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Midland Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Midland, Texas?

Arrest records are public in Midland, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act serves to maintain transparency in governmental operations, particularly within law enforcement agencies, thereby promoting accountability and enhancing public safety through informed citizenry.

The Midland Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and makes them available through established protocols. 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." This statutory provision ensures that residents of Midland have reasonable access to arrest information as part of their right to governmental transparency.

How to Look Up Midland Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Midland arrest records may utilize several authorized methods to obtain this information. The City of Midland has established multiple channels through which individuals can access these public records in compliance with Texas state law.

Online Request Methods

The Midland Police Department provides digital access to arrest records through their official online platforms:

In-Person Requests

Individuals may obtain arrest records by visiting the following locations during regular business hours:

Midland Police Department Records Division
601 N. Loraine Street
Midland, Texas 79701
Phone: 432-685-7108
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Midland County Clerk's Office
500 N. Loraine Street, Suite 108
Midland, Texas 79701
Phone: 432-688-4401
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Written Requests

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via mail to:

Records Custodian
Midland Police Department
601 N. Loraine Street
Midland, Texas 79701

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221(a), the Records Custodian must "promptly produce public information for inspection, duplication, or both" upon request. The term "promptly" means as soon as possible under the circumstances, within a reasonable time, without delay.

Contents of a Midland Arrest Record

Midland arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Texas state law and local regulations. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
  • Date of birth and demographic information
  • Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Detailed enumeration of charges filed against the individual
  • Classification of offenses (misdemeanor or felony) and corresponding statute citations
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Arresting agency information and case number
  • Booking photograph (mugshot) of the individual
  • Fingerprint impressions collected during processing
  • Custody status and bail information if applicable

The Midland Municipal Court maintains records of cases processed through their system, which may include information related to arrests for municipal violations. These records are maintained separately from those held by the Police Department but may be accessed through similar procedures.

Legal Framework for Public Access

The accessibility of arrest records in Midland operates within a specific legal framework established by Texas state law. The Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) codified in Government Code Chapter 552 provides the foundation for public access to governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests.

Under Texas Government Code § 552.022, certain categories of information are expressly defined as public information, including "a completed report, audit, evaluation, or investigation made of, for, or by a governmental body." Arrest records generally fall within this classification unless specifically exempted.

The Municipal Court Record Requests process follows specific guidelines as judicial records are governed by separate regulations. As noted in Section 552.003(1)(B) of the Texas Government Code, judicial records are excluded from the Texas Public Information Act and instead follow rules established by the Texas Supreme Court.

Limitations on Access to Arrest Records

While arrest records are generally public in Midland, certain statutory exceptions limit access to specific information. These limitations serve to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, and other compelling governmental concerns.

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108, law enforcement agencies may withhold information if release would:

  • Interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime
  • Reveal the identity of confidential informants
  • Endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel

Additionally, records pertaining to juvenile arrests are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under Texas Family Code Chapter 58. These records are generally not available to the public except under specific circumstances outlined by statute.

The Midland Police Department is responsible for determining which portions of arrest records may be withheld under applicable exemptions. Individuals whose request for information is denied may appeal the decision through procedures established in the Texas Public Information Act.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Midland

Texas law provides mechanisms through which individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records under specific circumstances. This legal process, if successful, results in the removal and destruction of all records and files relating to the arrest.

Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, individuals may qualify for expungement if:

  • They were arrested but never charged with a crime
  • Charges were dismissed or quashed
  • They were acquitted of the charges (found "not guilty")
  • They were convicted but subsequently pardoned
  • They successfully completed certain pretrial diversion programs

The expungement process requires filing a petition in the district court in the county where the arrest occurred. For Midland residents, this would be filed with:

441st District Court
500 N. Loraine Street
Midland, Texas 79701
Phone: 432-688-4470
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements, including specific waiting periods that vary based on the nature of the charges and case disposition. The court filing fees for expungement petitions typically range from $200-$400, not including attorney fees if legal representation is obtained.

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