Yes, arrest records are public in Walker County, Texas. This accessibility is in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), which mandates that most documents held by local and state government entities be open to the public. This includes arrest records managed by law enforcement agencies within Walker County, including the Walker County Sheriff's Office. The principle behind this provision is to maintain transparency and provide the public with a mechanism to monitor law enforcement activities and the criminal justice process.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.021, public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body. The Walker County District Clerk's Office maintains felony criminal records, while the County Clerk's Office handles misdemeanor records. Both offices make these records available for public inspection as required by law.
Yes, arrest records can be found online in Walker County. Various governmental and some non-governmental platforms maintain databases that allow the public to search and view arrest records. These records are typically accessible through specific online portals that aggregate data from law enforcement agencies.
The Walker County government provides online access to certain public records through its official website. The Records and Research Department maintains civil, family, felony, and other case files that are public record. Additionally, the Misdemeanor Criminal Records Division offers online access to the Odyssey case management system for criminal cases.
Members of the public should note that while these records are publicly accessible, certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and court orders. Furthermore, pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.263, a governmental body may require a deposit or bond for requests requiring extensive resources to fulfill.
To obtain Walker County arrest records in 2025, individuals have several options:
Walker County Sheriff's Office
717 FM 2821 Road West
Huntsville, TX 77320
Phone: (936) 435-2400
Official Website
Walker County District Clerk
1100 University Avenue, Room 209
Huntsville, TX 77340
Phone: (936) 436-4922
Official Website
Walker County Clerk
1100 University Avenue, Room 160
Huntsville, TX 77340
Phone: (936) 436-4922
Official Website
Online Search Portals: Utilize official county websites that provide access to arrest record databases, including the Walker County Dockets and Huntsville Municipal Court Dockets.
Public Information Act Requests: Submit a formal request under the Texas Public Information Act. Requests for Sheriff's Office records can be submitted in person at 717 FM 2821 Rd W, Huntsville, TX 77320, as outlined in the county's Public Information Act Request procedures.
Third-Party Websites: Commercial websites compile public records from various sources. However, the accuracy and completeness of information on these sites cannot be guaranteed by Walker County officials.
A Walker County arrest record typically includes the following information:
The Walker County Jail, operated under the direction of the Jail Captain, processes individuals booked by multiple agencies in the county. The booking process generates records that become part of the public arrest record, subject to the provisions of the Texas Public Information Act.
For active warrants, the Huntsville Municipal Court maintains a list that is publicly accessible. However, members of the public are advised not to attempt to apprehend any individuals listed on the warrant list, as noted in the official warning on the city's website.
In Walker County, individuals may have the option to expunge their arrest records under certain conditions. Expungement removes an arrest from an individual's criminal record, making it as though the arrest never occurred. This process is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
To qualify for expungement in Walker County, the individual must meet specific criteria, such as:
The expungement process typically involves:
If granted, an Order of Expunction will be issued, directing all agencies holding records of the arrest to destroy or return those records to the court. After expungement, pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 55.03, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest and the existence of the expunction order, except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that the process can be complex and may require legal assistance. The Walker County District Clerk's Office can provide information about filing procedures, but cannot offer legal advice regarding eligibility for expungement.