Forney Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Forney, Texas?
Arrest records are public in Forney, Texas, in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction of Forney, are accessible to members of the public. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and ensures accountability within law enforcement agencies operating in the state.
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 Forney Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation, and these records are generally available for public inspection and copying upon proper request.
Members of the public should note that while arrest records are public, certain information within these records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with exceptions provided in the Texas Public Information Act. These exceptions typically protect sensitive personal information, ongoing investigations, or information that might compromise public safety.
How to Look Up Forney Arrest Records in 2025
To obtain arrest records in Forney, Texas in 2025, individuals have several official channels available. The City of Forney has established specific procedures for accessing these public records in compliance with state regulations.
The primary methods for accessing Forney arrest records include:
- In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Forney Police Department to submit a public information request for arrest records. Staff will assist with completing the necessary forms and identifying the specific records needed.
Forney Police Department
110 Justice Center Drive
Forney, TX 75126
Phone: 972-564-7600
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Kaufman County Records: For cases that have proceeded to court, records may be available through the Kaufman County Clerk's Office or District Clerk's Office.
Kaufman County Clerk's Office
100 W. Mulberry Street
Kaufman, TX 75142
Phone: 972-932-4331
- Municipal Court Records: For certain violations, records may be accessed through the Forney Municipal Court.
Forney Municipal Court of Record Number 1
331 S FM 548
Forney, TX 75126
Phone: 972-552-6620
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Closed Fridays)
Official Website
When requesting arrest records, individuals must provide sufficient information to identify the specific record sought, including the full name of the arrested individual, date of birth if known, and approximate date of arrest. Requestors should be prepared to present identification and pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying as established by the City of Forney fee schedule.
Contents of a Forney Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Forney Police Department contain standardized information as required by Texas state law and departmental policies. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Detailed description of the criminal charges filed, including applicable Texas Penal Code sections
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking information, including booking number and processing agency
- Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
- Biometric data, including fingerprints and, in some cases, DNA samples
- Physical description of the arrested individual, including height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Date of birth and age
- Gender and race/ethnicity as recorded by the arresting officer
- Disposition information, if available (whether the case was prosecuted, dismissed, or otherwise resolved)
The Forney Police Department maintains these records in accordance with Texas Local Government Code § 202.001 et seq., which establishes requirements for records retention. Arrest records are typically retained for a minimum period as specified in the department's records retention schedule, which has been approved by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
It should be noted that while these records are generally public, certain information may be redacted prior to release in accordance with applicable privacy laws and exemptions under the Texas Public Information Act.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Forney
The expungement of arrest records in Forney follows procedures established under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Expungement (also referred to as "expunction" in Texas law) provides eligible individuals with the opportunity to have arrest records and related documentation removed from public and official records.
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.01, individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:
- The person was arrested but never charged with an offense
- The person was charged but the case was dismissed or quashed, and the statute of limitations has expired
- The person was acquitted of the charges (found "not guilty") at trial
- The person was convicted but subsequently pardoned or otherwise granted relief based on actual innocence
- The person successfully completed certain types of pre-trial diversion programs, depending on the specific program requirements
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction in the district court in Kaufman County where the arrest occurred. This legal proceeding requires strict adherence to statutory requirements, including proper notification to all agencies that may possess records related to the arrest.
Upon granting an expunction order, the court will direct all relevant agencies, including the Forney Police Department and the Forney Municipal Court, to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest. Following successful expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except in very limited circumstances specified by law.
For arrests that do not qualify for expungement, individuals may alternatively seek an order of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view while maintaining them for use by criminal justice agencies.
The expungement process involves complex legal requirements, and the assistance of legal counsel is advisable to navigate the statutory procedures effectively.
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