Yes, arrest records are public in Val Verde County, Texas. These records are made available to the public as per the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), which mandates that information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for governmental entities is public unless expressly exempted by law. This openness is intended to maintain transparency and accountability in governmental operations.
The Val Verde County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of their official duties. Pursuant to Texas law, these records may be accessed by members of the public through proper channels and procedures established by the county. The Texas Public Information Act establishes that governmental bodies must promptly release requested information that is not confidential by law.
Certain exceptions may apply to the release of arrest records, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or where disclosure would violate personal privacy rights as defined in § 552.101 of the Texas Government Code.
Yes, arrest records can be found online in Val Verde County. The availability of these records online facilitates easier access for individuals seeking information. This accessibility supports the principles of transparency and public accountability established by Texas state law.
The Val Verde County criminal records system provides electronic access to certain arrest information. Members of the public may access these records through designated online portals maintained by county agencies. The Val Verde County Clerk's Office and District Clerk's Office maintain electronic databases that may include arrest record information.
Online access to arrest records is subject to the same legal restrictions and exemptions that apply to physical records. Users should be aware that some information may be redacted or unavailable online due to privacy concerns or statutory limitations.
To obtain Val Verde County arrest records, individuals have several options available through official county channels:
Visit the Val Verde County Sheriff's Office in person to request records: Val Verde County Sheriff's Office 295 FM 2523 Del Rio, TX 78840 Phone: (830) 774-7513 Official Website Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Contact the Val Verde County Clerk's Office, which maintains public records: Val Verde County Clerk 400 Pecan Street Del Rio, TX 78840 Phone: (830) 774-7575 Official Website Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Access the Val Verde County court records system for information on criminal cases and proceedings related to arrests.
Submit a public information request pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act by completing the appropriate form and submitting it to the records custodian at the relevant county office.
Check the Val Verde County public records portal for digitized arrest records and related documentation.
Requests for arrest records must comply with Texas Government Code § 552.021, which establishes the right of public access to government information. Requestors may be required to provide identification and pay applicable fees for record searches and copies as authorized by § 552.261.
A Val Verde County arrest record typically includes the following information as mandated by Texas state law and county procedures:
The 83rd District Court and other Val Verde County courts maintain records of subsequent judicial proceedings related to arrests. These records may include arraignment information, plea details, trial outcomes, and sentencing information when applicable.
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.26, arresting officers must document specific information at the time of arrest, which becomes part of the official arrest record. This documentation ensures accuracy and completeness of arrest records maintained by county agencies.
In Val Verde County, individuals may petition for expungement of their arrest records under certain conditions as provided by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Expungement (also called expunction) is a legal process that removes arrest records from public and official view.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Val Verde County include:
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Val Verde County District Court that handled the original case. The petition must comply with the requirements set forth in Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
The Fourth Court of Appeals, which has jurisdiction over Val Verde County, may hear appeals related to expungement denials. Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with legal counsel to navigate the procedural requirements effectively.
Upon successful expungement, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest are ordered to destroy or return all records and files related to the expunged arrest. This includes records maintained by the Val Verde County Sheriff's Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and other law enforcement agencies.