> >Sunset Valley Arrest Records

Sunset Valley Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Sunset Valley, Texas?

Arrest records are public documents in Sunset Valley, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the presumption that all government information, including arrest records, is available to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to records of governmental bodies, including law enforcement agencies.

Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information within these records may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and ongoing investigation exemptions under § 552.108 of the Texas Government Code. Juvenile records are subject to additional confidentiality protections under Texas Family Code § 58.007.

How to Look Up Sunset Valley Arrest Records in 2025

The City of Sunset Valley, located within Travis County, provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records in 2025. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official methods:

In-Person Requests at Sunset Valley Police Department: Citizens may submit requests for arrest records directly at the police department headquarters.

Sunset Valley Police Department
3205 Jones Road
Sunset Valley, TX 78745
(512) 892-1383
Official Website

Travis County Sheriff's Office: As the primary law enforcement agency for Travis County, the Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records for the county, including Sunset Valley.

Travis County Sheriff's Office
P.O. Box 1748
Austin, TX 78767
(512) 854-9770
Official Website

Travis County District Clerk's Office: For arrest records that have proceeded to court cases, the District Clerk maintains official court records.

Travis County District Clerk
1000 Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 854-9457
Case Information and Records

Online Access Through Travis County Systems: The county provides digital access to certain arrest information through its official portals, subject to system limitations and privacy restrictions.

Contents of a Sunset Valley Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by Sunset Valley law enforcement agencies contain specific information as mandated by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. A comprehensive arrest record typically includes:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Specific criminal charges filed, with reference to applicable Texas statutes
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking information, including unique booking reference numbers
Custody status and bail/bond information
Fingerprint classification data
Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
Incident report number and related case identifiers

Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 27, Rule § 27.1, law enforcement agencies must maintain these records according to established retention schedules. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission sets these retention requirements under Local Schedule PS (Public Safety Records).

Legal Uses of Arrest Records in Sunset Valley

Arrest records serve multiple legitimate purposes within the criminal justice system and broader society. The following constitutes authorized uses of arrest records in Sunset Valley:

Criminal Justice Administration: Law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, and corrections departments utilize arrest records for case management, investigation, and prosecution purposes.
Background Verification: Employers may access arrest records when conducting pre-employment screening for positions involving security, financial responsibility, or vulnerable populations, subject to restrictions under Texas Labor Code § 51.971.
Housing Applications: Landlords and property management companies may review arrest records as part of tenant screening processes, though they must comply with Fair Housing regulations.
Professional Licensing: State licensing boards for regulated professions may evaluate arrest records when determining an applicant's fitness for licensure under Texas Occupations Code provisions.
Immigration Proceedings: Federal immigration authorities may utilize arrest records in deportation or removal proceedings pursuant to 8 U.S.C. § 1227.
Statistical Analysis: Government agencies may compile anonymized arrest data for crime trend analysis and resource allocation, as authorized by Texas Government Code § 411.047.

The Travis County District Attorney's Office oversees the prosecution of cases resulting from arrests in Sunset Valley and can provide guidance on the interpretation of arrest record information.

Limitations on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public, Texas law establishes several important limitations on their accessibility and use:

Sealed and Expunged Records: Records that have been legally sealed or expunged pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 are not available to the public.
Juvenile Records: Arrest records pertaining to minors are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under Texas Family Code § 58.007, with limited exceptions for law enforcement and judicial purposes.
Ongoing Investigations: Information related to pending investigations may be temporarily withheld under Texas Government Code § 552.108 if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime.
Privacy Protections: Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information is typically redacted from public arrest records in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.147.
Discrimination Prohibitions: The use of arrest records (without convictions) for employment decisions is restricted under Texas Labor Code § 21.051 and federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines.

The Travis County Law Library provides resources to help citizens understand their rights regarding arrest records and privacy protections.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Sunset Valley

Texas law provides mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Individuals seeking expungement in Sunset Valley must follow procedures established in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55.

Eligibility criteria for expungement typically include:

Arrests that did not lead to formal charges
Charges that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
Arrests resulting from identity theft or false identification
Successful completion of certain diversion programs
Pardoned offenses
Juvenile offenses eligible under Texas Family Code provisions

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Travis County District Court. Upon approval, an expungement order directs all agencies maintaining the record to delete or return all documentation related to the arrest. The Travis County Reentry Services provides assistance to eligible individuals seeking expungement.

Travis County District Court
1000 Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 854-9300
Official Website

Individuals with questions regarding eligibility may consult with the Travis County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1 for preliminary guidance.