Parmer County, Texas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Parmer County, Texas?
Arrest records are public information in Parmer County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation mandates that records generated, collected, and maintained by governmental bodies, including law enforcement agencies, be accessible to the public. The Parmer County Sheriff's Office, as the primary law enforcement agency in the county, maintains arrest records as part of its official duties. These records are considered public documents under Texas law, which promotes governmental transparency and accountability in accordance with state statutes.
Members of the public may access these records through established procedures, subject to certain statutory exemptions. The Texas Public Information Act establishes that public information shall be promptly produced upon request unless specific confidentiality provisions apply. In Parmer County, arrest records that are not subject to statutory exemptions are available for public inspection during regular business hours at the appropriate county offices.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Parmer County?
Parmer County arrest records are available through various online platforms, though the comprehensiveness of digital records varies by source. The Parmer County Sheriff's Office maintains certain arrest information that may be accessible through their official website. Additionally, the District Clerk's Office provides access to court records that may contain information related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.
The Texas Department of Public Safety also maintains a statewide database that includes arrest information from Parmer County law enforcement agencies. This information is accessible through the Department's online portal, though certain restrictions apply regarding the types of records available and the purposes for which they may be accessed.
It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108, certain arrest records may be withheld if their release would interfere with the detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. Additionally, records related to juvenile arrests are subject to stricter confidentiality requirements under Texas Family Code § 58.007.
How to Look Up Parmer County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Parmer County, with procedures established in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act. Individuals seeking such records may utilize the following official channels:
Submit a written request to the Parmer County Sheriff's Office located at PO Box 860, Farwell, Texas 79325. Requests may be made in person during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM), by telephone at 806-481-3303, or via fax at 806-481-3305.
Contact the Parmer County District Clerk's Office at 401 3rd Street, Farwell, TX 79325 for court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings. The office maintains records of district court cases, including criminal matters.
Access the re:SearchTX portal, which provides electronic access to court records from all 254 Texas counties, including Parmer County. This system allows users to search for case information and view court documents related to arrests.
Utilize the Texas Department of Public Safety online resources for citation and arrest information. The Department maintains records of arrests reported by law enforcement agencies throughout the state.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record searches, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information that may assist in locating the relevant records.
Contents of a Parmer County Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Parmer County law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.17. These records generally include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description, including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory offense(s) for which the individual was arrested
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking information, including booking number and processing details
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
- Photographic identification (mugshot)
- Bail or bond information, if applicable
- Custody status and detention facility information
It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.1175, certain personal information of peace officers, county jailers, security officers, and employees of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice may be redacted from public records, including arrest records, to protect their safety and privacy.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Parmer County
Under Texas law, individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records under specific circumstances as provided in Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Expungement is a legal process that removes arrest records from public access and, when granted, allows the individual to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Parmer County include:
- The individual was arrested but never charged with an offense
- Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed
- The individual was acquitted of the charges (found "not guilty")
- The individual was convicted but subsequently pardoned
- The individual completed a pretrial diversion program, and charges were dismissed
- The statute of limitations for the offense has expired without charges being filed
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Parmer County. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and the grounds for expungement. Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing to determine whether the petitioner meets the statutory requirements for expungement.
If expungement is granted, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest will be ordered to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest. This includes records maintained by the Parmer County Sheriff's Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and any other agency that received information concerning the arrest.
Order of Nondisclosure in Parmer County
For individuals who do not qualify for expungement, an Order of Nondisclosure may be available under Texas Government Code Chapter 411. Unlike expungement, which removes records entirely, an Order of Nondisclosure seals records from public view while allowing access by criminal justice agencies for law enforcement purposes.
Eligibility for an Order of Nondisclosure typically requires:
- Successful completion of deferred adjudication community supervision
- Dismissal and discharge of the case following completion of deferred adjudication
- Fulfillment of a waiting period, which varies depending on the offense
- No subsequent convictions or deferred adjudications during the applicable waiting period
The process for obtaining an Order of Nondisclosure involves filing a petition with the court that placed the individual on deferred adjudication. If granted, the order prohibits criminal justice agencies from disclosing the criminal history record information to the public, though the information remains available to criminal justice agencies, certain government entities, and certain private entities as specified by statute.
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