Groves Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Groves, Texas?
Arrest records in Groves, Texas are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be available for public inspection and copying. The statute serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities.
The Texas Public Information Act specifically designates arrest records as public information under § 552.022, which states that certain categories of information are public information unless expressly confidential under law. Members of the public seeking arrest records in Groves may obtain these documents through established procedures outlined by local law enforcement agencies and county offices.
It should be noted that certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with § 552.101, which protects information considered confidential by law, including juvenile records and information related to ongoing investigations.
How to Look Up Groves Arrest Records in 2025
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Groves Police Department maintain systems for public access to arrest records. Individuals seeking arrest record information have multiple methods available to them, as prescribed by Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70, which governs the management and accessibility of criminal history record information.
Members of the public may utilize the following methods to access arrest records in Groves:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Groves Police Department located at 4201 Main Avenue, Groves, TX 77619. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors must complete a Public Information Request form and provide proper identification.
Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Records Division of the Groves Police Department or to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 1001 Pearl Street, Beaumont, TX 77701. All written requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and specific information being requested.
Online Access: The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office maintains an online portal where certain arrest record information may be accessed. This service is available 24 hours per day, subject to system maintenance periods.
Third-Party Services: Commercial information vendors authorized under Texas Government Code § 552.263 may provide arrest record information for a fee. These services must comply with all applicable state and federal regulations regarding the dissemination of criminal history information.
For all requests, a processing fee may be assessed in accordance with the fee schedule established by the Texas Attorney General's Office under § 552.262 of the Government Code.
Contents of a Groves Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Groves, Texas contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 60.01. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in arrest.
Standard arrest records in Groves typically include the following components:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, any documented aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and other identifying physical characteristics.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the arresting agency; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the statutory authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal Charges: Specific offenses for which the individual was arrested, including citation of applicable Texas Penal Code sections and classification of offenses (misdemeanor or felony).
Booking Information: Unique booking identification number, fingerprint classification, and photographic identification (mugshot) taken during the booking process.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system, including pending court dates, case transfers to other jurisdictions, or case resolution information.
It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.1175, certain personal information of peace officers, county jailers, security officers, and employees of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice may be redacted from public arrest records.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Groves
The expungement process in Groves follows procedures established under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. This legal remedy allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances prescribed by statute.
Individuals may qualify for expungement of arrest records in the following situations:
- The person was arrested but never charged with an offense
- Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed
- The person was acquitted of the charges at trial
- The person was convicted but subsequently pardoned
- The person completed a pre-trial diversion program resulting in dismissal of charges
The expungement procedure requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Jefferson County. Pursuant to Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the petition must include:
- The petitioner's full name, sex, race, date of birth, driver's license number, social security number, and address
- The offense charged against the petitioner
- The date the offense was alleged to have been committed
- The date of the arrest
- The name of the county where the petitioner was arrested
- The name of the agency that arrested the petitioner
- The case number and court of offense
- A list of all law enforcement agencies, jails, courts, and other governmental entities that may possess records subject to expunction
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing no sooner than 30 days from the filing date. Notice of the hearing must be served to all agencies in possession of records subject to expunction. If the court determines the petitioner meets statutory requirements, an Order of Expunction will be issued directing all relevant agencies to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest.
The Jefferson County District Clerk's Office, located at 1149 Pearl Street, Beaumont, TX 77701, processes expungement petitions. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and can be reached at (409) 835-8580.
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