Arrest records are public documents in Jim Hogg County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest documentation, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities within the county. Members of the public may request and obtain arrest records maintained by Jim Hogg County law enforcement agencies and court systems for purposes including background checks, legal proceedings, or personal information gathering.
The public nature of these records is further supported by Texas Local Government Code § 552.021, which states that public information is information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for a governmental body in connection with official business. Arrest records fall within this definition as they document official actions taken by county law enforcement personnel in the course of their duties.
Jim Hogg County arrest records are available through various online platforms, though the comprehensiveness of digital access varies. The Jim Hogg County Clerk's Office maintains an online records search system where certain public records may be accessed. However, not all arrest records are digitized or made available through this system.
The Jim Hogg County Sheriff's Department maintains arrest records as part of their official documentation. While some basic information may be available through their online resources, comprehensive arrest records often require formal requests through established channels.
Online access to arrest records is governed by Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 10, Chapter 205, which establishes standards for electronic access to governmental records. The county's implementation of these standards determines the extent to which arrest records are accessible via internet platforms.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Jim Hogg County. Interested parties may utilize the following procedures to access these public documents:
Jim Hogg County Sheriff's Department
211 E Galbraith St.
Hebbronville, TX 78361
(361) 527-4140
Official Website
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Jim Hogg County & District Clerk's Office
102 E. Tilley
Hebbronville, TX 78361
(361) 527-4031
Official Website
Online Records Search: The Jim Hogg County Public Records Search provides limited access to certain public records. Users may search by name, case number, or other identifiers.
Written Requests: Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the records custodian at either the Sheriff's Department or County Clerk's Office. Requests must reasonably identify the records sought and comply with agency procedures.
229th District Court Records: Criminal cases processed through the district court system may be accessed through the 229th District Court records system.
Jim Hogg County arrest records typically contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These records generally include the following elements:
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the stage of criminal proceedings and the specific documentation practices of the arresting agency. Records maintained by the Jim Hogg County Sheriff's Department may contain different elements than those maintained by the District Clerk's Office or the 229th District Court.
Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, certain individuals may petition for expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Jim Hogg County. Expungement effectively 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 Jim Hogg County include:
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the 229th District Court that has jurisdiction over Jim Hogg County. The petition must comply with requirements specified in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, including proper identification of all agencies maintaining records subject to expungement.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing to determine whether the petitioner meets statutory requirements for expungement. If granted, the court will issue an Order of Expunction directing all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to destroy or return all documentation to the court.
Agencies required to comply with expungement orders typically include the Jim Hogg County Sheriff's Department, the County and District Clerk's Offices, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and any other entities identified as maintaining records of the arrest.