Kleberg County, Texas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Kleberg County, Texas?
Arrest records are public documents in Kleberg County, 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, with certain statutory exceptions. The Act mandates that government bodies, including law enforcement agencies in Kleberg County, maintain transparency by providing public access to arrest records and other governmental documents.
The Texas Public Information Act specifically designates arrest records as public information under § 552.021, which states that public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body. This provision ensures that citizens have the right to inspect and obtain copies of arrest records maintained by county agencies, promoting accountability in the criminal justice system.
Residents seeking arrest records may access this information through the Kleberg County Clerk's Office or the District Clerk's Office, depending on the jurisdiction of the case. These offices serve as the official custodians of court records for the county.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Kleberg County?
Kleberg County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official county websites and third-party platforms. The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 62.005 authorizes the Department of Public Safety to maintain a computerized central database of information related to criminal offenders, which includes arrest information that may be accessible online.
The Kleberg County official website offers limited online access to public records, including some arrest information. Additionally, the county participates in regional information-sharing systems that allow for electronic access to certain criminal justice records. However, comprehensive arrest records may require direct contact with the appropriate county offices.
Online accessibility is subject to the provisions of Texas Government Code § 552.261, which permits governmental bodies to charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public information. Users accessing records online may encounter nominal fees for certain searches or document retrievals.
Kleberg County District Clerk
700 E Kleberg Ave
Kingsville, TX 78363
Phone: 361-595-8547
District Clerk's Office
How to Look Up Kleberg County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Kleberg County have multiple methods available for conducting searches, as prescribed by Texas Government Code § 552.221, which requires governmental bodies to promptly produce public information for inspection or duplication.
The following procedures are available for obtaining arrest records:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Kleberg County Courthouse to submit requests for arrest records. Requestors must complete a Public Information Request form specifying the records sought. Pursuant to § 552.221(a), the county must promptly produce the information for inspection or duplication.
Online Access: The county provides limited online access through the Kleberg County Court Records portal, where users can search for basic arrest information. This service operates in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.272, which permits governmental bodies to provide public information through electronic means.
Written Requests: Citizens may submit written requests via mail or email to the appropriate records custodian. Under § 552.301, the governmental body must respond to written requests within 10 business days.
Criminal History Record Information (CHRI): For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may request a CHRI report from the Texas Department of Public Safety, as authorized by Texas Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter F.
Kleberg County Sheriff's Office
1500 E King Ave
Kingsville, TX 78363
Phone: 361-595-8500
Contents of a Kleberg County Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Kleberg County contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 60.01, which establishes uniform reporting standards for criminal justice agencies throughout the state. These records typically include:
- Full legal name and known aliases of the arrested individual
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color, identifying marks)
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed, including citation of applicable Texas Penal Code sections
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Fingerprint information collected pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 38.33
- Case disposition information, when available
- Bond information, including type and amount
- Court docket numbers and scheduled court appearances
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the stage of criminal proceedings and the reporting practices of the arresting agency. Records are maintained in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission retention schedules, which require law enforcement agencies to retain arrest records for a minimum of 75 years.
Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access
While arrest records are generally public in Kleberg County, certain statutory exceptions limit access to specific information. Texas Government Code § 552.101 exempts information considered confidential by law, including:
- Records pertaining to juvenile offenders (under 17 years of age), as protected by Texas Family Code § 58.007
- Records sealed by court order pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 55.02
- Information related to ongoing investigations, as permitted under § 552.108
- Records containing information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy under § 552.101
Additionally, the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 62.005 restricts the disclosure of certain information related to victims of sexual offenses. Government agencies must redact such protected information before releasing arrest records to the public.
Requestors seeking arrest records should be aware that Texas Government Code § 552.275 permits governmental bodies to establish reasonable limits on the amount of time personnel are required to spend producing information without recovering costs.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Kleberg County
Texas law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures for removing arrest information from public access.
Individuals may petition for expungement in Kleberg County if:
- They were arrested but never charged with a crime
- Charges were dismissed or quashed
- They were acquitted of the charges (found "not guilty")
- They were convicted but subsequently pardoned
- They completed a pretrial diversion program that qualifies for expungement
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Kleberg County District Clerk. Pursuant to Art. 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. If granted, an Order of Expunction directs all agencies holding records of the arrest to destroy or return those records to the court.
Alternatively, individuals who do not qualify for expungement may 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.
Kleberg County Courthouse
700 E Kleberg Ave
Kingsville, TX 78363
Phone: 361-595-8585
Search Arrest Records in Kleberg County
