Hondo Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hondo, Texas?

Arrest records in Hondo, Texas are considered public information and are accessible to members of the general public. This accessibility is governed by the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), which establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest records, shall be available to citizens upon request. The statute serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring public access to information concerning official activities and operations.

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.021, "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." This provision applies to records maintained by the Hondo Police Department, Medina County Sheriff's Office, and other law enforcement agencies operating within the jurisdiction. Members of the public seeking arrest records may submit requests to the appropriate records custodian, who must respond within the timeframes specified by statute.

It should be noted that certain information within arrest records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with exceptions provided in the Texas Public Information Act. These exceptions typically pertain to ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy if disclosed.

How to Look Up Hondo Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Hondo, Texas. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:

• In-person requests at the Hondo Police Department, located at 1600 Avenue M, Hondo, TX 78861. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (830) 426-5353.

• Requests submitted to the Medina County Sheriff's Office, located at 801 Avenue Y, Hondo, TX 78861. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (830) 741-6153.

• Written requests addressed to the Records Division of either agency, which must include sufficient identifying information to locate the specific records being sought.

• Electronic requests through the respective agency websites, where available. Some agencies may provide online portals for public records requests.

• Requests to the Texas Department of Public Safety for statewide criminal history information at 5805 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78752. Telephone: (512) 424-2000.

Requestors should be prepared to provide proper identification and may be required to pay reasonable fees for document retrieval, copying, and certification as authorized by Texas Government Code § 552.261. Fee schedules are typically posted at the respective agencies and on their official websites.

Contents of a Hondo Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Hondo, Texas typically contain comprehensive information regarding the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.17, these records generally include:

• Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases or alternative identities
• Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
• Residential address at the time of arrest
• Date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred
• Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
• Agency responsible for the arrest (Hondo Police Department, Medina County Sheriff's Office, etc.)
• Statutory violations and specific charges filed
• Case or incident number assigned to the arrest
• Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
• Fingerprint impressions collected during the booking process
• Details regarding bail or bond determinations, including amount set and conditions imposed
• Preliminary court appearance information
• Custody status (released, detained, transferred)

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency's record-keeping practices and the stage of the criminal justice process at which the records are requested. Records maintained in electronic databases may contain additional cross-referenced information not available in paper formats.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Hondo

The expungement of arrest records in Hondo follows procedures established under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Expungement (legally termed "expunction" in Texas) provides eligible individuals with the opportunity to have records of arrests, charges, or convictions removed from public access and official databases.

Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.01, individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:

• The person was arrested but never charged with an offense
• Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed
• The person was acquitted of the charges at trial
• The person was convicted but subsequently pardoned
• The person successfully completed a pre-trial diversion program
• The statute of limitations for the offense has expired without charges being filed

The expungement process requires the filing of a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Medina County. This legal proceeding requires:

• Preparation of a formal petition containing statutorily required information
• Payment of filing fees (approximately $300, though fee waivers may be available)
• Service of the petition on all agencies holding records related to the arrest
• Attendance at a hearing before a district judge
• Issuance of an Order of Expunction if the petition is granted

Upon successful expungement, all agencies possessing records related to the arrest are legally obligated to destroy or return those records to the petitioner. Following expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances, including on employment applications.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The Medina County District Clerk's Office, located at 1100 16th Street, Hondo, TX 78861, Telephone: (830) 741-6070, can provide procedural information, though they cannot offer legal advice regarding eligibility or petition preparation.

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