Arrest records are public in Eagle Pass, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for governmental entities is accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Act serves to promote transparency and accountability in governance by allowing citizens to obtain records that include arrest information. Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body."
The Maverick County Sheriff's Office and Eagle Pass Police Department maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. These records document law enforcement activities and are considered public documents under state law. Members of the public may request access to these records through established procedures, subject to certain privacy protections and exemptions outlined in the Texas Public Information Act.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Eagle Pass, Texas. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:
In-person requests at the Eagle Pass Police Department located at 480 S. Adams Street, Eagle Pass, TX 78852. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors must complete a police report request form and provide proper identification.
Direct inquiries to the Maverick County Sheriff's Office at 200 Quarry Street, Eagle Pass, TX 78852. The office operates 24 hours daily, with administrative services available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Submission of requests to the Eagle Pass Municipal Court at 100 South Monroe Street, Eagle Pass, TX 78852. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Utilization of the online records request portal maintained by the Eagle Pass Municipal Court for certain records.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must "promptly produce public information for inspection, duplication, or both" upon request. The standard timeframe for response is within 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time.
Eagle Pass arrest records typically contain comprehensive information regarding the arrest incident and the individual involved. Standard components of these records include:
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.26 requires peace officers to inform arrested persons of the offense charged and to take the person before a magistrate without unnecessary delay. Documentation of these procedural requirements is typically included in the arrest record.
The expungement of arrest records in Eagle Pass follows Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, which provides legal mechanisms for removing arrest information from public access under specific circumstances. Individuals may petition for expungement if:
The expungement process requires filing a petition in the district court where the arrest occurred or where the case was disposed. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Upon review, the court may order all records and files pertaining to the arrest to be expunged if statutory requirements are met.
When an expungement is granted, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest must destroy or return all documentation related to the case. Following expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
Access to arrest records in Eagle Pass is subject to certain statutory limitations designed to protect privacy rights and ongoing investigations. The Texas Public Information Act provides specific exemptions under which arrest information may be withheld, including:
Law enforcement agencies in Eagle Pass may redact certain information from arrest records prior to release, including:
Requestors seeking arrest records may be required to submit written requests specifying the information sought. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.222, governmental bodies may ask for clarification of requests but cannot inquire about the purpose for which the information will be used.
Governmental entities in Eagle Pass may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of arrest records in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.261. The fee structure for obtaining these records is as follows:
The Eagle Pass Police Department requires payment of applicable fees at the time of request. Payment methods accepted include cash, credit card, money order, or cashier's check. Personal checks are not accepted for records requests.
Fee waivers or reductions may be available for requests that are determined to be in the public interest. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.267, a governmental body shall provide a copy of public information without charge or at a reduced charge if the governmental body determines that waiver or reduction of the charge is in the public interest.