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West Lake Hills Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in West Lake Hills, Texas?

Arrest records are public in West Lake Hills, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by governmental entities is available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. The Act ensures transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities conducted by the West Lake Hills Police Department. Members of the public may access these records through formal requests submitted to the appropriate custodian of records.

The Texas Public Information Act specifically addresses law enforcement records in § 552.108, which provides limited exceptions for records that might interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. However, basic information about arrests, including the arrested person's name, charges, and booking details, generally remains accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute or court order.

How to Look Up West Lake Hills Arrest Records in 2025

The City of West Lake Hills provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:

Online Public Information Requests: Citizens may submit formal requests through the City's Public Information Request portal. This electronic system allows for efficient processing of records requests.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the West Lake Hills Police Department to submit requests in person during regular business hours.

West Lake Hills Police Department
911 Westlake Drive
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 327-1195
Official Police Department Website
Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted via mail to the Records Division at the above address. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, the city must promptly produce public information in response to an application.
Municipal Court Records: For cases processed through the municipal court system, records may be accessed through the West Lake Hills Municipal Court.

West Lake Hills Municipal Court
911 Westlake Drive
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 327-1862
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Requestors should note that fees may apply for record retrieval and duplication in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70.

Contents of a West Lake Hills Arrest Record

West Lake Hills arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
Booking number and processing information
Arresting agency and officer identification
Fingerprint records collected during booking
Photographic identification (mugshot)
Custody status information
Bond amount, if applicable
Court appearance dates and case disposition information

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records maintained in the Texas Criminal Justice Information System are subject to specific retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

Expungement of Arrest Records in West Lake Hills

Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, certain individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records in West Lake Hills. Expungement removes records from public access and, when granted, allows individuals to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest. Eligibility criteria for expungement include:

Cases resulting in acquittal
Cases dismissed without prosecution
Arrests that did not result in formal charges
Convictions that were subsequently pardoned
Successful completion of certain deferred adjudication programs

The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Travis County District Court. Petitioners must comply with the procedural requirements outlined in Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, including proper notification to all agencies possessing records subject to expunction.

For arrests not qualifying for expungement, individuals may seek an Order of Nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which restricts public access to criminal history record information while maintaining access for law enforcement and certain governmental entities.

Legal representation is advisable when pursuing expungement or nondisclosure, as the statutory requirements are complex and procedurally specific. The Travis County Law Library provides self-help resources for individuals seeking to navigate this process.

Limitations on Access to Arrest Records

While arrest records in West Lake Hills are generally public, certain statutory limitations restrict access in specific circumstances. The Texas Public Information Act provides exceptions to disclosure under § 552.108 for:

Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations
Information that would interfere with prosecution
Records related to juvenile offenders (governed by Texas Family Code Chapter 58)
Records sealed by court order
Information subject to orders of nondisclosure

Additionally, the West Lake Hills Police Department may withhold certain sensitive information contained within arrest records, such as:

Personal identifying information of crime victims
Information related to confidential informants
Details that might compromise officer safety
Medical information protected under HIPAA
Social security numbers and other personal identifiers

Requestors seeking information that may fall under these exceptions may receive redacted records or a formal determination citing the specific statutory basis for withholding information. Such determinations may be appealed to the Texas Attorney General's Office within the timeframes established by § 552.301 of the Government Code.

Warrant Information Accessibility

Active warrant information for West Lake Hills is maintained by the Municipal Court and the Police Department. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.26, warrants are public information once executed. The West Lake Hills Municipal Court publishes information regarding outstanding warrants and procedures for resolving them.

Individuals may verify warrant status by:

Contacting the West Lake Hills Municipal Court directly
Reviewing court dockets for scheduled appearances
Consulting with the West Lake Hills Police Department

Persons with outstanding warrants are encouraged to address them promptly to avoid arrest. The Municipal Court offers various options for resolving warrants, including payment plans and court appearances.