Forest Hill Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Forest Hill, Texas?
Arrest records in Forest Hill, Texas are considered public information pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by governmental entities is available to the public, with specific statutory exceptions. Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by local law enforcement agencies and court systems unless such records have been sealed or expunged by court order, or if their release is restricted by other applicable laws.
The Texas Public Information Act operates under the presumption that government records should be accessible to citizens to ensure transparency in governmental operations. Forest Hill law enforcement agencies maintain these records as part of their official duties in documenting criminal justice proceedings. While most arrest information is publicly accessible, certain details may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal identifying information as specified under Texas Government Code § 552.108 and § 552.130.
How to Look Up Forest Hill Arrest Records in 2025
The Forest Hill Police Department maintains arrest records for incidents occurring within city jurisdiction. Members of the public seeking arrest information have several methods available for conducting searches:
- In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Forest Hill Police Department to submit formal requests for arrest records. Staff will assist with locating relevant documentation based on name, date, or case number information.
Forest Hill Police Department
3800 Horton Road
Forest Hill, TX 76119
(817) 568-5200
Forest Hill Police Department Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Tarrant County Records: For comprehensive criminal history information, the Tarrant County Criminal Records Department maintains documentation of arrests processed through county facilities.
Tarrant County Criminal Records Department
401 W. Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196
(817) 884-1240
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Online Portal Access: The Forest Hill municipal website provides limited access to certain public records. Users may search by name, date of incident, or case number when available.
Written Requests: Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, citizens may submit written requests for arrest records. Requests must reasonably identify the records sought and should be addressed to the Records Division of the Forest Hill Police Department.
Requestors should note that processing fees may apply in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70. Standard fees include $0.10 per page for standard copies and additional charges for certified documents or extensive searches requiring staff time.
Contents of a Forest Hill Arrest Record
Forest Hill arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals suspected of criminal activity. These records typically include the following elements as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical descriptors including height, weight, eye and hair color, and identifying marks
- Official booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint impressions collected during processing
- Enumeration of criminal charges filed, including applicable Texas Penal Code sections
- Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
- Date, time, and geographic location of the arrest
- Booking information including case/incident number
- Bail or bond determination and conditions, when applicable
- Detention status and facility location
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of criminal proceedings. Records pertaining to arrests that resulted in formal charges will typically contain more detailed information than those where charges were not pursued.
Law enforcement agencies in Forest Hill maintain these records in both physical and digital formats in accordance with Texas Local Government Code § 203.042, which establishes records retention schedules for municipal governments.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Forest Hill
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 provides legal mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Forest Hill. Expungement constitutes the legal removal and destruction of records pertaining to an arrest, effectively eliminating the arrest from an individual's public record.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Forest Hill include:
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges
- Cases dismissed due to lack of probable cause, mistake, or other similar reasons
- Acquittals at trial or on appeal
- Pardons granted by the Governor of Texas or the President of the United States
- Completion of certain pretrial diversion programs
- Arrests for qualifying misdemeanors committed by minors who have satisfied statutory waiting periods
The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the district court in Tarrant County. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include:
- Personal identifying information of the petitioner
- Specific details regarding the arrest to be expunged
- The tracking incident number and arresting agency
- A sworn statement that the petitioner meets eligibility requirements
- Supporting documentation demonstrating qualification for expungement
Tarrant County District Clerk's Office
100 N. Calhoun Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196
(817) 884-1574
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date. Notice of this hearing will be provided to all agencies potentially possessing records related to the arrest. These agencies may contest the expungement if they believe the petitioner does not meet statutory requirements.
If the court grants the expungement, an order will be issued directing all relevant agencies to destroy or return all records pertaining to the arrest. Following successful expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
Petitioners should be aware that expungement proceedings often require specialized legal knowledge. The Forest Hill Municipal Court can provide procedural information but cannot offer legal advice regarding eligibility or petition preparation.
Forest Hill Municipal Court
3800 Horton Road
Forest Hill, TX 76119
(817) 568-5277
Forest Hill Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Search Arrest Records in Forest Hill
