Brownfield Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Brownfield, Texas?
Arrest records are public documents in Brownfield, Texas, accessible to all members of the public under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation 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 operates under the principle that citizens are entitled to complete information about governmental affairs and official acts of public officials and employees. Arrest records maintained by the Brownfield Police Department and Terry County Sheriff's Office fall within this framework of public accessibility, promoting transparency in law enforcement operations and accountability to the community. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.021, public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body.
How to Look Up Brownfield Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for accessing arrest records in Brownfield, Texas, with both traditional in-person options and digital platforms available to members of the public. The following procedures are established for obtaining arrest record information:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Brownfield Police Department located at 302 W Broadway St, Brownfield, TX 79316, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to submit a request for arrest records. Proper identification must be presented, and applicable fees may apply per Texas Administrative Code § 70.12.
Terry County Sheriff's Office: Records may be requested at the Sheriff's Office located at 1018 Main Street, Brownfield, TX 79316. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays. The office can be reached at (806) 637-2212 for inquiries about record availability.
Written Requests: Members of the public may submit written requests for arrest records via mail to either law enforcement agency. Requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth if known, approximate date of arrest, and the requestor's contact information. Written requests should be addressed to the Records Division of the respective agency.
Online Access: The Brownfield Municipal Court provides limited online access to violation records through their Municipal Online Services portal. This service allows for basic searches of court records related to arrests within city jurisdiction.
Terry County District Clerk: For arrest records that have proceeded to court action, the District Clerk's Office at 500 W Main St, Brownfield, TX 79316, maintains court records that may contain arrest information. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and can be reached at (806) 637-7742.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, reasonable charges may be assessed for providing copies of public information. Fee schedules are established in accordance with guidelines set by the Office of the Attorney General of Texas.
Contents of a Brownfield Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Brownfield law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These records typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race/ethnicity, and any documented aliases or known nicknames.
Physical Descriptors: Height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars as documented during the booking process.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest, including address or intersection where the apprehension occurred.
Offense Information: Nature and classification of the alleged criminal violation, including the Texas Penal Code section allegedly violated and whether the offense is classified as a misdemeanor or felony.
Case Processing Data: Assigned case numbers, booking information, fingerprint records, and photographic documentation (mugshots) taken during processing.
Arresting Agency Information: Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s), the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest, and the jurisdiction where the arrest took place.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts set, release conditions if applicable, or detention status following the arrest.
Court Assignment: Initial court appearance information, including court designation and scheduled appearance dates if determined at the time of booking.
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains guidelines for the collection and reporting of this information pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.042, which establishes standards for criminal history record information.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Brownfield
The expungement process in Brownfield follows Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, which provides legal mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Expungement (legally termed "expunction" in Texas) permanently removes all records and files relating to an arrest from governmental agency records.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Brownfield include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal (finding of "not guilty")
- Arrests that did not lead to formal charges
- Charges that were dismissed and the statute of limitations has expired
- Certain misdemeanor juvenile offenses
- Successful completion of certain diversion programs
- Pardoned offenses or those overturned on appeal
- Arrests for identity theft where another person was convicted of the offense
The legal process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Terry County District Court. 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
- All agencies believed to have records or files subject to expunction
- A sworn statement that the petitioner meets eligibility requirements
Upon filing, a hearing date will be set, typically 30 days after filing. If granted, the court will issue an Order of Expunction directing all agencies to destroy or return all records related to the arrest. The Texas Department of Public Safety, located at 5805 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78752, serves as the central repository for criminal history information and must comply with expunction orders.
An alternative remedy is an Order of Nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records rather than destroying them. This option may be available to individuals who successfully completed deferred adjudication for certain offenses.
Filing fees for expungement petitions in Terry County typically range from $200-$300, with additional costs for certified copies and service of process. Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements, and outcomes depend on the specific circumstances of each case.
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