Mineral Wells Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Mineral Wells, Texas?
Arrest records in Mineral Wells, Texas, are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including arrest documentation maintained by law enforcement agencies. The Texas Public Information Act operates under the presumption that government information is available to the public, with specific statutory exceptions designed to protect sensitive information or ongoing investigations as outlined in § 552.101 through § 552.158 of the Texas Government Code.
The Mineral Wells Police Department maintains arrest records in accordance with state retention schedules and makes non-exempt information available upon proper request. Records containing information about arrests, indictments, criminal charges, and dispositions are generally considered public unless specifically exempted by statute. Certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including:
- Social security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Medical information protected under HIPAA
- Information related to juveniles
- Details that might compromise ongoing investigations
How to Look Up Mineral Wells Arrest Records in 2025
The Mineral Wells Police Department provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records in 2025. Requestors seeking arrest information have several official options available:
In-person requests can be submitted at the Mineral Wells Police Department Records Division, located at 212 S. Oak Avenue, Mineral Wells, TX 76067. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays. Proper identification is required when requesting records in person.
Written requests may be submitted via mail to: Records Division, Mineral Wells Police Department, 212 S. Oak Avenue, Mineral Wells, TX 76067. Written requests must include the requestor's contact information, specific information being sought, and applicable dates or case numbers if available.
Online requests can be submitted through the Mineral Wells Police Department's online portal. The department typically processes electronic requests within 10 business days as required by the Texas Public Information Act.
County-level records may be accessed through the Palo Pinto County Clerk's Office, located at 520 Oak Street, Palo Pinto, TX 76484. The office maintains court records related to arrests and case dispositions within county jurisdiction.
State-level records are available through the Texas Department of Public Safety, Crime Records Service, P.O. Box 4143, Austin, TX 78765-4143. Phone: (512) 424-2000.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, fees may apply for record retrieval and reproduction. The current fee schedule includes $0.10 per page for standard copies and additional charges for certified copies or records requiring extensive search time.
Contents of a Mineral Wells Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by the Mineral Wells Police Department contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement. These records typically include the following elements as mandated by Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 27:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars.
Arrest details documenting the date, time, and specific location of the arrest, the arresting officer's name and badge number, and the law enforcement agency involved.
Criminal charges filed against the individual, including the specific Texas Penal Code violations, charge classification (misdemeanor or felony), and charge severity level.
Case processing information including the booking number, fingerprint identification number, and court case number if assigned.
Custody status indicating whether the individual was released on bond, the bond amount, or if the person remains in custody.
Photographic documentation including the booking photograph ("mugshot") taken during processing.
Fingerprint records collected during the booking process and submitted to state and federal databases.
Disposition information showing the outcome of the case, including dismissals, plea agreements, trial results, or pending status.
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.13 requires law enforcement agencies to maintain accurate records of all arrests. These records must be preserved according to the retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Mineral Wells
The expungement process in Mineral Wells follows Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, which provides a legal mechanism for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Expungement (legally termed "expunction" in Texas) permanently destroys all records and files related to an arrest.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Mineral Wells include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal (finding of "not guilty")
- Cases dismissed due to lack of probable cause, mistake, or similar reasons
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges
- Certain successfully completed deferred adjudication programs
- Arrests for certain misdemeanors committed by minors
- Convictions pardoned by the Governor of Texas or the President of the United States
The expungement procedure requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Palo Pinto County. The petition must be filed in the district court for the county in which the arrest occurred or where the offense was alleged to have occurred. The Palo Pinto County District Clerk's Office is located at:
Palo Pinto County District Clerk
520 Oak Street
Palo Pinto, TX 76484
Phone: (940) 659-1277
Palo Pinto County Official Website
The petition must include specific information as required 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
- The date the offense was alleged to have occurred
- The date of arrest
- The name of the county where the petitioner was arrested
- The name of the agency that arrested the petitioner
- The case number and court of offense
- A list of all law enforcement agencies, jails, courts, and other entities believed to have records subject to expunction
Upon filing, the court will set a hearing date no sooner than 30 days from filing. All agencies named in the petition will receive notice and have the opportunity to appear at the hearing. If the court grants the expunction, all agencies must comply with the order within 60 days by destroying all records related to the arrest.
Alternatively, individuals who do not qualify for expungement may be eligible for an Order of Nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view but allows access by law enforcement and certain government agencies.
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