Montague County, Texas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Montague County, Texas?
Arrest records are public information in Montague County, 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 public nature of these records serves to maintain transparency in law enforcement operations and ensures accountability within the criminal justice system.
The Texas Public Information Act stipulates that governmental bodies must promptly release requested information that is not confidential by law. Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body. Montague County adheres to these statutory requirements by maintaining accessible arrest record systems through various county departments.
Certain exceptions may apply to the disclosure of arrest records, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or when disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as defined in § 552.101 and § 552.108 of the Texas Government Code.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Montague County?
Montague County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official county platforms. The Montague County Sheriff's Office maintains electronic databases that may include booking information and current inmate status. Additionally, the District Clerk's Office offers online access to court records that may contain information related to arrests that have proceeded to court action.
Digital accessibility of arrest records is subject to the following considerations:
- Records may not be comprehensively digitized, particularly for cases predating electronic record-keeping systems
- Update frequencies vary by department and record type
- Certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
- Technical limitations may affect the searchability of records
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.262, governmental bodies may establish reasonable charges for providing copies of public information. Online access to certain records may require payment of statutory fees as established by the Office of the Attorney General.
How to Look Up Montague County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Montague County arrest records may utilize several official channels to obtain this information:
Montague County Sheriff's Office
P.O. Box 127
Montague, Texas 76251
Phone: (940) 894-2871
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Sheriff's Office maintains booking records, arrest reports, and inmate information. Requestors may submit a public information request in person, by mail, or via email for specific arrest records.
Montague County District Clerk
P.O. Box 77
Montague, Texas 76251
Phone: (940) 894-2571
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The District Clerk's Office maintains records of felony cases and misdemeanors that have proceeded to court action. Records requests can be submitted via email to mcdc@co.montague.tx.us using the Montague County District Clerk Record Request Form.
Montague County Clerk
P.O. Box 158
Montague, Texas 76251
Phone: (940) 894-2540
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The County Clerk maintains records of misdemeanor cases and may provide access to related arrest information.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, the county will respond to requests for public information promptly. Standard processing times range from 10-15 business days, though complex requests may require additional time.
Contents of a Montague County Arrest Record
Montague County arrest records typically contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. A comprehensive arrest record generally includes:
Subject identification information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date and place of birth
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- State identification number and/or FBI number
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest-specific information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory charges filed
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Booking number and processing details
Case disposition information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Arraignment date
- Bond amount and status
- Preliminary hearing information
- Final disposition (if available)
The completeness of information may vary based on the stage of the criminal justice process and the specific circumstances of the arrest. Certain information may be redacted in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.130, § 552.136, and § 552.147, which protect personal identifying information such as driver's license numbers, social security numbers, and certain financial information.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Montague County
Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, individuals may petition for expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Montague County under specific circumstances. Expungement effectively removes arrest records from public access and, when granted, allows the individual to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Montague County include:
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges
- Charges that were dismissed due to lack of probable cause, mistake, or similar reasons
- Acquittals by trial or appellate courts
- Pardons based on actual innocence
- Successful completion of certain pretrial diversion programs
- Arrests for qualifying misdemeanors committed by minors who have satisfied statutory requirements
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Montague County. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include:
- Detailed personal information of the petitioner
- Specific information about the arrest and charges
- The grounds on which expungement is sought
- Documentation supporting eligibility
Upon filing, a hearing date will be set, typically within 30 days. If the court grants the expunction, an order will be issued to all agencies possessing records of the arrest to destroy or return such records to the court.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The filing fee for an expungement petition in Montague County is approximately $300, though this amount may vary based on case specifics and is subject to change.
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