Arrest records are public in Weatherford, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for governmental entities is public unless expressly exempt by law. The statute ensures transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities. Members of the public may access arrest records through designated channels, facilitating oversight of the judicial system and promoting accountability within local law enforcement agencies.
The Texas Public Information Act specifically addresses arrest records in §552.108, which provides limited exceptions for law enforcement records. However, basic information regarding arrests, including the arrested person's name, charges, and booking details, remains accessible to the public even when other aspects of an investigation may be confidential. This balance serves both public interest in governmental transparency and the operational needs of law enforcement agencies in Weatherford and throughout Parker County.
The Parker County justice system maintains multiple access points for obtaining arrest records in Weatherford. Pursuant to Texas Government Code §552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information for inspection or duplication. Citizens seeking arrest records may utilize the following official channels:
Online Portal Access: The Weatherford Police Department maintains digital records accessible through their official website. Users may search by name, date of arrest, or case number to retrieve public arrest information.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests directly at the Weatherford Police Department's Records Division during standard business hours. Staff will assist with locating and providing copies of available arrest records in accordance with §552.221(a).
Weatherford Police Department
614 Palo Pinto Street
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 598-4310
Weatherford Police Department
Parker County Clerk's Office
1112 Santa Fe Drive
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 598-6131
Parker County Clerk
Public Information Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act. The Public Information Office processes these requests within the statutory timeframe of 10 business days.
Municipal Court Records: For Class C misdemeanor arrests and citations, the Weatherford Municipal Court maintains searchable records.
Weatherford Municipal Court
303 Palo Pinto Street
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 598-4125
Weatherford Municipal Court
Weatherford arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 66.102. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and other identifying characteristics of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the arresting agency; badge numbers of arresting officers; and the statutory authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal Charges: Specific offenses charged, including Texas Penal Code citations and offense classification (felony or misdemeanor grade).
Booking Information: Processing details including fingerprints, booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots"), and assigned identification numbers within the Parker County criminal justice system.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail amount, if applicable, and whether the individual remains in custody or has been released pending court proceedings.
Case Disposition: For closed cases, the record may include court outcomes, sentencing information, and compliance with court-ordered requirements.
Criminal History: References to prior arrests or convictions may be included if relevant to the current case, pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 66.103.
These records are maintained in accordance with Texas Local Government Code §201.003, which establishes retention schedules for law enforcement records. The Texas Department of Public Safety coordinates with local agencies to ensure standardized record-keeping practices across jurisdictions.
The expungement process in Weatherford follows Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, which provides legal mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Eligible individuals may petition for expungement (also called "expunction") when:
The expungement procedure requires filing a petition with the Parker County District Court. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Upon approval, the court issues an order directing all agencies holding records to destroy or return all documentation related to the arrest.
A related but distinct remedy is an order of non-disclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411. This process seals records rather than destroying them, preventing public access while maintaining availability to law enforcement and certain governmental entities. Non-disclosure may be available in cases where expungement is not, particularly for successfully completed deferred adjudication programs.
Individuals seeking expungement must comply with statutory waiting periods, which vary based on the offense and case disposition. The filing fee for an expungement petition in Parker County is approximately $300, though this amount is subject to change. Legal representation is strongly advised but not required by statute.
Parker County District Clerk
117 Fort Worth Highway
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 598-6114
Parker County District Clerk