Watauga Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Watauga, Texas?
Arrest records in Watauga, Texas are considered public information pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This statute establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by governmental bodies is presumed to be available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. The Texas Public Information Act serves as the legal framework ensuring transparency in government operations while balancing privacy concerns of individuals.
Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Watauga Police Department and other law enforcement agencies operating within the jurisdiction. These records typically become available after the booking process has been completed and the information has been entered into the official record-keeping system. However, certain information may be redacted or withheld in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.108, which provides exceptions for law enforcement records that could interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime.
The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental and societal purposes, including:
- Maintaining transparency in the criminal justice system
- Enabling community awareness of public safety matters
- Facilitating background checks for employment and housing
- Supporting journalistic reporting on matters of public interest
- Providing statistical data for policy development and research
How to Look Up Watauga Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Watauga provides multiple channels through which members of the public may obtain arrest records. Requestors should be prepared to provide specific identifying information to facilitate the search process. The following official methods are available for accessing arrest records in Watauga:
Watauga Police Department
7500 Whitley Road
Watauga, TX 76148
Phone: (817) 514-5870
Watauga Police Department
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Individuals seeking arrest records may submit requests in person at the Records Division of the Watauga Police Department. The department requires completion of a Public Information Request form, which can be obtained at the front desk or downloaded from the official website. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, the department must promptly produce public information for inspection or duplication upon request.
Tarrant County Clerk's Office
100 West Weatherford Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196
Phone: (817) 884-1195
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The County Clerk maintains court records related to arrests that have proceeded to case filing. Requestors may search these records by name, case number, or date range. The office charges statutory fees for copies of documents in accordance with Texas Local Government Code § 118.011.
Texas Department of Public Safety
Crime Records Service
P.O. Box 4143
Austin, TX 78765
Phone: (512) 424-2000
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a centralized criminal history database that includes arrest records from jurisdictions throughout the state, including Watauga. Authorized requestors may obtain criminal history information by submitting fingerprints and required forms, along with applicable fees as established under Texas Government Code § 411.088.
Contents of a Watauga Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Watauga Police Department and other law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These records typically include the following elements:
- Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed, including citation to applicable sections of Texas Penal Code
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint impressions
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and facility information
- Bail or bond amount, if applicable
- Case disposition information, if available
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the offense and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may contain redactions pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108, which permits withholding information that could interfere with law enforcement proceedings.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Watauga
Under Texas law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records maintained by Watauga law enforcement agencies. The legal process of expungement is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:
- The person was arrested but never charged with an offense
- Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed
- The person was acquitted of charges at trial
- The person was convicted but subsequently pardoned
- The person successfully completed certain deferred adjudication programs
- The statutory waiting period has elapsed following dismissal of charges
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Tarrant County. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Upon granting of an expunction order, all records and files pertaining to the arrest are removed from public access and physically destroyed.
Tarrant County District Clerk
100 N. Calhoun Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196
Phone: (817) 884-1574
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The court filing fee for an expunction petition is approximately $300, though this amount is subject to change. Additional costs may include service fees for each agency holding records subject to expungement.
An alternative to expungement is an order of nondisclosure, which seals records from public view but maintains them for law enforcement purposes. Eligibility for nondisclosure is determined under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter E-1.
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