Taylor County, Texas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Taylor County, Texas?
Arrest records in Taylor County, Texas are public documents pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 552. This statute establishes the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. Arrest records maintained by the Taylor County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies fall under this presumption of accessibility. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote transparency in government operations and ensures citizens' right to access information regarding law enforcement activities, including arrests made within county jurisdiction.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.108 if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. Additionally, information related to juvenile offenders may be subject to confidentiality provisions under Texas Family Code § 58.007.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Taylor County?
Taylor County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Taylor County Sheriff's Office provides public access to certain arrest information through their official website. Additionally, the Taylor County Court Records Inquiry system offers online access to criminal case records, including information related to arrests processed through the county judicial system.
Online accessibility is governed by Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 10, Chapter 205, which establishes standards for electronic access to government records. Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, comprehensive records may require in-person requests at the appropriate county office. The Taylor County Information Technology Department maintains these online systems in compliance with state regulations regarding electronic access to public records.
Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code § 191.008, Taylor County may charge reasonable fees for providing electronic copies of records. Fee schedules for online access are established by the Taylor County Commissioners Court and are subject to periodic review and adjustment.
How to Look Up Taylor County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining Taylor County arrest records in 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:
Taylor County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records and provides copies upon proper request.
Taylor County Sheriff's Office
450 Pecan Street
Abilene, TX 79602
(325) 674-1300
Taylor County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMTaylor County District Clerk's Office: For arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings, the District Clerk maintains official documentation.
Taylor County District Clerk
300 Oak Street, Suite 100
Abilene, TX 79602
(325) 674-1202
District & County Records
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PMOnline Public Access Portal: The county maintains a public access portal for court records related to arrests.
Records Request Form: Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, requestors may submit a written request for specific arrest records to the Records Division.
Requests for arrest records must comply with Texas Government Code § 552.222, which requires that requests be made with reasonable specificity. Agencies may ask for clarification if requests are unclear but cannot inquire about the purpose of the request.
Contents of a Taylor County Arrest Record
Taylor County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These official documents typically include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Fingerprints and booking photograph
- Residential address
- Identifying numbers (Texas DL/ID, Social Security Number if provided)
Arrest details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory authority for arrest
- Booking number and facility information
Criminal charge information:
- Offense description
- Texas Penal Code citation
- Classification of offense (felony grade or misdemeanor class)
- Weapon information, if applicable
- Victim information (redacted as required by law)
Case processing information:
- Magistration details
- Bond amount and type
- Court assignment
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
The completeness of arrest records may vary based on the stage of criminal proceedings and the arresting agency's information management practices. All arrest records are maintained in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission retention schedule for law enforcement records (Local Schedule PS).
Expungement of Arrest Records in Taylor County
Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, certain individuals may petition for expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Taylor County. Expungement legally removes arrest information from public records and, when granted, permits the individual to deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Taylor County include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 55.01(a)(1))
- Cases dismissed or no charges filed, with statutory waiting periods satisfied (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 55.01(a)(2))
- Arrests for misdemeanors eligible for deferred disposition under specific conditions
- Certain alcohol-related offenses committed by minors
- Victims of identity theft who were falsely arrested
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a Petition for Expunction with the Taylor County District Clerk
- Payment of filing fees (approximately $300, subject to change)
- Notification to all agencies holding arrest records
- Judicial review and hearing
- Issuance of an Order of Expunction if granted
Taylor County District Court
300 Oak Street
Abilene, TX 79602
(325) 674-1313
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The Taylor County District Attorney's Office reviews all expungement petitions and may contest requests that fail to meet statutory criteria. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 55.02, all agencies possessing records subject to expungement must comply with court orders within a specified timeframe.
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