Arrest records are public documents in Bee Cave, 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 connection with official business is presumed to be open to the public. The Bee Cave Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official duties, and these records are generally accessible to members of the public. This transparency requirement serves to promote accountability in governmental operations and provides citizens with access to information regarding law enforcement activities within their community.
The Texas Public Information Act specifically designates certain categories of arrest information as public, including the arrested person's name, age, address, and the nature of the charges filed. However, certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or information that could compromise public safety if disclosed. The Act balances the public's right to information with privacy considerations and law enforcement needs.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Bee Cave have multiple methods available to access this information. The Bee Cave Police Department maintains these records and has established procedures for public access in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.021.
Online Access: The Bee Cave Police Department provides digital access to certain arrest records through their official website. Users may search by name, date of arrest, or case number. Some records may require registration or payment of nominal fees for access.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Bee Cave Police Department to submit requests for arrest records in person. Staff members are available to assist with completing the necessary request forms and identifying specific records.
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via mail or email. Such requests should include specific information about the record being sought, including names, dates, and any available case numbers.
Phone Inquiries: Limited information regarding arrests may be available through telephone inquiries, though comprehensive records typically require formal written requests.
Bee Cave Police Department
4000 Galleria Parkway
Bee Cave, TX 78738
Phone: (512) 767-6650
Official Website
Hours of Operation for Public Records Requests:
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Excluding city holidays
Arrest records maintained by the Bee Cave Police Department contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.17. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred, including GPS coordinates when available.
Offense Information: Nature and classification of the alleged offense, including applicable sections of the Texas Penal Code or Bee Cave Code of Ordinances.
Law Enforcement Data: Identification of the arresting officer(s), including name and badge number, and the law enforcement agency involved.
Processing Information: Details regarding booking procedures, including fingerprinting, photographing, and initial appearance before a magistrate.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail determination, release conditions, or continued detention.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system, including pending court dates or case resolution.
The Bee Cave Municipal Court maintains records of case dispositions for arrests related to municipal ordinance violations and certain misdemeanor offenses.
The accessibility of arrest records in Bee Cave is governed by a comprehensive legal framework that balances transparency with privacy considerations. Texas Government Code Chapter 552, commonly known as the Texas Public Information Act, establishes the presumption that governmental records, including arrest records, are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
Under Texas Government Code § 552.108, certain law enforcement records may be withheld if their release would interfere with the detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. However, basic information about an arrested person, the offense charged, and the circumstances of the arrest generally remain accessible to the public.
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01 provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances, while Article 55.02 establishes the procedural requirements for such expungements. Additionally, Texas Government Code § 411.081 governs the sealing of certain criminal history record information through orders of nondisclosure.
The Bee Cave Police Department has implemented policies and procedures to ensure compliance with these statutory requirements while facilitating public access to arrest information. These policies are subject to periodic review and revision to maintain alignment with changes in state law and judicial interpretations.
Expungement of arrest records in Bee Cave is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. This legal process allows for the removal and destruction of records related to arrests under specific circumstances. Individuals may petition for expungement when:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the district court in Travis County. Pursuant to Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Upon review, the court may order all records and files related to the arrest to be expunged if statutory requirements are met.
When an expungement order is granted, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest, including the Bee Cave Police Department, must destroy or return all documentation related to the arrest. Following expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
The Bee Cave Police Department Records Division processes expungement orders received from the courts and ensures compliance with statutory requirements for record destruction or return.
While arrest records are generally public in Bee Cave, Texas law establishes important exceptions to protect privacy interests and the integrity of the criminal justice system. These limitations include:
Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Texas Family Code Chapter 58, records pertaining to juvenile offenders (under age 17) are subject to stricter confidentiality requirements than adult records.
Sealed Records: Records that have been sealed by court order under Texas Government Code § 411.081 are not accessible to the general public.
Expunged Records: Following a court-ordered expungement under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, records are removed from public access and legally considered to have never existed.
Ongoing Investigations: Information related to pending investigations may be temporarily withheld if disclosure would interfere with law enforcement activities, as permitted by Texas Government Code § 552.108.
Victim Information: Details that would identify victims of certain offenses, particularly sexual assaults or family violence, may be redacted from public records to protect privacy.
Confidential Informants: Information that could reveal the identity of confidential informants is protected from disclosure under Texas Government Code § 552.108(a)(2).
The Bee Cave Police Department evaluates each request for arrest records to ensure compliance with these statutory limitations while maximizing appropriate public access to information.