Godley Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Godley, Texas?
Arrest records are public information in Godley, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for governmental entities is available to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The public nature of arrest records serves multiple civic purposes, including:
- Ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations
- Facilitating public oversight of governmental activities
- Providing citizens with access to information regarding public safety
- Supporting the constitutional principle of open government
The Texas Public Information Act specifically designates arrest records as public documents that may be accessed by any member of the public, regardless of citizenship status or purpose of the request. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.021, "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body."
The Godley Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and makes them available through established protocols. While certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in specific circumstances, the general arrest information remains accessible to the public.
How to Look Up Godley Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Godley, Texas have multiple avenues through which they may obtain this information. The City of Godley provides several methods for accessing these public records:
- In-person requests may be submitted at the Godley Police Department located at:
Godley Police Department
101 S. Main Street
Godley, TX 76044
Phone: (817) 389-3535
Official Website
- Written requests may be submitted via mail to the above address, with "Records Request" clearly indicated on the envelope
- Electronic requests may be submitted through the designated portal on the municipal website
- Telephone inquiries regarding the status of records requests may be directed to the Records Division at (817) 389-3535
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, the Godley Police Department must promptly produce public information in response to an application. "Promptly" means as soon as possible under the circumstances, within a reasonable time, without delay.
For more comprehensive criminal history information, requestors may contact:
Texas Department of Public Safety
Crime Records Service
P.O. Box 4143
Austin, TX 78765-4143
Phone: (512) 424-2000
Official Website
Public access terminals are also available at the Godley Public Library during regular business hours for individuals who require assistance with digital record searches.
Contents of a Godley Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Godley Police Department typically contain standardized information as required by Texas state law. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and generally include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Government-issued identification numbers
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Agency responsible for the arrest
- Legal authority under which the arrest was executed
Criminal charge information:
- Specific charges filed, with reference to applicable statutes
- Classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
- Case number assigned by the court
- Preliminary court appearance information
Processing documentation:
- Booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots")
- Fingerprint records
- Property inventory taken at time of booking
- Medical screening information
Judicial proceedings:
- Bail or bond amount and conditions
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearances
- Disposition of the case, if available
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 15.26, officers making an arrest are required to take the arrested person before a magistrate without unnecessary delay. This information, along with subsequent judicial proceedings, becomes part of the arrest record maintained by local authorities.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Godley
The State of Texas provides legal mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Godley. Expungement is the legal process that removes arrests from public record and, when granted, allows individuals to legally deny the occurrence of the expunged arrest.
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, expungement may be available under the following circumstances:
- An arrest that did not result in a formal charge
- A charge that was dismissed or quashed
- An acquittal by trial or appellate court
- A pardon granted by the Governor of Texas or the President of the United States
- Completion of certain deferred adjudication programs for specific offenses
- Conviction for certain misdemeanors committed by minors
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Johnson County. This legal procedure typically requires:
- Preparation of formal legal documents
- Payment of filing fees (approximately $250-$300)
- Notification to all agencies holding records of the arrest
- Attendance at a court hearing before a district judge
- Issuance of an Order of Expunction if granted
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 55.02 establishes specific waiting periods before expungement eligibility, which vary based on the nature of the charge and case disposition. For Class C misdemeanors, the waiting period is typically 180 days from the date of arrest; for Class A or B misdemeanors, one year; and for felonies, three years.
The City of Godley municipal court and police department are required to comply with court-ordered expungements by removing all references to the arrest from publicly accessible records. However, certain governmental agencies may retain records for administrative purposes under restricted access.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The Johnson County District Clerk's Office can provide procedural information:
Johnson County District Clerk
Johnson County Courthouse
2 North Main Street
Cleburne, TX 76033
Phone: (817) 556-6323
Official Website
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