Riesel Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Riesel, Texas?
Arrest records in Riesel, Texas are public documents accessible to citizens pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including documentation of arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The statute operates under the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions designed to protect privacy, security, and other compelling interests.
The McLennan County Sheriff's Office and the Riesel Police Department maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. These records document law enforcement activities and contribute to the transparency of governmental operations within the jurisdiction. Members of the public may inspect these records during regular business hours or request copies according to established procedures.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple civic functions, including:
- Enabling community oversight of law enforcement activities
- Facilitating background checks for employment or housing purposes
- Supporting journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters
- Providing statistical data for policy analysis and research
Requestors should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain information within these records may be redacted pursuant to exceptions under Texas Government Code § 552.108 and other applicable statutes.
How to Look Up Riesel Arrest Records in 2025
The retrieval of arrest records in Riesel, Texas may be accomplished through several official channels. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information for inspection or duplication upon request. The following methods are available for obtaining arrest records in Riesel:
- In-person requests may be submitted at the Riesel Police Department located at:
Riesel Police Department
104 N. Highway 6
Riesel, TX 76682
(254) 896-6501
City of Riesel Official Website
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the above address. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.301, the governmental body must respond to written requests within 10 business days.
Records pertaining to arrests made by county law enforcement may be obtained from:
McLennan County Sheriff's Office
901 Washington Avenue
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-5000
- The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a statewide criminal history database accessible to authorized entities under Texas Government Code § 411.135.
Requestors must provide sufficient identifying information to locate the specific records sought. A reasonable fee may be assessed for copies pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261.
Contents of a Riesel Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Riesel Police Department and other law enforcement agencies within McLennan County contain standardized information as prescribed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Subject identification data:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- State identification number (SID) if previously assigned
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Geographic location where the arrest occurred
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Agency case number
Offense data:
- Criminal charges filed
- Texas Penal Code section(s) allegedly violated
- Classification of offense (felony or misdemeanor grade)
- Incident report narrative (may be redacted in public copies)
Processing details:
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Booking date and time
- Detention facility information
- Bond amount if applicable
Disposition information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case status
- Preliminary hearing date if applicable
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary according to the nature of the offense and the arresting agency's protocols. Certain information may be withheld from public disclosure pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108 if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Riesel
The expungement of arrest records in Riesel follows procedures established under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. This legal process allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific statutory conditions. Individuals seeking expungement must petition the court with jurisdiction over the original arrest.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Texas include:
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges
- Charges that were dismissed
- Acquittals following trial
- Pardons
- Certain misdemeanor juvenile offenses
- Successful completion of certain diversion programs
The expungement process requires the following steps:
- Filing a petition for expunction with the district court in McLennan County
- Payment of required filing fees (approximately $300, subject to change)
- Attendance at a scheduled court hearing
- Issuance of an order of expunction if approved by the court
If expungement is granted, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest, including the Riesel Police Department, McLennan County Sheriff's Office, and Texas Department of Public Safety, are directed to destroy or return all documentation related to the arrest pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02.
For arrests not qualifying for expungement, individuals may seek an order of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which restricts public access to criminal history record information while maintaining availability to law enforcement and certain governmental entities.
Legal representation is advisable when pursuing expungement or nondisclosure, as procedural requirements are stringent and vary according to the specific circumstances of each case.
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