Del Rio Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Del Rio, Texas?
Arrest records in Del Rio, Texas are considered public information and are accessible to members of the general public. This accessibility is established under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), which stipulates that records maintained by governmental bodies shall be available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. The Act operates under the principle that the public has a right to information about governmental affairs and official acts.
In Del Rio, arrest records are maintained by various law enforcement agencies, including the Del Rio Police Department and the Val Verde County Sheriff's Office. These records document instances where individuals have been taken into custody by law enforcement officials on suspicion of criminal activity. Unless specifically sealed by court order or protected under privacy statutes, these records remain available for public inspection.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.021, public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body. Requestors may ask to view the information, obtain copies, or both. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted if it falls under exceptions outlined in §§ 552.101 through 552.158, such as information related to ongoing investigations or juvenile records.
How to Look Up Del Rio Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Del Rio have multiple avenues available for accessing this information. The following methods are authorized under Texas law for obtaining arrest record information:
In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Individuals may visit the Del Rio Police Department located at 100 W. Broadway Street, Del Rio, TX 78840 (830-774-8591) or the Val Verde County Sheriff's Office at 295 FM 2523, Del Rio, TX 78840 (830-774-7513) during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Requestors should be prepared to complete a public information request form and provide identification.
Val Verde County Clerk's Office: Court records related to arrests may be obtained from the County Clerk's Office at 400 Pecan Street, Del Rio, TX 78840 (830-774-7564). The office maintains records of criminal proceedings resulting from arrests within the county jurisdiction.
Online Access Through Official Portals: The Val Verde County website provides access to certain public records, including some arrest information. Users may navigate to the county's official portal to search for available records.
Texas Department of Public Safety: For statewide criminal history information, the Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) database. Requests can be submitted online through the DPS website or by mail to the Crime Records Service at PO Box 4143, Austin, TX 78765-4143.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, governmental bodies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public information. Fee schedules are established in accordance with rules prescribed by the Attorney General's Office.
Contents of a Del Rio Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Del Rio law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Standard components of these records include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, any known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and other identifying characteristics.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the arresting agency; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the statutory authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal Charges: Specific offenses for which the individual was arrested, including citation of applicable Texas Penal Code sections and classification of offenses (misdemeanor or felony).
Booking Information: Processing details including fingerprinting, photographing (mugshot), and assignment of booking numbers.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention.
Case Disposition: If available, information about the resolution of charges, including dismissals, plea agreements, trial outcomes, or sentencing information.
Under Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 27, Rule § 27.1, criminal justice agencies must maintain the accuracy and completeness of criminal history record information. This requirement ensures that arrest records contain reliable information for both law enforcement and public access purposes.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Del Rio
The State of Texas provides legal mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Del Rio and throughout the state. Expungement is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which establishes specific eligibility criteria and procedures.
Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:
- The person was arrested but never charged with an offense
- Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed
- The person was acquitted of charges at trial (found "not guilty")
- The person was convicted but subsequently pardoned
- The person completed a pretrial diversion program, and charges were dismissed
- The arrest was due to identity theft or false identification
The expungement process requires petitioners to file an Ex Parte Petition for Expunction with the district court in Val Verde County. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Upon filing, the court will schedule a hearing to determine whether the petitioner meets the statutory requirements for expungement.
If the court grants the expunction order, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest—including the Del Rio Police Department, Val Verde County Sheriff's Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, and any other entities that received information about the arrest—are directed to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest.
Alternatively, individuals who do not qualify for expungement may seek an order of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes.
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