Smith County, Texas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Smith County, Texas?
Arrest records in Smith County, Texas are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code. This legislation establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by governmental bodies is presumed to be open to the public, with specific statutory exceptions. The Texas Public Information Act operates under the principle that the public has a right to information concerning governmental affairs.
In accordance with Chapter 15 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, law enforcement agencies in Smith County are required to maintain records of arrests, which subsequently become part of the public record. These documents serve multiple public interest functions:
• They provide transparency in the criminal justice system • They enable public oversight of law enforcement activities • They facilitate background checks for employment and housing • They assist in maintaining public safety through information sharing
The Smith County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies comply with these statutory requirements by making arrest records available through various channels, including in-person requests and digital platforms.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Smith County?
Smith County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by governmental entities and authorized third-party providers. The Smith County Clerk's Office maintains a comprehensive database of public records, including arrest documentation, that is accessible via their official website. This digital accessibility aligns with Texas Government Code § 552.272, which permits governmental bodies to provide public information through electronic means.
Online access to arrest records is facilitated through:
• The Smith County Sheriff's Office inmate search portal • The Smith County Clerk's public records database • The Twelfth Court of Appeals case management system • The Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Record Information repository
Users should be aware that while basic arrest information is typically available online, comprehensive records may require formal requests or in-person visits to the appropriate governmental office. Additionally, pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108, certain arrest information may be withheld if its release would interfere with the detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime.
How to Look Up Smith County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Smith County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available to them, each with varying levels of comprehensiveness and accessibility. The primary channels for obtaining these records are as follows:
Smith County Sheriff's Office
227 N. Spring Avenue
Tyler, TX 75702
(903) 590-2661
Official Website
Individuals may visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to submit a request for arrest records. Requestors must complete a Public Information Request form and provide identification. Fees for copies are assessed in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.261.
Smith County District Clerk's Office
100 N. Broadway, Room 204
Tyler, TX 75702
(903) 590-1660
Official Website
The District Clerk maintains records of felony cases, including associated arrest records. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through the clerk's online portal. Processing times typically range from 3-5 business days for standard requests.
Smith County Clerk's Office
200 E. Ferguson, Suite 300
Tyler, TX 75702
(903) 590-4650
Official Website
The County Clerk maintains records of misdemeanor cases and associated arrest documentation. Their online search system allows for preliminary searches, though certified copies require formal requests and payment of statutory fees.
Pursuant to Chapter 17 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, information regarding bail and bond status following arrest is also available through these channels.
Contents of a Smith County Arrest Record
Smith County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 15.26 and administrative regulations established by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and typically include the following elements:
• Biographical information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Gender and race/ethnicity
- Residential address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, hair color, eye color, identifying marks)
• Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory authority for the arrest
- Whether the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant
- Booking number and processing information
• Offense information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Texas Penal Code section(s) allegedly violated
- Classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
- Incident report number
- Brief narrative of alleged criminal activity
• Case processing data:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Bond amount and status
- Initial appearance date
- Disposition information (if available)
• Biometric identifiers:
- Fingerprint classification
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Other identifying biometric data
The comprehensiveness of publicly available arrest records may vary based on the status of the case and applicable privacy protections under Texas Government Code § 552.108 and § 552.1175.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Smith County
The expungement process in Smith County provides a legal mechanism for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. This procedure is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may qualify for expungement (legally termed "expunction" in Texas) 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 (found "not guilty") • The person was convicted but subsequently pardoned • The person completed certain deferred adjudication programs for eligible offenses • The arrest was due to identity theft or false identification
The expungement petition must be filed in the district court of Smith County, where the arrest occurred. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.02, the petition must include:
• Detailed personal information of the petitioner • Specific information about the arrest and charges • The tracking incident number and state identification number • A list of all agencies believed to have records subject to expunction
Smith County District Court
100 N. Broadway
Tyler, TX 75702
(903) 590-1600
Official Website
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing no earlier than 30 days from filing. All agencies named in the petition will receive notice and may contest the expungement. If granted, the expungement order requires all governmental agencies to destroy records of the arrest, effectively removing them from public access.
Alternatively, individuals who do not qualify for expungement may seek an order of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes.
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