Friona Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Friona, Texas?

Arrest records are public documents in Friona, Texas, as established by the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation guarantees citizens' right to access government records, including those related to arrests made within the jurisdiction. The Texas Public Information Act operates under the principle that all government information is presumed to be available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions designed to protect privacy, security, and other compelling interests. Law enforcement agencies in Friona maintain these records as part of their official duties and must make them accessible upon proper request.

The Parmer County Sheriff's Office and the Friona Police Department serve as the primary custodians of arrest records within Friona. These agencies process and maintain documentation of all arrests occurring within their jurisdiction in accordance with Texas state law. Public access to these records promotes governmental transparency, facilitates informed civic participation, and enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities within their community.

How to Look Up Friona Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Friona have multiple methods available for conducting searches. Each method varies in terms of processing time, associated fees, and comprehensiveness of results:

• In-person requests can be submitted at the Friona Police Department located at 623 Main Street, Friona, TX 79035. The records division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A valid government-issued photo identification must be presented when requesting records in person.

• Mail requests may be directed to the Parmer County Sheriff's Office at 400 E 5th Street, Farwell, TX 79325. Requests must include the requestor's contact information, specific details about the record being sought, and the required processing fee.

• Online searches are available through the Parmer County public records portal, which provides 24-hour access to certain arrest record information. This system allows for searches by name, date of arrest, or case number.

• Public access terminals are available at the Friona Public Library located at 109 W 7th Street, Friona, TX 79035. These terminals provide access to the county's public records database during regular library hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code §70.12, requestors may be required to pay reasonable fees for document retrieval, copying, and processing. Fee schedules are posted at each agency location and on their respective websites.

Contents of a Friona Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by Friona law enforcement agencies contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. These records typically include:

• Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or known pseudonyms
• Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
• Residential address at the time of arrest
• Date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred
• Detailed description of the alleged offense(s), including applicable Texas Penal Code citations
• Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
• Agency responsible for the arrest (Friona Police Department or Parmer County Sheriff's Office)
• Booking information, including the facility where the individual was processed
• Mugshot photograph taken during the booking process
• Fingerprint records collected at the time of booking
• Case number assigned to the arrest incident
• Initial court appearance information, if applicable
• Bail or bond amount set, if applicable

In accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 62.005, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, particularly in cases involving minors or victims of specific crimes. Additionally, pursuant to Texas Government Code §552.1175, personal information of certain public officials and employees may be withheld from public disclosure.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Friona

The expungement process in Friona follows Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, which provides legal mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Individuals may qualify for expungement if:

• They were arrested but never charged with a crime
• Charges were dismissed or quashed due to mistake, false information, or other similar reasons
• They were acquitted of charges by a court (including appellate acquittals)
• They were convicted but subsequently pardoned
• They completed a pre-trial diversion program resulting in dismissal of charges
• The statute of limitations expired before formal charges were filed

The expungement procedure requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Parmer County District Court located at 401 5th Street, Farwell, TX 79325. This legal process typically requires:

• Preparation of formal legal documents according to Texas statutory requirements
• Payment of filing fees (approximately $300 as of 2025)
• Notification to all agencies holding records related to the arrest
• Attendance at a court hearing scheduled by the district judge
• Issuance of an Order of Expunction if the petition is granted

Upon successful expungement, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest are legally obligated to destroy or return all documentation to the petitioner. Following expungement, individuals may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances, including on employment applications.

The Parmer County District Clerk's Office (401 5th Street, Farwell, TX 79325, 806-481-3691) can provide standardized forms and procedural information for individuals seeking expungement without legal representation, though complex cases may benefit from attorney assistance.

Limitations on Access to Arrest Records in Friona

Access to arrest records in Friona is subject to certain statutory limitations designed to protect privacy rights and ongoing investigations. The Texas Public Information Act establishes specific exceptions to disclosure that may apply to arrest records:

• Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations may be temporarily withheld under Texas Government Code §552.108
• Information related to juvenile offenders (under age 17) is subject to restricted access according to Texas Family Code Chapter 58
• Records involving victims of sexual assault, family violence, stalking, or trafficking may have personal identifying information redacted pursuant to Texas Government Code §552.138
• Arrest records that have been ordered sealed or expunged by a court are not available for public inspection
• Information that would compromise the safety of law enforcement personnel may be withheld under Texas Government Code §552.1175

The Texas Attorney General's Office serves as the arbiter of disputes regarding record withholding. Government bodies seeking to withhold information must request a decision from the Attorney General within 10 business days of receiving a public information request.

Search Arrest Records in Friona

• Texas Department of Public Safety
• Parmer County Sheriff's Office
• Friona Police Department
• Texas Criminal History Record Information

How to Obtain Certified Copies of Arrest Records

Certified copies of arrest records from Friona law enforcement agencies serve as official documentation for various legal and administrative purposes. These authenticated documents may be required for:

• Immigration proceedings
• Professional licensing applications
• Employment background verification
• Housing applications
• International travel authorization
• Legal proceedings in other jurisdictions

To obtain certified copies, requestors must submit a notarized application to the records division of either the Friona Police Department or the Parmer County Sheriff's Office. The application must include:

• Full name and date of birth of the subject of the record
• Approximate date and nature of the arrest
• Requestor's relationship to the subject (if not requesting one's own record)
• Purpose for which the certified copy is needed
• Copy of requestor's government-issued photo identification
• Payment of certification fees ($15 per document as of 2025)

Processing times for certified copies typically range from 5-10 business days. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee in certain circumstances, such as pending court dates or imminent visa application deadlines.

The Friona Police Department Records Division (623 Main Street, Friona, TX 79035, 806-250-2711) processes certification requests Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Requestors should note that certified copies bear an official seal and signature, distinguishing them from informational copies provided for general purposes.