Arrest records in Nacogdoches County, Texas are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of Texas residents to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within county jurisdiction. The Texas Public Information Act operates under the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions designed to protect privacy, security, and other compelling interests. The act serves as a mechanism for ensuring transparency and accountability in governmental operations throughout Nacogdoches County and the state of Texas.
The public nature of arrest records enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities, track criminal proceedings, and maintain awareness of public safety matters within their communities. Individuals seeking arrest records may obtain them regardless of their purpose or relationship to the arrested party, as Texas law does not require requestors to identify themselves or explain their reasons for seeking information.
Nacogdoches County provides multiple digital platforms through which members of the public may access arrest records online. The Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database of recent arrests and inmate information that is regularly updated. This online accessibility aligns with Texas Government Code § 552.272, which encourages governmental bodies to make information available to the public through electronic means when feasible.
Online access to arrest records may be subject to certain limitations. Some records may be partially redacted to protect confidential information as defined under Texas Government Code § 552.101-152. Additionally, the completeness of online records varies, with older records sometimes requiring in-person requests at county offices. The Nacogdoches Police Department also maintains separate arrest data that may be accessed through their official website.
Users should be aware that while basic arrest information is typically available online, supporting documentation such as arrest affidavits, witness statements, and evidence logs may require formal requests through the appropriate county agencies.
Nacogdoches County offers multiple methods through which members of the public may obtain arrest records in 2025. Each method varies in terms of comprehensiveness, processing time, and associated fees.
Sheriff's Office Records Division: The primary repository for county arrest records is maintained at the Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office, located at 2306 Douglass Road, Nacogdoches, TX 75964. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (936) 560-7777. Requestors may submit written applications in person or by mail pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221.
District Clerk's Office: For arrest records associated with district court cases, the District Clerk's Office provides access at 101 W. Main Street, Room 120, Nacogdoches, TX 75961. Telephone: (936) 560-7840. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Online Court Records Portal: The re:SearchTX platform provides electronic access to court records, including those related to arrests, for all 254 Texas counties including Nacogdoches. Users must create an account to access this service.
County Clerk's Office: The Nacogdoches County Clerk maintains records at 101 W. Main Street, Room 170, Nacogdoches, TX 75961. Telephone: (936) 560-7786. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Justice of the Peace Courts: Records related to Class C misdemeanor arrests may be obtained through the Justice of the Peace offices located at 101 W. Main Street, Nacogdoches, TX 75961. Telephone: (936) 560-7891.
Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.261 and may include charges for copies, certification, and staff time for extensive searches. Payment methods typically include cash, credit card, money order, or cashier's check.
Arrest records maintained by Nacogdoches County law enforcement agencies and court systems contain standardized information as prescribed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system and typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, place of birth, Social Security Number (partially redacted in public copies), race, gender, and nationality.
Physical Descriptors: Height, weight, hair color, eye color, identifying marks such as tattoos or scars, and other distinguishing physical characteristics.
Arrest Details: Date and time of arrest, location of arrest, arresting agency, names of arresting officers, and incident report number.
Criminal Charges: Specific offenses charged, including Texas Penal Code citations, classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor), and degree.
Booking Information: Booking photographs (mugshots), fingerprint records, property inventory, and jail admission details.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, including bond information, court dates, hearing outcomes, and final disposition if resolved.
Warrant Information: If applicable, details regarding the issuance of arrest warrants, including the issuing court, judge, and warrant number.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108, certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are subject to stricter confidentiality requirements under Texas Family Code § 58.007.
The expungement process in Nacogdoches County provides eligible individuals with a legal mechanism to remove arrest records from public access. Expungement (also referred to as expunction) is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which establishes specific eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Nacogdoches County District Court. This legal document must comply with the requirements set forth in Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Filing fees for expungement petitions typically range from $250 to $500, depending on the complexity of the case.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date, typically within 30 days. Notice of this hearing must be served to all agencies that may possess records related to the arrest. These agencies include the Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office, the arresting police department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and any other law enforcement or prosecutorial agencies involved in the case.
If the court grants the expunction, an order will be issued requiring all agencies to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest. Following successful expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
For arrests that do not qualify for expungement, individuals may pursue an Order of Nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view but maintains them for law enforcement purposes.