when granted, allows individuals to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Howard County include:
- Arrests that did not lead to formal charges
- Cases dismissed due to lack of probable cause, mistake, or similar reasons
- Acquittals at trial or on appeal
- Pardons based on actual innocence
- Completion of certain pretrial diversion programs
- Arrests for specific misdemeanors with statutory waiting periods
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Howard County District Court. This legal proceeding involves:
- Preparation of formal legal documents
- Payment of filing fees (approximately $300 as of 2025)
- Service of the petition to all agencies holding records
- Attendance at a court hearing
- Obtaining a signed order from the presiding judge
Texas law establishes strict waiting periods for expungement eligibility, typically ranging from immediately after acquittal to up to three years for certain dismissed cases. Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with legal counsel, as the process involves complex statutory requirements and procedural rules.
For cases ineligible for expungement, Texas offers an alternative remedy through orders of nondisclosure under Government Code Chapter 411, which seal records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes.
Howard County Courthouse
300 Main Street
Big Spring, TX 79720
(432) 264-2202
Howard County, Texas
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