Arrest records are public information in Moore County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that records maintained by governmental bodies, including those pertaining to arrests, are accessible to the general public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Moore County may obtain this information through various official channels. The availability of these records supports the public's right to be informed about law enforcement operations and judicial proceedings within the county jurisdiction. However, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with statutory exemptions.
Moore County arrest records are available through several online platforms. The Moore County Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests conducted within their jurisdiction and provides certain information through their official website. Additionally, the Moore County District Clerk's Office maintains court records that may contain information related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.
Online access to arrest records is subject to the following considerations:
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.201, each governmental body must designate a public information officer responsible for releasing public information. In Moore County, requests for specific arrest records not available online should be directed to the appropriate records custodian.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Moore County. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:
Visit the Moore County Sheriff's Office in person: Moore County Sheriff's Office 700 S. Dumas Avenue Dumas, TX 79029 Phone: (806) 935-4145 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Official Website
Submit a request to the Moore County District Clerk: Moore County District Clerk's Office 715 S. Dumas Avenue, Room 109 Dumas, TX 79029 Phone: (806) 935-4218 Fax: (806) 935-6325 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Official Website
Access the Moore County online records portal for available public records
Submit a formal Public Information Act request in writing to the appropriate county department
Utilize the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search service for statewide records: Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service P.O. Box 4143 Austin, TX 78765 Phone: (512) 424-2474 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
When requesting arrest records, individuals must provide sufficient identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and, if possible, date of birth. Fees may apply for record searches and copies in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.261.
Moore County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county jurisdiction. Standard arrest records include the following elements:
In accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.26, law enforcement officers must take arrested individuals before a magistrate without unnecessary delay. This procedural information may also be reflected in the arrest record. The completeness of arrest records may vary based on the stage of the criminal justice process and the specific policies of the arresting agency.
Under Texas law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Moore County. The process is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures for removing arrest information from public records.
Eligibility for expungement in Moore County typically includes situations where:
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Moore County District Court. Petitioners must provide detailed information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Upon approval, an Order of Expunction directs all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to destroy or return those records to the court.
Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that the process involves legal complexities and may require legal representation. The Moore County District Clerk's Office can provide procedural information regarding the filing of expungement petitions, though they cannot offer legal advice.
For arrests not eligible for expungement, individuals may qualify for an Order of Nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which limits public access to criminal history record information while maintaining access for law enforcement and certain governmental entities.