> >Big Spring Arrest Records

Big Spring Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Big Spring, Texas?

Arrest records are public in Big Spring, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by governmental bodies, including law enforcement agencies, shall be available to the public with certain statutory exceptions. The Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to public records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction.

The Texas Public Information Act specifically addresses law enforcement records in § 552.108, which provides exemptions for certain records that may interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. However, basic information about arrests, including the arrested person's name, charges, and booking information, generally remains accessible to the public unless specifically sealed by court order or protected by other statutory provisions.

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Big Spring should be aware that while these records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as outlined in § 552.101 and § 552.130 of the Texas Government Code, such as social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and certain medical information.

How to Look Up Big Spring Arrest Records in 2025

The City of Big Spring provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize any of the following methods:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Big Spring Police Department located at 113 E. 3rd Street, Big Spring, TX 79720. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Proper identification is required, and applicable fees may apply for document reproduction.
Online Access: The Big Spring Municipal Court provides an online portal for accessing certain public records. Users may search for case information related to arrests within the city limits.
Mail Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to:

Big Spring Police Department
Records Division
113 E. 3rd Street
Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2550
Police Department Services
Howard County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by county law enforcement:

Howard County Sheriff's Department
3611 W. Highway 80
Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2231
Howard County Sheriff's Department

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information for inspection or duplication upon request. The standard timeframe for response is within 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time.

Contents of a Big Spring Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Big Spring Police Department and Howard County Sheriff's Office typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. Standard arrest records include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color, identifying marks)
Booking photograph ("mugshot")
Date and time of arrest
Location where the arrest occurred
Specific charges filed, including applicable Texas Penal Code sections
Case or incident number
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking information, including date, time, and facility
Bond information, including amount and type
Court assignment information
Disposition of the case, if available

The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.26 requires law enforcement agencies to maintain records of all arrests. These records must be complete and accurate as they form part of the official documentation used throughout the criminal justice process. The information contained in arrest records is subject to verification procedures to ensure accuracy, as mandated by Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 27.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Big Spring

Under Texas law, individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Expungement effectively removes the arrest from public records and, when granted, allows the individual to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Big Spring include:

The arrest did not lead to a conviction or deferred adjudication
The case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal
The individual was arrested but never charged with a crime
The individual was convicted but subsequently pardoned
The individual completed a pretrial diversion program
The statute of limitations for the offense has expired without charges being filed

The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Howard County. Pursuant to Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and the grounds for expungement.

Howard County District Clerk
300 Main Street
Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2232
Howard County Texas

The court filing fee for an expungement petition is approximately $300, though this amount may vary. After filing, a hearing date will be set, typically within 30 days. If the court grants the expunction, an order will be issued to all agencies maintaining records of the arrest, directing them to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest.

Individuals with questions regarding eligibility for expungement may consult the Municipal Court FAQs or seek legal counsel, as the process can be complex and requirements stringent.

Big Spring Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Big Spring, Texas?

How to Look Up Big Spring Arrest Records in 2025

Contents of a Big Spring Arrest Record

Expungement of Arrest Records in Big Spring

Search Arrest Records in Big Spring