Alvarado Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Alvarado, Texas?
Arrest records are public in Alvarado, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the presumption that all government information is available to the public, including arrest records maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to records created, collected, or maintained by governmental bodies in the course of official business.
Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." This provision applies to arrest records maintained by the Alvarado Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies. Members of the public may request these records without demonstrating a specific need or purpose for accessing the information.
Certain exceptions to disclosure may apply in limited circumstances as provided by Texas Government Code § 552.101 through § 552.158, such as information related to ongoing investigations or juvenile records. However, the general presumption favors disclosure of arrest information to maintain public oversight of law enforcement activities.
How to Look Up Alvarado Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Alvarado has implemented several methods for accessing arrest records, with enhanced digital capabilities projected for 2025. Individuals seeking arrest record information may utilize the following official channels:
Online Portal Access: The Alvarado Municipal Court maintains a digital database where members of the public may search for arrest records and case information. Users must provide specific identifying information such as name, date of birth, or case number to facilitate accurate searches.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests in person at the Alvarado Police Department or the Municipal Court during regular business hours. Proper identification must be presented when requesting records.
Alvarado Police Department
104 E. College St.
Alvarado, TX 76009
Phone: (817) 790-0910
Alvarado Police Department
Alvarado Municipal Court
104 W. College St.
Alvarado, TX 76009
Phone: (817) 790-3351
Municipal Court Services
Written Requests: Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.301, individuals may submit written requests for arrest records. These requests must be directed to the records custodian of the appropriate agency and should include sufficient detail to identify the requested records.
Johnson County Records: For comprehensive arrest records that may include incidents processed through county facilities, requests may be submitted to the Johnson County Clerk's Office.
Standard processing fees apply to all record requests in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70. Fee schedules are established pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.262 and are subject to periodic review and adjustment.
Contents of an Alvarado Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Alvarado Police Department and associated agencies typically contain the following categories of information as mandated by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102:
Biographical Data: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race/ethnicity, height, weight, eye and hair color, and any identifying marks such as tattoos or scars.
Arrest Information: Date and time of arrest, location where the arrest occurred, arresting officer's name and badge number, and the agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including citation to applicable sections of the Texas Penal Code or local ordinances, and classification of offenses (e.g., misdemeanor class A, B, C, or felony degree).
Booking Details: Time of booking, assigned identification numbers, property inventory, and medical screening information when applicable.
Biometric Data: Fingerprints collected pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.051, which requires fingerprinting of individuals charged with certain offenses. Photographs (mugshots) taken during the booking process are also included.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, including whether the individual was released on bond, bond amount, court dates, and ultimate resolution of charges if available.
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions may be included when relevant to the current case and as permitted by applicable law.
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the stage of criminal proceedings. Records are updated as cases progress through the judicial system in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.103.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Alvarado
The expungement of arrest records in Alvarado follows procedures established under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Expungement (legally referred to as "expunction" in Texas) provides for the removal and destruction of records related to arrests under specific circumstances.
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01, individuals may be eligible for expungement if:
- The person was arrested but never charged with an offense
- Charges were dismissed or quashed due to mistake, false information, or other similar reason
- The person was acquitted of the offense by a court (including appellate courts)
- The person was convicted but subsequently pardoned or otherwise granted relief based on actual innocence
- The statute of limitations for the offense has expired and no charges were filed
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Johnson County. The petition must comply with the requirements set forth in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, including:
- Detailed personal information of the petitioner
- Specific information about the arrest to be expunged
- Description of the offense charged, if any
- Date of disposition of the case, if applicable
- Statement that the petitioner is eligible for expunction under Article 55.01
Upon filing, the court will set a hearing date no sooner than 30 days from filing. All agencies with records subject to expunction must be notified and given opportunity to appear at the hearing. If the court grants the expunction, an order will be issued directing all relevant agencies to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The Johnson County District Clerk's Office maintains the necessary forms and can provide procedural information, though they cannot offer legal advice.
Johnson County District Clerk
Johnson County Courthouse
Guinn Justice Center
204 S. Buffalo Ave.
Cleburne, TX 76033
Phone: (817) 556-6695
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