Arrest records are public documents in Montague, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the fundamental principle that government information is presumed to be available to the public. The Act ensures transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities and judicial proceedings. Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Montague County Sheriff's Office, the District Clerk's Office, and municipal police departments within the county. The Texas Public Information Act supports the public's right to be informed about governmental affairs while balancing privacy concerns and security considerations as outlined in statutory exceptions.
The Montague County justice system has implemented several methods for accessing arrest records as of 2025. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following procedures:
Online Portal Access: The Montague County Records Management System provides 24-hour digital access to arrest records through a secure portal. Users must register and may be required to pay nominal processing fees in accordance with Texas Administrative Code § 70.10.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests in person at the Montague County Sheriff's Office located at 1200 S State Highway 59, Montague, TX 76251. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
Written Requests: Standard mail requests may be submitted to the Montague County Records Division at P.O. Box 209, Montague, TX 76251. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
Interagency Information Exchange: Law enforcement agencies and authorized governmental entities may access arrest records through the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (TLETS) in accordance with Texas Government Code § 411.0096.
Processing times vary based on request volume and complexity. Standard processing typically requires 5-10 business days, while expedited services may be available for additional fees as permitted under Texas Government Code § 552.261.
Montague County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102. These official documents typically include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, Social Security Number (partially redacted in public copies), and demographic details including race, gender, height, weight, and identifying marks.
Arrest Details: Date and time of arrest, location, arresting agency, officer identification numbers, and incident report numbers.
Criminal Charges: Specific offenses cited at the time of arrest, including Texas Penal Code references and charge classifications (misdemeanor or felony levels).
Case Disposition: Current status of charges, including pending court dates, dismissals, convictions, or acquittals.
Judicial Information: Court of jurisdiction, assigned judge, case numbers, and bond information including amount, type, and conditions.
Biometric Data: Fingerprint classification numbers and reference to photographic identification (mugshots). Actual fingerprints and photographs may require separate requests.
Custody Status: Current incarceration status or release information, including dates and conditions of release.
The completeness of records may vary based on case status and applicable redactions required under Texas Government Code § 552.130 and § 552.147 to protect certain personal identifying information.
The expungement process in Montague County provides eligible individuals with a legal mechanism to remove arrest records from public access. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, expungement (also referred to as "expunction") may be available under the following circumstances:
The expungement procedure requires petitioners to file a Petition for Expunction with the Montague County District Court. The petition must comply with the requirements set forth in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, including:
Upon filing, the court will schedule a hearing date, typically 30-45 days after submission. Notice must be served to all agencies holding records related to the arrest. If the court grants the expunction, all governmental agencies must comply with the order by destroying or returning all records and files related to the arrest within 60 days.
Individuals with successful expungements may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances, including on employment applications, as provided by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.03.
Montague County Sheriff's Office
1200 S State Highway 59
Montague, TX 76251
(940) 894-2871
Official Website
Montague County District Clerk
11339 State Highway 59 N
Montague, TX 76251
(940) 894-2571
Official Website