Lamar County, Texas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Lamar County, Texas?
Arrest records in Lamar County, Texas are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that government-held records, including those documenting arrests, are available for public inspection and reproduction. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability of public officials by ensuring citizens have access to records maintained by state and local government entities.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Lamar County may obtain these documents through various official channels. The Texas Public Information Act stipulates that governmental bodies must promptly release requested information unless specific exceptions apply under §§ 552.101-552.158 of the Government Code. These exceptions primarily protect sensitive personal information, ongoing investigations, and matters of public security.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Lamar County?
Lamar County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official government portals. The Lamar County online services platform offers access to judicial records, which may include information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This digital accessibility aligns with the county's commitment to providing convenient public access to government records while maintaining compliance with state regulations.
Online availability of arrest records is subject to the provisions outlined in Texas Government Code § 552.221, which addresses the form in which public information is made available. The statute permits governmental bodies to provide reasonable electronic access to public information when feasible. Users of online systems should note that some records may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections established under Texas law.
Individuals seeking comprehensive arrest information may need to supplement online searches with requests to specific agencies, as not all records may be digitized or available through public-facing databases.
How to Look Up Lamar County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Lamar County. Interested parties may pursue the following methods:
Submit a public information request to the Lamar County Sheriff's Office located at 121 N. Main Street, Paris, TX 75460. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Phone: (903) 737-2400.
Access the Lamar County Judicial Records through the county's official website. This resource provides searchable databases of court records which may contain information related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.
Contact the Lamar County Clerk's Office at 119 N. Main St., Paris, TX 75460. Phone: (903) 737-2420. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Visit the Paris Police Department at 2910 Clarksville Street, Paris, TX 75460. Phone: (903) 737-4100. The department maintains records of arrests within city limits.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, governmental bodies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public information. Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees for document reproduction, which are established in accordance with guidelines set by the Office of the Attorney General.
Contents of a Lamar County Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Lamar County law enforcement agencies typically contain the following information as prescribed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Specific charges filed, including applicable Texas Penal Code sections
- Name and identification of the arresting agency and officer(s)
- Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
- Fingerprint impressions collected during processing
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and eye/hair color
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Case disposition information, if available
- Booking number and facility information
The Criminal Investigation Division of the Paris Police Department and the Lamar County Sheriff's Office maintain these records in accordance with state retention schedules. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies pursuant to exceptions under the Texas Public Information Act.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Lamar County
Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, eligible individuals may petition for expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Lamar County. Expungement legally removes arrest information from official records and, when granted, permits the individual to deny the occurrence of the arrest except in specific circumstances outlined in statute.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Lamar County include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 55.01(a)(1))
- Cases dismissed or no charges filed (Art. 55.01(a)(2))
- Certain misdemeanor juvenile offenses (Art. 45.0216)
- Arrests for identity theft where another person was convicted (Art. 55.01(d))
- Convictions pardoned by the Governor or President (Art. 55.01(a)(1)(B))
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Lamar County District Court located at 119 N. Main St., Paris, TX 75460. Phone: (903) 737-2410. The petition must comply with requirements specified in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 55.02, including proper notification to all agencies holding records subject to expungement.
Petitioners are advised that expungement proceedings typically require payment of filing fees and may necessitate legal representation to navigate procedural requirements. The court maintains discretion in granting expungement petitions based on statutory eligibility and the specific circumstances of each case.
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