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Orange Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Orange, Texas?

Arrest records are public information in Orange, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the presumption that all government-held information, including arrest records, is available 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 records maintained by state and local agencies, including law enforcement entities operating within Orange County.

Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal identifying information as specified under Texas Government Code § 552.108 and § 552.130. The Orange Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

How to Look Up Orange Arrest Records in 2025

The City of Orange provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records in 2025. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize any of the following official methods:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Orange Police Department Records Division during regular business hours to submit a request for arrest records. Staff will assist with completing the necessary forms and identifying available records.

Orange Police Department
201 8th Street
Orange, TX 77630
(409) 883-1026
Orange Police Department

Online Requests: The City of Orange maintains an official records request portal where individuals may submit formal requests for arrest records electronically. This system allows for secure transmission of requests and provides tracking capabilities.
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division at the address listed above. All requests must include the requestor's contact information, specific information being sought, and any known details about the arrest (date, name, case number).
Municipal Court Records: For cases processed through the municipal court system, records may be available through:

Orange Municipal Court
901 Main Street
Orange, TX 77630
(409) 883-1095
Municipal Court

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, the custodian of records must promptly produce public information for inspection or duplication upon request. The law defines "promptly" as production within a reasonable time, without delay.

Contents of an Orange Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Orange Police Department typically contain standardized information as required by Texas law. These official documents generally include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Detailed description of the alleged offense(s)
Texas Penal Code citation for each charge
Booking photographs ("mugshots")
Fingerprint records
Custody status information
Bail or bond amount and conditions, if applicable
Case disposition information, when available

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records maintained by the Orange Police Department adhere to the Texas Local Government Records Act (Local Government Code Chapter 201-205) which establishes minimum retention periods for law enforcement records.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Orange

Under Texas law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records maintained by Orange law enforcement agencies. The legal process of expungement is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which provides specific eligibility criteria.

Individuals may qualify for expungement in Orange under the following circumstances:

The person was arrested but never charged with a crime
Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed
The individual was acquitted of charges (found "not guilty")
The person was convicted but later pardoned
The statute of limitations has expired on an offense for which the person was released and no formal charges were filed

The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Orange County District Court. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Upon approval, an expungement order directs all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to destroy or return those records to the court.

Alternatively, individuals who do not qualify for expungement may seek an Order of Nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes.

Orange County District Clerk
801 W. Division Avenue
Orange, TX 77630
(409) 882-7055
Orange County District Clerk

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements and statutory deadlines. The court filing fees for expungement petitions in Orange County typically range from $200-$300, not including potential attorney fees if legal representation is obtained.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records in Orange are generally public, Texas law establishes several important exceptions and limitations to protect certain individuals and sensitive information. The following restrictions apply to arrest record access:

Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Texas Family Code § 58.007, records pertaining to juvenile offenders (under age 17) are confidential and not subject to public disclosure except under limited circumstances.
Sealed Records: Records that have been sealed by court order through an Order of Nondisclosure under Texas Government Code § 411.081 are not available to the general public.
Expunged Records: Following a court-ordered expungement under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, records are removed from public access and agencies are prohibited from disclosing their existence.
Ongoing Investigations: Information related to pending investigations may be temporarily withheld under Texas Government Code § 552.108 if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime.
Victim Information: Personal identifying information of crime victims, particularly in cases involving sexual assault, family violence, or stalking, may be redacted pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.138.

The Orange Police Department is required to balance public access rights with privacy protections established by state law. Requestors seeking arrest records may be required to provide identification and complete sworn statements regarding their intended use of the information in certain circumstances.

Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Orange

The City of Orange assesses standardized fees for the reproduction of arrest records in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70. These fees are designed to recover the reasonable costs associated with document retrieval, review, and reproduction. Current fee schedules for arrest record requests include:

Standard arrest report: $6.00 per report
Certified copies: Additional $2.00 per document
Accident reports: $6.00 per report
Background checks: $10.00 per name search
Photographs/digital media: $10.00 per CD/DVD
Extensive searches requiring more than one hour of staff time: $15.00 per hour after the first hour

Payment methods accepted by the Orange Police Department Records Division include cash, credit/debit cards, money orders, and checks made payable to "City of Orange." Fees may be waived or reduced for requests that serve the public interest, as determined by the records custodian pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.267.

Requestors should note that additional fees may apply for expedited processing or for requests requiring extensive redaction or review. A fee estimate will be provided for requests exceeding $40.00 before processing begins, as required by Texas Government Code § 552.2615.