Medina County, Texas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Medina County, Texas?
Arrest records are public in Medina County, 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 available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. The public nature of arrest records serves multiple governmental and societal functions, including:
• Ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations • Facilitating public oversight of governmental activities • Providing necessary information for background checks • Supporting journalistic reporting on matters of public interest
The Medina County District Clerk's Office maintains these records in accordance with Texas state law. While most arrest records remain accessible to the public, certain records may be sealed or expunged under specific circumstances as provided by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Medina County?
Medina County arrest records are accessible online through several official and third-party platforms. The Medina County government website provides digital access to certain public records, including arrest information. Online availability of these records is governed by Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 10, Chapter 205, which establishes standards for electronic access to governmental information.
Digital access to arrest records is provided through:
• The Medina County Sheriff's Office online portal • The Medina County Court information system • Public access terminals located at the Medina County Courthouse • Third-party aggregators that compile public records
Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, complete case files may require in-person requests at the appropriate county office. Online records are updated according to established county protocols, which may result in a delay between an arrest and its appearance in digital systems.
How to Look Up Medina County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Medina County arrest records may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures have been established for accessing arrest records in compliance with Texas Government Code § 552.021:
• Visit the Medina County Sheriff's Office in person to request specific arrest records: Medina County Sheriff's Office 801 Avenue Y Hondo, TX 78861 (830) 741-6153 Official Website
• Submit a request to the Medina County District Clerk: Medina County District Clerk's Office 1100 16th Street, Room 209 Hondo, TX 78861 (830) 741-6070 Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Access public terminals at the Medina County Court: Medina County Court at Law 1300 Avenue M, Room 248 Hondo, TX 78861 (830) 741-6065 Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Submit a Public Information Act request in writing, specifying the records sought with reasonable particularity
Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Fees may apply for record retrieval and copying services in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.261.
Contents of a Medina County Arrest Record
Medina County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.21. These official documents typically include the following elements:
• Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases • Date, time, and location of the arrest • Specific charges filed, including applicable Texas Penal Code sections • Arresting agency and officer identification • Booking information, including processing location and time • Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks) • Demographic information (date of birth, gender, race) • Booking photograph ("mugshot") • Fingerprint records • Case disposition information, if available • Bond amount and status • Court assignment information
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of the criminal justice process. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108, certain details may be redacted if their release would interfere with the detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Medina County
Under Texas law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Medina County. This legal process, governed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
• Cases resulting in acquittal • Cases dismissed without prosecution • Arrests that did not lead to charges • Convictions that were subsequently pardoned • Successful completion of certain deferred adjudication programs • Juvenile records meeting statutory requirements
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
• File a Petition for Expunction with the Medina County District Clerk • Pay the required filing fee (approximately $250-$300) • Serve copies of the petition to all agencies holding records • Attend a scheduled court hearing before a district judge • Obtain a signed Order of Expunction if granted
Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that the process typically takes 3-6 months to complete. Once granted, an expungement legally permits the individual to deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances, including on employment applications.
For cases not qualifying for expungement, Texas law provides an alternative remedy through orders of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seal records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes.
Search Arrest Records in Medina County
• Medina County District Clerk Records • Medina County Arrest Records Database • Medina County Government Portal • Medina County Court Information
