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Lampasas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lampasas, Texas?

Arrest records in Lampasas, 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 records, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be available for public inspection and copying. The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental functions, including maintaining transparency in law enforcement operations, enabling community awareness of public safety matters, and providing accountability for the actions of public officials.

The Texas Public Information Act specifically designates arrest records as public information under § 552.022, with limited exceptions as provided by law. Members of the public seeking arrest records in Lampasas County may obtain these documents through established procedures at designated governmental offices or through authorized online portals maintained by county agencies.

How to Look Up Lampasas Arrest Records in 2025

The Lampasas County Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records for the jurisdiction and provides multiple methods for public access to these documents. Individuals seeking arrest record information may utilize the following official channels:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests directly at the Lampasas County Sheriff's Office located at 1210 Barnes Street, Lampasas, Texas 76550. Office hours for public record requests are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
County Clerk's Office: The Lampasas County Clerk maintains court records related to arrests. Their office is located at 501 E. 4th Street, Lampasas, TX 76550. Public access hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Online Access: The county provides limited online access to arrest records through the county's official website. Users must register for an account and may be subject to nominal fees for document retrieval.
Written Requests: Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.301, written requests may be submitted via mail to the Records Division at the Sheriff's Office address. Requests must include specific information about the record being sought, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information.

All requests for arrest records must comply with the provisions outlined in the Lampasas Municipal Code of Ordinances regarding public information requests. Processing times typically range from 3-10 business days, depending on the complexity of the request and current departmental workload.

Contents of a Lampasas Arrest Record

Lampasas County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citation of alleged offense(s)
Booking photographs ("mugshots")
Fingerprint records collected during processing
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Arresting agency identification
Case number assigned by the law enforcement agency
Custody status information
Bond amount, if applicable
Court appearance dates, when scheduled

The Lampasas County District Court maintains subsequent judicial records related to arrests, including indictments, court appearances, and case dispositions. These records are maintained separately from initial arrest documentation but may be cross-referenced through case identification numbers.

It should be noted that certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.130, § 552.136, and § 552.147, which protect specific categories of personal information including driver's license numbers, social security numbers, and certain medical information.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

The accessibility of arrest records in Lampasas County is governed by multiple statutory provisions that balance public transparency with individual privacy rights. The primary legal authorities include:

Texas Government Code § 552.021 establishes the fundamental right of access: "Public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." This provision forms the foundation for public access to arrest records maintained by Lampasas County agencies.

The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102 specifically addresses law enforcement records and establishes mandatory reporting requirements for arrests. This statute ensures standardization of arrest documentation across jurisdictions within Texas.

Local regulations, as codified in the Lampasas County Code of Ordinances Chapter 2, Article IV, further define the procedures for requesting and obtaining public records from county departments, including the Sheriff's Office and County Clerk.

Federal regulations, including the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. § 552) and the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a), may apply to certain arrest records when federal agencies are involved in the arrest or investigation.

Requestors should be aware that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be withheld or redacted pursuant to statutory exceptions. These exceptions are enumerated in Texas Government Code § 552.101 through § 552.158 and include protections for confidential information, ongoing investigations, and certain personal identifying information.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Lampasas

Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, certain individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records maintained by Lampasas County agencies. Expungement effectively removes all documentation of an arrest from public access and official records. Eligibility criteria for expungement in Lampasas County include:

Arrests that did not result in formal charges
Charges that were dismissed or quashed
Acquittals following trial proceedings
Pardons granted by the Governor or President
Completion of certain pretrial diversion programs
Arrests resulting from identity theft or mistaken identity

The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Lampasas District Court located at 501 E. 4th Street, Lampasas, TX 76550. Petitioners must comply with the procedural requirements specified in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.02, including proper notification to all agencies possessing records related to the arrest.

Upon granting an expungement order, the court will direct all relevant agencies, including the Lampasas County Sheriff's Office, to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.03, once an expungement order is final, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances, including employment applications.

Alternative remedies for arrest records include orders of non-disclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seal records from public view but maintain them for law enforcement purposes. These remedies typically apply to successfully completed deferred adjudication cases.