Arrest records are public information in Nueces County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that records maintained by governmental bodies, including law enforcement agencies, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to public records, including those pertaining to arrests.
The Nueces County Sheriff's Office and the Corpus Christi Police Department maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. These records document the detention of individuals suspected of criminal activity and are considered public documents under Texas state law. Members of the public may request access to these records without stating a reason for their request, as stipulated in § 552.021 of the Texas Government Code.
Nueces County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by local government agencies. The Nueces County Official Records Search provides a digital repository where members of the public may search for and retrieve certain public records, including those related to arrests. Additionally, the Corpus Christi Municipal Court maintains an online database for citation and docket searches.
The Texas Department of Public Safety also maintains a statewide database of criminal history information that includes arrest data from Nueces County. This system allows authorized users to conduct criminal background checks and access arrest information electronically. For active warrants, the Corpus Christi Warrant Search provides an online tool for checking if an individual has outstanding warrants in the jurisdiction.
It should be noted that while many records are available online, certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and judicial orders. Complete records may require in-person requests at the appropriate agency.
Members of the public seeking Nueces County arrest records have several official channels through which to obtain this information:
Nueces County Sheriff's Office
901 Leopard Street
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Phone: (361) 887-2222
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Corpus Christi Police Department
321 John Sartain Street
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Phone: (361) 886-2600
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Nueces County District Clerk's Office
901 Leopard Street, Room 210
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Phone: (361) 888-0111
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Texas Department of Public Safety
Crime Records Service
PO Box 4143
Austin, TX 78765
Phone: (512) 424-2000
Official Website
Requesters should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate the search, including the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known. Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 27, Rule § 27.1, fees may apply for record searches and copies, with rates established by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Nueces County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about the arrested individual and the circumstances of their detention. Standard elements included in these records are:
These records are maintained in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information. The level of detail may vary depending on the nature of the arrest and the policies of the arresting agency. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies in compliance with state privacy laws and judicial orders.
Under Texas law, individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Expungement is a legal process that removes arrest records from public access and, when granted, allows individuals to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Nueces County include:
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Nueces County District Court. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing to determine if the petitioner meets the statutory requirements for expungement.
If granted, an Order of Expunction will be issued directing all agencies holding records of the arrest to destroy or return those records to the court. These agencies typically include the arresting police department, the county jail, the district attorney's office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and any other entity that may possess records of the arrest.
The Texas E-Filing System may be utilized for submitting expungement petitions electronically. Filing fees apply and vary based on the nature of the case and county requirements.