Arrest records are public documents in Runnels County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that records generated by governmental bodies, including county law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act operates under the principle that the public has a right to information concerning governmental affairs and official acts.
Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Runnels County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies. These records typically document instances where individuals have been taken into custody by law enforcement officials within Runnels County jurisdiction. Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body.
Certain exceptions to disclosure may apply in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.101-152, particularly for records related to ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety or individual privacy rights beyond what is statutorily permitted.
Runnels County arrest records are available through various online platforms in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.272, which permits governmental bodies to provide public information through electronic means. The Runnels County Sheriff's Office maintains a public jail roster that is accessible online, providing current information about individuals in custody.
Online access to arrest records may be obtained through several channels:
Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 10, Chapter 205, governmental bodies must make reasonable efforts to ensure the usability, accessibility, and preservation of public information posted online. However, the completeness and currency of online records may vary, as some information may be subject to processing delays or may require in-person requests for the most current data.
Members of the public seeking Runnels County arrest records have multiple methods available for accessing this information, as prescribed by Texas Government Code § 552.221. The following procedures are established for obtaining arrest records in Runnels County:
In-Person Requests:
Online Access:
Written Requests:
Telephone Inquiries:
Requestors should note that pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, charges may apply for copies of records, with fees established in accordance with rules prescribed by the Office of the Attorney General.
Runnels County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251 and the Texas Department of Public Safety reporting requirements. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information:
Arrest Details:
Case Processing Information:
Disposition Information:
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.130 and § 552.147, certain personal identifying information such as driver's license numbers, social security numbers, and other protected identifiers may be redacted from public versions of arrest records to protect individual privacy while maintaining the public nature of the arrest information.
The expungement of arrest records in Runnels County is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. This legal process allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific statutory conditions. Individuals may petition for expungement (also referred to as "expunction" in Texas law) if their circumstances meet the criteria established in Article 55.01.
Eligibility for expungement in Runnels County typically includes:
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Runnels County District Clerk located at:
Runnels County District Clerk
613 Hutchings Avenue, Room 207
Ballinger, TX 76821
Phone: (325) 365-2421
Official Website
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. The court will schedule a hearing no sooner than 30 days after filing, during which time all agencies possessing records related to the arrest must be notified.
If the court grants the expunction order, all records and files pertaining to the arrest shall be destroyed or returned to the petitioner as directed by Article 55.02, Section 5. Following successful expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
Alternative remedies such as orders of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411 may be available for individuals who do not qualify for expungement but meet criteria for limiting public access to certain records.