>Jim Wells County Arrest Records Online

Jim Wells County, Texas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Jim Wells County, Texas?

Arrest records are public in Jim Wells County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that records created, collected, or maintained by governmental bodies in the course of official business are presumed to be open to public inspection. The Texas Public Information Act serves as the legal framework ensuring transparency in governmental operations throughout the state, including Jim Wells County.

Members of the public may access arrest records as part of their right to government information. The Texas Public Information Act specifically designates law enforcement records, including arrest documentation, as public information unless specifically exempted by statute. These exemptions typically involve ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or cases where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as defined in § 552.108 of the Texas Government Code.

The Jim Wells County Sheriff's Department maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation to document law enforcement activities within the county jurisdiction. Public access to these records promotes accountability in the criminal justice system and allows citizens to monitor law enforcement activities within their community.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Jim Wells County?

Jim Wells County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Jim Wells County Sheriff's Department provides access to current jail roster information through their official website. This resource allows members of the public to view basic information about individuals currently in custody.

The county also maintains a court portal system where case information generated from computerized records is accessible to the public. This system includes information about court proceedings related to arrests within the county jurisdiction.

Online access to arrest records may be subject to certain limitations. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.263, governmental bodies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public information. Additionally, certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections established under state law, particularly information related to victims, confidential informants, or ongoing investigations.

Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, comprehensive records may require in-person requests at the appropriate county office. The completeness of online records depends on the county's digitization efforts and the specific information being sought.

How to Look Up Jim Wells County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Jim Wells County arrest records in 2025 have several official channels available. Each method provides different levels of detail and accessibility:

Jim Wells County Sheriff's Department
200 N. Almond Street
Alice, TX 78332
Phone: (361) 668-0341
Official Website

The Sheriff's Department maintains the most current arrest records and jail roster information. Individuals may request records in person during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM). Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, the department must promptly produce public information for inspection or duplication upon request.

Jim Wells County Clerk's Office
200 N. Almond Street, Suite 101
Alice, TX 78332
Phone: (361) 668-5706
Official Website

The County Clerk maintains court records related to misdemeanor cases, which may include arrest documentation. Requestors should provide specific information such as the individual's full name and approximate date of arrest to facilitate record retrieval.

Jim Wells County District Clerk
P.O. Drawer 2219
Alice, TX 78333
Phone: (361) 668-5716
Official Website

The District Clerk maintains records for felony cases processed through the district courts. These records may contain arrest information for more serious offenses. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through designated electronic systems where available.

When requesting arrest records, individuals should be prepared to provide identification and complete any required forms. Fees for copies are established in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.261 and may vary based on the volume and format of records requested.

Contents of a Jim Wells County Arrest Record

Jim Wells County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Name of the arresting agency and officer identification
Complete list of charges filed, including statute citations and offense classifications
Booking information, including processing date and facility
Demographic information, including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Photographic documentation (mugshot) taken during booking
Fingerprint records collected during processing
Bail or bond information, including amount set and conditions of release
Case disposition information, if available
Identifying marks, tattoos, or other distinguishing physical characteristics

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the stage of criminal proceedings. Records related to ongoing investigations may contain redactions pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108, which protects information that could interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime.

Law enforcement agencies in Jim Wells County maintain these records in accordance with state records retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Under these requirements, arrest records must be retained for a minimum period based on the classification of the offense and case disposition.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Jim Wells County

Jim Wells County follows Texas state law regarding the expungement of arrest records. Under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, individuals may petition for expungement (also called "expunction") under specific circumstances:

The person was arrested but never charged with an offense
Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed
The person was acquitted of charges at trial
The person was convicted but subsequently pardoned
The statute of limitations has expired for an offense for which the person was released and no charges were filed

The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Jim Wells County. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Upon approval, the court issues an Order of Expunction directing all agencies holding records to destroy or return them to the petitioner.

A related but distinct process is an order of nondisclosure, available under Texas Government Code Chapter 411. This procedure does not destroy records but restricts public access to them. Eligibility typically requires successful completion of deferred adjudication or meeting other statutory requirements.

Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that certain offenses, particularly those involving violence, sexual conduct, or offenses against children, may be ineligible for expungement under Texas law. Additionally, expungement proceedings typically require payment of filing fees and may necessitate legal representation to navigate procedural requirements effectively.

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