Matagorda County, Texas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Matagorda County, Texas?
Arrest records are public documents in Matagorda 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, including records of arrests made by law enforcement agencies within Matagorda County. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to records maintained by public bodies, subject only to specific statutory exceptions.
The Matagorda County Public Information Act Policy outlines the procedures for requesting such information. Under Texas law, these records remain accessible to any member of the public without the need to state a purpose for requesting the information. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted if it falls under statutory exemptions, such as information related to ongoing investigations or juvenile records as specified in Texas Family Code § 58.007.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Matagorda County?
Matagorda County arrest records are available through various online platforms, both governmental and third-party. The Matagorda County District Clerk's Office maintains certain court records that may include information related to arrests. These records may be accessible through the county's official website, though the extent of information available online varies.
The online availability of arrest records is subject to the provisions of Texas Government Code § 552.221, which requires governmental bodies to provide prompt access to public information. However, not all arrest records may be digitized or made available through online portals. Some records, particularly older ones, may only be accessible through in-person requests at the appropriate county office.
Third-party aggregators also compile and provide access to Matagorda County arrest records online. These services collect public record information from various sources and make it searchable through their platforms. Users should be aware that such third-party services may not always contain complete or up-to-date information, as they depend on the frequency with which they update their databases from official sources.
How to Look Up Matagorda County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Matagorda County arrest records have several methods available to them. Each option provides varying levels of detail and accessibility:
In-person requests can be made at the Matagorda County Sheriff's Office, located at 2308 Avenue F, Bay City, TX 77414. The office can be contacted at 979-245-5526 for information regarding public counter hours and specific record availability.
The Matagorda County Clerk's Office, which maintains various public records, can provide access to certain arrest-related documents. The office is located at 1700 7th Street, Bay City, TX 77414.
Online searches through the county's official public records portal may yield information on arrests, though the comprehensiveness of online records varies.
Public Information Act requests can be submitted in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.221. Such requests must be made in writing to the appropriate records custodian, typically the Sheriff's Office or County Clerk.
Third-party record search services aggregate public records from multiple sources, including Matagorda County. These services may charge fees for access to their databases.
Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70, requestors may be required to pay reasonable fees for copies of records or for extensive personnel time required to fulfill requests. Fee schedules are established in accordance with guidelines set by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas.
Contents of a Matagorda County Arrest Record
Matagorda County arrest records typically contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These records generally include:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description, including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Specific charges filed, including the Texas Penal Code section allegedly violated
- Arresting agency information and the name of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking details, including booking number and processing information
- Custody status information, including bond amount if applicable
- Fingerprint records as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.252
- Photographic identification (mugshot) of the arrested individual
- Case disposition information, if available
The comprehensiveness of information contained in arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's protocols and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records maintained by the Matagorda County Sheriff's Office may contain different details than those maintained by the District Clerk's Office, which handles court proceedings resulting from arrests.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Matagorda County
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 provides the legal framework for expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Matagorda County. Expungement is a legal process that removes arrest records from public access and, when granted, allows individuals to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest.
Eligibility for expungement in Matagorda County is determined by specific statutory criteria:
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges
- Cases that were dismissed by the prosecutor or court
- Acquittals following trial proceedings
- Pardons granted by the Governor of Texas or the President of the United States
- Arrests resulting from identity theft or false identification
- Certain misdemeanor juvenile offenses as specified in Texas Family Code § 58.256
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Matagorda County District Clerk's Office. This petition must comply with the requirements set forth in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, including proper notification to all agencies that may possess records related to the arrest.
A hearing on the petition will be scheduled in a Matagorda County district court, where a judge will determine whether the petitioner meets the statutory requirements for expungement. If granted, the court will issue an Order of Expunction directing all relevant agencies to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest.
Alternatively, individuals who do not qualify for expungement may be eligible for an order of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view but allows access by law enforcement and certain governmental agencies.
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