Refugio County, Texas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Refugio County, Texas?
Arrest records in Refugio County, Texas are classified as public information pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access government records, including documentation of arrests made within county jurisdiction. The Texas Public Information Act operates under the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions designed to protect privacy, security, and other compelling interests.
Members of the public may inspect or obtain copies of arrest records maintained by Refugio County law enforcement agencies and judicial departments. These records document official actions taken by government entities and serve multiple public interests, including:
• Ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations • Facilitating public oversight of the criminal justice system • Providing necessary information for background checks and security screenings • Supporting journalistic and research endeavors related to criminal justice
It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information within these records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with exceptions provided in § 552.108 of the Texas Government Code, particularly when disclosure would interfere with ongoing investigations or prosecutions.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Refugio County?
Digital access to Refugio County arrest records is available through several official online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Refugio County Sheriff's Office and the District Clerk's Office have implemented electronic record management systems that permit remote access to certain arrest documentation. These digital repositories are maintained in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 13, Part 1, Chapter 7, which establishes standards for electronic record preservation and access.
Online availability of arrest records serves to enhance public accessibility while reducing administrative burden on county offices. The electronic systems typically provide search functionality based on name, date of arrest, case number, or other identifying information. However, users should be aware that:
• Not all arrest records may be available through online platforms • Some records may be partially redacted in the digital environment • Older records may not have been digitized and remain available only in physical format • Access to certain detailed information may require in-person verification at county offices
The Refugio County District Clerk's Office maintains the official court records related to arrests and subsequent judicial proceedings, while the Refugio County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and detention records.
How to Look Up Refugio County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for accessing arrest records in Refugio County as of 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:
Refugio County Sheriff's Office
PO Box 1022
Refugio, TX 78377
Phone: 361-526-2352
Refugio County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive records of all arrests conducted within county jurisdiction. Requestors may submit written applications for specific arrest records, providing the name of the arrested individual and approximate date of arrest. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, the Sheriff's Office must promptly produce requested records unless an exception applies.
Refugio County District Clerk's Office
808 Commerce St
Refugio, TX 78377
Refugio County District Clerk
The District Clerk serves as the custodian of court records for felony cases and maintains documentation of arrests that resulted in formal charges. Records may be requested in person during regular business hours or through written correspondence.
Online Public Records Database
The Refugio County Clerk's Official Records Search provides electronic access to certain public records, including some arrest documentation. This resource allows for remote searching of county records certified through June 30, 2025.
Texas Department of Public Safety
Crime Records Service
PO Box 4143
Austin, TX 78765
Phone: 512-424-2000
For comprehensive criminal history information that includes arrests across multiple jurisdictions, the Texas Department of Public Safety maintains the statewide criminal history repository. Requests require submission of fingerprints and payment of statutory fees in accordance with Texas Government Code § 411.135.
Contents of a Refugio County Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Refugio County authorities contain standardized information as prescribed by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.26. These official documents serve as the factual account of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in detention. Standard arrest records in Refugio County typically contain the following elements:
• Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and other physical identifiers of the arrested individual
• Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); agency conducting the arrest; and statutory authority for the arrest
• Criminal Allegations: Specific charges filed at the time of arrest, including citation of applicable Texas Penal Code sections; brief narrative of the alleged criminal activity; and classification of offenses as misdemeanors or felonies
• Processing Documentation: Booking photographs (mugshots) taken from front and profile perspectives; fingerprint impressions; personal property inventory; and medical screening information
• Detention Status: Information regarding bail determination, release conditions, or continued detention; court appearance dates; and assignment of court jurisdiction
• Case Disposition: Ultimate resolution of the arrest, including prosecution decisions, court proceedings, and final judgments when available
It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108, certain investigative information contained within arrest records may be withheld if disclosure would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. Additionally, information regarding juveniles (under 17 years of age) is subject to heightened confidentiality protections under Texas Family Code § 58.007.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Refugio County
The expungement process in Refugio County provides a legal mechanism for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific statutory conditions. This procedure is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements. Expungement (legally termed "expunction" in Texas) permanently removes all records and files relating to an arrest from government repositories.
Individuals may qualify for expungement in Refugio County under the following circumstances:
• The person was arrested but never charged with a crime • Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed • The person was acquitted of charges at trial (found "not guilty") • The person was convicted but subsequently pardoned • The person completed certain deferred adjudication programs for specified misdemeanors • The arrest resulted from identity theft or other mistaken identity
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Refugio County District Court. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include:
• Detailed personal information of the petitioner • Specific information about the arrest to be expunged • Description of criminal charges and their disposition • List of all agencies believed to possess records subject to expungement • Sworn statement attesting to eligibility under statutory criteria
Refugio County District Court
808 Commerce St
Refugio, TX 78377
District Court Dockets
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing to determine eligibility. If the court grants the expungement, an order is issued directing all agencies to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest. Following successful expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
For arrests that do not qualify for expungement, Texas law provides an alternative remedy called "order of nondisclosure," which seals records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes. This process is governed by Texas Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter E-1.
Search Arrest Records in Refugio County
