Bridge Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Bridge, Texas?
Arrest records are public information in Bridge, Texas, in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access government-held information, including documentation related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The statute operates under the principle that governmental transparency serves the public interest and promotes accountability within the criminal justice system.
The Texas Public Information Act specifically designates arrest records as public documents, making them accessible to any requesting party unless specific statutory exemptions apply. These exemptions may include records pertaining to ongoing investigations, juvenile cases, or instances where disclosure might compromise public safety. Absent such exemptions, arrest documentation maintained by Bridge law enforcement agencies remains available for public inspection.
Requesters should note that while arrest records are public, certain personal identifying information may be redacted in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.130, which protects driver's license numbers, and § 552.147, which shields social security numbers from disclosure.
How to Look Up Bridge Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple pathways exist for members of the public seeking to obtain arrest records in Bridge, Texas in 2025. The appropriate method depends on the requester's specific needs, the age of the records, and the particular law enforcement agency involved in the arrest. The following options are available to individuals conducting arrest record searches:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Bridge Police Department located at 260 Rachal Avenue, Bridge, TX 77611. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (409) 735-5028.
The Orange County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the broader county jurisdiction, including Bridge. Requests may be submitted at 205 Border Street, Orange, TX 77630. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (409) 883-2612.
The Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Records Service provides statewide criminal history information, including arrests that occurred in Bridge. Their central office is located at 5805 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78752. Telephone: (512) 424-2000.
Online access to certain arrest information is available through the Bridge Municipal Court's online portal, which provides limited information on violations and associated arrests.
Written requests may be submitted via certified mail to the appropriate agency's records division, citing the Texas Public Information Act as the basis for the request.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, governmental bodies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public information. Fee schedules are established in accordance with guidelines provided by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas.
Contents of a Bridge Arrest Record
Bridge arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. These official documents serve as the factual record of law enforcement actions and typically include the following components:
Biographical data of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address
Temporal and geographical information detailing the date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred
Arresting agency identification, including the department name and the badge number or identification of the arresting officer(s)
Criminal charges filed at the time of arrest, including the specific Texas Penal Code sections allegedly violated
Booking information, including the date and time of processing, assigned identification numbers, and the detention facility where the individual was held
Photographic documentation, commonly referred to as a "mugshot," showing frontal and profile views of the arrested individual
Biometric data, primarily fingerprints, collected during the booking process and subsequently entered into local and national databases
Preliminary case disposition information, such as bail amount, court appearance dates, and initial hearing outcomes
Prior criminal history references, if applicable and available at the time of booking
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency's protocols and the nature of the alleged offense. Records pertaining to felony arrests typically contain more extensive documentation than those for misdemeanor offenses.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Bridge
The expungement process in Bridge, Texas provides a legal mechanism through which qualifying individuals may petition for the removal of arrest records from public access. This procedure 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 (legally termed "expunction" in Texas) under the following circumstances:
- The person was arrested but never charged with a crime
- Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed
- The person was acquitted of charges (found "not guilty") at trial
- The person was convicted but subsequently pardoned
- The person completed a pre-trial diversion program, resulting in dismissal of charges
- The statute of limitations for the offense has expired without charges being filed
The expungement process requires the filing of a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Orange County, which has jurisdiction over Bridge. The petition must include specific information as mandated by Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, including:
- The petitioner's full name, sex, race, date of birth, driver's license number, social security number, and address
- The offense charged against the petitioner or, if no charge was made, a description of the alleged offense
- The date the offense was alleged to have been committed
- The date of the arrest and the name of the arresting agency
- The case number and court of offense, if applicable
- A list of all law enforcement agencies, jails, courts, and other governmental entities believed to possess records subject to expunction
Upon filing, the court schedules a hearing to determine whether the petitioner meets the statutory requirements for expungement. If granted, the court issues an Order of Expunction directing all relevant agencies to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest.
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.03, once an expunction order is issued, the person may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest and the existence of the expunction order, except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
Search Arrest Records in Bridge
