Aransas Pass Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Aransas Pass, Texas?
Arrest records in Aransas Pass, Texas are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by governmental bodies must be available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. Law enforcement agencies in Aransas Pass, including the Aransas Pass Police Department, maintain arrest records as part of their official duties, and these records are generally available for public inspection.
The Texas Public Information Act specifically designates arrest records as public information under § 552.021, which states that public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body. Exceptions to disclosure may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or when release would interfere with law enforcement proceedings as outlined in § 552.108 of the Texas Government Code.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are public, certain information within them may be redacted to protect privacy interests or sensitive information as permitted by state law. The Aransas Pass Police Department Records Division serves as the primary custodian of these records within the city.
How to Look Up Aransas Pass Arrest Records in 2025
The Aransas Pass Police Department provides multiple methods for obtaining arrest records. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information for inspection or duplication. Individuals seeking arrest records in Aransas Pass may utilize the following official channels:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Aransas Pass Police Department Records Division during regular business hours to submit a public information request form. The department is located at 600 W. Cleveland Blvd., Aransas Pass, TX 78336. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (361) 758-5224.
Online Requests: The Aransas Pass Police Department's Public Information Request portal allows individuals to submit requests electronically. This system complies with the modernization requirements of government record-keeping as mandated by Texas law.
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to: Records Division, Aransas Pass Police Department, 600 W. Cleveland Blvd., Aransas Pass, TX 78336. Requests must include specific information about the record sought, including names, dates, and case numbers if available.
Texas Department of Public Safety: For statewide criminal history information, individuals may access the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Record Information system. The DPS maintains a centralized database of arrest records from all Texas jurisdictions, including Aransas Pass.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for record retrieval and copying services in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70, which establishes guidelines for charges for public information.
Contents of a Aransas Pass Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Aransas Pass Police Department contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.17. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and any documented aliases or known nicknames.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest, the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s), and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed against the individual, including the Texas Penal Code section numbers, offense classification (misdemeanor or felony), and degree.
Booking Information: Booking number, date and time of booking, fingerprint classification number, and the facility where the individual was detained.
Case Processing Data: Court docket number, arraignment date, bail or bond amount set, and preliminary hearing schedule if applicable.
Physical Identifiers: Mugshot photographs taken during booking from front and side angles, and complete set of fingerprints as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 38.33.
Property Inventory: List of personal items in the arrested individual's possession at the time of booking and their disposition.
The Texas Local Government Records Act (Texas Local Government Code § 201.001 et seq.) requires the Aransas Pass Police Department to maintain these records according to established retention schedules. Standard arrest records must be retained for a minimum of five years after the final disposition of the case, while records involving more serious offenses may have longer retention requirements.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Aransas Pass
The expungement process in Aransas Pass follows Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, which provides legal mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Expungement (officially termed "expunction" in Texas law) permanently destroys all records and files related to an arrest.
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01, individuals may qualify for expungement of arrest records in Aransas Pass under the following conditions:
- The person was arrested but never charged with a crime
- Charges were filed but later dismissed, and the statute of limitations has expired
- The person was acquitted of charges by a judge or jury ("found not guilty")
- The person was convicted but later pardoned or otherwise proven innocent
- The person completed a pre-trial diversion program, and the case was dismissed
- The arrest was due to identity theft by another individual using the person's identifying information
The legal procedure for expungement requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in San Patricio County, where Aransas Pass is located. The petition must be filed at:
San Patricio County District Clerk
400 W. Sinton Street, Room 207
Sinton, TX 78387
(361) 364-6200
San Patricio County District Clerk's Office
The petition must include specific information as required by Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, including all agencies believed to have records subject to expunction. Upon filing, the court will set a hearing date no sooner than 30 days from filing to allow all governmental agencies time to respond.
If granted, the expungement order directs all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to destroy or return all files to the court. 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, individuals may alternatively seek an Order of Nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view but allows access by law enforcement and certain governmental agencies.
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