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Corpus Christi Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Corpus Christi, Texas?

Arrest records are public documents in Corpus Christi, 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. The Texas Public Information Act operates under the principle that the public has a right to information concerning government affairs and official acts of public officials and employees. Law enforcement agencies in Corpus Christi are required to maintain these records and make them available for public inspection in accordance with § 552.021 of the Texas Government Code.

The public nature of arrest records serves multiple governmental functions:

Promotes transparency in law enforcement operations
Ensures accountability of public officials
Facilitates public awareness of criminal activity
Supports the integrity of the criminal justice system
Enables background checks for employment and housing purposes

Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or when disclosure would interfere with law enforcement proceedings as specified in § 552.108 of the Texas Government Code.

How to Look Up Corpus Christi Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Corpus Christi may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The Corpus Christi Police Department maintains comprehensive arrest data that is accessible through multiple methods.

Official Government Resources:

Online Records Portal: The Corpus Christi Police Department provides a digital records system where individuals may search for arrest information using name, date of birth, or case number. This service is available 24 hours per day through the department's official website.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests for arrest records at the Records Division of the Corpus Christi Police Department.

Corpus Christi Police Department Records Division
321 John Sartain Street
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
(361) 886-2600
Official Website
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Nueces County Clerk's Office: The County Clerk maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.

Nueces County Clerk's Office
901 Leopard Street, Suite 201
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
(361) 888-0580
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Municipal Court Records: For citations and minor offenses, the Corpus Christi Municipal Court provides access to docket information and case status.

Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 1, § 70.13, governmental bodies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records. Current fee schedules are available at each respective agency.

Contents of a Corpus Christi Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Corpus Christi Police Department and other law enforcement agencies within Nueces County contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. A typical arrest record includes the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Any known aliases or alternative names
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Specific criminal charges filed, with reference to applicable statutes
Classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking number and processing information
Photographic image (mugshot)
Biometric data including fingerprints
Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Residential address at time of arrest
Custody status and bail information
Case disposition if available

In accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.147, certain personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers and driver's license numbers may be redacted from public copies of arrest records to protect against identity theft while maintaining the public nature of the record.

Legal Framework for Arrest Records in Corpus Christi

The management and accessibility of arrest records in Corpus Christi operate within a comprehensive legal framework established by state and local regulations. The Corpus Christi Municipal Court processes and maintains records in accordance with these statutes.

Governing Statutes:

Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552): Establishes the fundamental right of public access to government records, including arrest information.
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251: Mandates the collection and maintenance of standardized criminal history record information.
Texas Local Government Code § 202.001: Establishes requirements for the preservation and management of local government records.
Corpus Christi City Ordinance 029-302: Implements state requirements for records management at the municipal level.

Law enforcement agencies in Corpus Christi must adhere to specific retention schedules for arrest records as prescribed by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Generally, arrest records must be maintained for a minimum of 75 years from the date of arrest, pursuant to Local Schedule PS (Public Safety Records) item PS4225-01.

Restrictions on Access to Certain Arrest Records

While arrest records are generally public in Corpus Christi, certain categories of records are subject to restricted access under Texas law. The Corpus Christi Police Department enforces these restrictions to balance public access with privacy and security concerns.

Records that may be exempt from public disclosure include:

Juvenile arrest records (individuals under 17 years of age) pursuant to Texas Family Code § 58.007
Records sealed by court order under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55
Records pertaining to ongoing investigations as specified in Texas Government Code § 552.108
Information that would interfere with the detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime
Records containing information that would endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel
Victim information in cases involving sexual assault or family violence as protected under Texas Government Code § 552.138

Requests for restricted records require proper authorization, court orders, or may be denied in accordance with applicable exemptions under the Texas Public Information Act.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Corpus Christi

Under Texas law, individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Corpus Christi under specific circumstances. The expungement process is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and is administered through the Nueces County District Court.

Eligibility criteria for expungement include:

Arrests that did not result in formal charges
Charges that were dismissed or quashed
Acquittals following trial
Pardons granted by the Governor or President
Completion of certain pretrial diversion programs
Arrests for misidentification or wrongful arrests

The expungement procedure requires filing a petition in the district court where the arrest occurred. Upon approval, all records of the arrest are removed from public and governmental databases, effectively erasing the arrest from the individual's criminal history. Law enforcement agencies, including the Corpus Christi Police Department, are required to comply with expungement orders by destroying or returning all records related to the expunged arrest.

Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that the process typically requires legal representation and payment of filing fees, currently set at $255 for the petition filing in Nueces County District Court.