>Shelby County Arrest Records Online

Shelby County, Texas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Shelby County, Texas?

Arrest records in Shelby County, Texas are classified as public information pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that government records, including documentation of arrests, are accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to records concerning law enforcement activities, including arrests.

Members of the public should be aware that certain arrest records may be subject to redaction or withholding under specific provisions of Texas law. These exceptions typically apply to records involving:

Ongoing investigations where disclosure would interfere with law enforcement proceedings
Juvenile arrests (governed by Texas Family Code § 58.007)
Records sealed by court order
Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office maintains the primary repository of arrest records for the county and processes public information requests in accordance with state law. Requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Sheriff's Office located at:

Shelby County Sheriff's Office
100 Hurst Street
Center, TX 75935
Phone: (936) 598-5600
Shelby County Sheriff

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Shelby County?

Digital access to Shelby County arrest records is available through several official channels. The Shelby County government has implemented electronic record-keeping systems that allow for limited online access to certain arrest information. However, the comprehensiveness of online records varies according to the maintaining agency's digitization policies and statutory requirements regarding public disclosure.

The Shelby County District Clerk's office maintains court records related to arrests that have proceeded to prosecution. Limited court records from January 2000 to October 2018 can be accessed through the online case records database. For more recent or comprehensive records, individuals may need to:

Access the official Shelby County District Clerk website
Visit the District Clerk's office in person
Submit a formal written request for specific records

Online access to arrest records is subject to the same legal restrictions that govern physical records. Information protected by privacy laws or sealed by court order will not be available through online portals. Additionally, the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 62.005 places specific limitations on the online publication of certain offense information.

How to Look Up Shelby County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking arrest records in Shelby County have multiple methods available for obtaining this information. The following procedures have been established for public access to arrest documentation:

In-person requests at the Shelby County Sheriff's Office (100 Hurst Street, Center, TX 75935) during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM). Requestors should be prepared to complete a public information request form and provide identification.
Written requests submitted to the Shelby County Sheriff's Office by mail. Such requests should include:
- Full name of the subject of the record search
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date range for the search
- Requestor's contact information
- Copy of requestor's identification
Court records related to arrests may be obtained from: Shelby County District Clerk
200 San Augustine Street, Room 8
Center, TX 75935
Phone: (936) 598-6361
Shelby County District Clerk
For misdemeanor cases and certain county records: Shelby County Clerk's Office
124 Austin Street
PO Box 1987
Center, TX 75935
Phone: (936) 598-6361
Shelby County Clerk

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, agencies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records. Fee schedules are established in accordance with guidelines from the Texas Attorney General's Office.

Contents of a Shelby County Arrest Record

Shelby County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Texas law and departmental policies. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Biographical information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- State identification number and/or FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory charges filed (Texas Penal Code citations)
- Arrest circumstances and probable cause statement
- Booking information and assigned case numbers
Processing documentation:
- Fingerprint records
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Property inventory
- Initial appearance information
Case disposition information:
- Bond amount and conditions
- Court assignment
- Preliminary hearing dates
- Case outcome (if resolved)

The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.26 establishes requirements for the collection and maintenance of this information. The completeness of records may vary based on the stage of the criminal justice process and the outcome of the case.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Shelby County

Texas law provides mechanisms for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures for removing arrest information from public records.

Individuals may petition for expungement in Shelby County if their situation meets one of the following conditions:

An arrest did not lead to a formal charge
Charges were dismissed or quashed
The individual was acquitted at trial
The individual was convicted but subsequently pardoned
The individual completed a pre-trial diversion program that qualifies for expungement
The statutory waiting period has elapsed for certain qualifying offenses

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Shelby County District Court. Petitioners must:

Prepare and file a Petition for Expunction that meets the requirements of Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure
Pay the required filing fee (approximately $300, subject to change)
Attend a scheduled court hearing (if required by the court)
Obtain a signed Order of Expunction if granted by the judge

Successful expungement results in the removal of records from public access and authorizes the individual to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances. Law enforcement agencies, courts, and other entities named in the expunction order must comply by destroying or returning all records related to the arrest.

For juvenile records, separate procedures apply under the Texas Family Code § 58.003, which provides for the sealing of certain juvenile records under specified conditions.

Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that the process is complex and technical. The Shelby County District Court is located at:

Shelby County District Court
200 San Augustine Street
Center, TX 75935
Phone: (936) 598-9928