Martin County, Texas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Martin County, Texas?
Arrest records are public information in Martin County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the public's right to access governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests made within county jurisdiction. The Texas Public Information Act operates under the premise that governmental transparency serves the public interest, with specific provisions ensuring that arrest records remain accessible to citizens, journalists, researchers, and other interested parties.
The Martin County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records may submit requests through established channels, as outlined in Texas Government Code § 552.221, which requires governmental bodies to promptly produce public information for inspection or duplication.
Certain exceptions to disclosure may apply in specific circumstances as provided under §§ 552.101 through 552.158, particularly when release might compromise ongoing investigations or infringe upon protected privacy interests.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Martin County?
Martin County arrest records are available through various online platforms, though comprehensive digital access varies by record type and date. The Martin County Sheriff's Office maintains certain arrest information through their official county website, including current inmate rosters and recent booking information. These digital resources are maintained pursuant to Texas Administrative Code provisions governing electronic record management.
Online accessibility of arrest records serves multiple public interests, including:
- Facilitating background checks for employment and housing
- Enabling research on law enforcement activities
- Supporting journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters
- Providing transparency in governmental operations
The Texas Department of Public Safety also maintains a statewide criminal history database that includes arrest information from Martin County and other jurisdictions throughout Texas. Access to this system may require registration and payment of statutory fees as established under Texas Government Code § 411.135.
How to Look Up Martin County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Martin County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following methods are available pursuant to Texas Government Code Chapter 552:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Martin County Sheriff's Office located at 301 N. Saint Peter Street, Stanton, TX 79782. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Staff can assist with locating specific arrest records upon proper identification and completion of required request forms.
Online County Resources: The Martin County official website provides access to certain arrest record information, including current inmate rosters and recent booking data.
County & District Clerk's Office: The Martin County Clerk's Office maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. This office operates at the same address as the Sheriff's Office (301 N. Saint Peter Street, Stanton, TX 79782).
Texas Department of Public Safety: For statewide criminal history information that includes Martin County arrests, individuals may submit requests through the Texas DPS Crime Records Service.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record searches, including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information that may assist in locating the correct records.
Contents of a Martin County Arrest Record
Martin County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These official documents typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed at the time of booking
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
- Fingerprint records collected during processing
- Case number and incident report identifiers
- Bail or bond information, including amount set and conditions
- Detention status (released or in custody)
- Court appearance dates and jurisdictional information
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the arresting agency's protocols. All information contained within these records is maintained in accordance with Texas records retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under Texas Government Code § 441.158.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Martin County
Under Texas law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Martin County. The legal process for expungement is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which establishes specific eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:
- The person was arrested but never charged with a crime
- Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed
- The person was acquitted of charges at trial
- The person was convicted but later pardoned
- The person completed certain deferred adjudication programs for eligible offenses
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the district court in Martin County. Petitioners must provide detailed information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings as specified in Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Upon approval, an expungement order directs all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to destroy or return all documentation to the court.
Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that the process involves legal filing fees and may require the assistance of legal counsel. The Martin County District Clerk's Office can provide information regarding filing procedures and required documentation.
Martin County Sheriff's Office
301 N. Saint Peter Street
Stanton, TX 79782
Phone: 432-607-3535
Official Sheriff's Office Website
Martin County & District Clerk's Office
301 N. Saint Peter Street
Stanton, TX 79782
Phone: 432-607-3535
Official County & District Clerk Website
Search Arrest Records in Martin County
