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Lindale Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lindale, Texas?

Arrest records are public documents in Lindale, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by governmental bodies in the course of official business is accessible to the public. The Act specifically designates arrest records as public information unless they fall under statutory exemptions.

The Texas Public Information Act operates under the principle that governmental transparency serves the public interest. Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." This provision ensures that residents of Lindale and other interested parties may access arrest records maintained by local law enforcement agencies.

Certain exceptions to disclosure exist under Texas law, including:

Information related to ongoing investigations
Records involving juveniles
Information that would compromise public safety
Records that have been ordered sealed or expunged by a court

The Lindale Police Department and Smith County Sheriff's Office maintain these records in compliance with Lindale municipal ordinances and state regulations.

How to Look Up Lindale Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Lindale, Texas have multiple methods available to obtain this information. The Texas Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement agencies maintain these records in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.023, which provides that "a person or a person's authorized representative has a special right of access" to records containing information about themselves.

In-Person Requests

Individuals may visit the following agencies to submit requests in person:

Lindale Police Department
105 Ballard Drive
Lindale, TX 75771
Phone: (903) 882-3313
Official Website

Smith County Sheriff's Office
227 N. Spring Avenue
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-2661
Official Website

Operating hours for public record requests are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays. Requestors must present valid identification and may be required to complete a formal request form.

Online Access

The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains an online portal for criminal history record information. Additionally, the Lindale Municipal Court provides access to certain court records through their online system. Requestors must register an account and may be subject to verification procedures before accessing records.

Mail Requests

Written requests may be submitted to the aforementioned agencies. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.301, governmental bodies must "promptly produce public information" in response to written requests. Mail requests should include:

Full name of the subject
Date of birth or approximate age
Date range for the search
Purpose of the request
Contact information for the requestor
Notarized authorization if requesting on behalf of another person

Fees and Processing Times

Fees for arrest record searches are established in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70. Standard processing times range from 3-10 business days, though expedited services may be available for additional fees.

Contents of a Lindale Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Lindale law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information

Legal name and 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
Statutory charges filed
Case/incident number
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Agency responsible for the arrest
Jurisdiction where the arrest occurred

Processing Information

Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint classification
Detention facility information
Bond amount and type
Court assignment
Preliminary hearing date if scheduled

Case Disposition

Current status of charges
Court proceedings and outcomes
Sentencing information if convicted
Probation or parole details if applicable

These records are maintained in accordance with the Lindale Code of Ordinances and state retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Lindale

The expungement process in Lindale follows Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, which provides a legal mechanism for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. This procedure is formally known as "expunction" under Texas law.

Eligibility Criteria

Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.01, individuals may qualify for expungement if their situation meets one of the following conditions:

The person was arrested but never charged with a crime
Charges were filed but later dismissed
The person was acquitted of charges (found "not guilty")
The person was convicted but later pardoned
The person successfully completed certain pre-trial diversion programs
The statute of limitations for the offense has expired without charges being filed

Individuals with convictions on their record generally do not qualify for expungement unless they received a pardon or the conviction was overturned on appeal.

Petition Process

The expungement procedure requires filing a petition in the district court of the county where the arrest occurred. For Lindale residents, this typically means filing in the Smith County District Court. The petition must include:

Full name and identifying information of the petitioner
Date of arrest and charges
Case number and court of jurisdiction
Law enforcement agencies that may possess records
Statement of eligibility under Texas law
Request for hearing

Smith County District Court
100 N. Broadway Avenue, Room 204
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-1600
Official Website

Legal Representation

While not required, legal representation is strongly recommended for navigating the expungement process. The Smith County Bar Association can provide referrals to attorneys specializing in expungement cases.

Effect of Expungement

When an expungement is granted, all records of the arrest are removed from public access and agencies are directed to destroy or return all records to the court. Following expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.