San Patricio County, Texas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in San Patricio County, Texas?
Arrest records in San Patricio County, Texas are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. The Texas Public Information Act mandates that governmental bodies, including law enforcement agencies in San Patricio County, maintain transparency by providing access to arrest records and other public information.
Members of the public may request arrest records from the San Patricio County Sheriff's Office or other local law enforcement agencies. These records are maintained as part of the county's commitment to public safety and governmental transparency. Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in San Patricio County?
San Patricio County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The San Patricio County Clerk's Office provides electronic access to certain public records, including court cases that may contain information related to arrests. Additionally, the District Clerk's Records Department maintains records of felony cases that originate from arrests within the county.
Online access to arrest records is provided in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.272, which permits governmental bodies to provide public information through electronic means. The county has implemented digital systems to facilitate public access while maintaining compliance with state regulations regarding the dissemination of sensitive information.
Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, certain details may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and exemptions under the Texas Public Information Act. Complete records may require in-person requests at the appropriate county office.
How to Look Up San Patricio County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in San Patricio County as of 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:
Visit the San Patricio County Sheriff's Office in person to submit a records request. San Patricio County Sheriff's Office 400 W Sinton St Sinton, TX 78387 Phone: (361) 364-9300 Official Website Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Submit a written request to the Records Division of the Sheriff's Office, including the name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and other identifying information.
Access the San Patricio County Court Records online portal to search for case information related to arrests.
Contact the San Patricio County Clerk's Office for records of misdemeanor cases. San Patricio County Clerk's Office 400 W Sinton St, Room 120 Sinton, TX 78387 Phone: (361) 364-9350 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
For felony cases, contact the District Clerk's Office. San Patricio County District Clerk 400 W Sinton St, Room 207 Sinton, TX 78387 Phone: (361) 364-9320 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information in response to proper requests. Requestors should expect to provide identification when requesting records in person and may be required to pay reasonable fees for copies as permitted under § 552.261.
Contents of a San Patricio County Arrest Record
San Patricio County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
Arrest details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location where the arrest occurred
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Agency responsible for the arrest
Criminal charge information:
- Nature of alleged offense(s)
- Texas Penal Code section(s) violated
- Classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
- Case number assigned
Processing information:
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint records
- Property inventory
- Detention facility information
Judicial processing:
- Magistration date
- Bond amount and type
- Court assignment
These records are maintained in accordance with Texas Local Government Code § 201.003, which establishes requirements for the creation and maintenance of local government records. The information contained in arrest records serves both law enforcement purposes and the public's right to information about governmental activities.
Expungement of Arrest Records in San Patricio County
Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, certain individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records in San Patricio County. 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 San Patricio County include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal (finding of not guilty)
- Arrests that did not lead to formal charges
- Charges that were dismissed and the statute of limitations has expired
- Certain successfully completed deferred adjudication programs
- Arrests resulting from identity theft or mistaken identity
- Convictions that have been pardoned or otherwise overturned
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the San Patricio County District Court. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and the grounds for expungement. A filing fee is required, and a hearing may be scheduled to determine eligibility.
If granted, an Order of Expunction will be issued directing all agencies holding records of the arrest to destroy or return those records to the court. Following expungement, the arrest is treated as if it never occurred, and the individual may legally deny its existence on job applications and other inquiries.
Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that the process is complex and may benefit from legal assistance. The San Patricio County District Clerk's Office can provide the necessary forms but cannot offer legal advice regarding eligibility or the completion of required documentation.
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