Arrest records are public in Waller County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to members of the public. The Texas Public Information Act operates under the principle that governmental bodies are custodians, not owners, of information and must provide reasonable access to records unless specifically exempted by law. This framework ensures transparency in law enforcement operations and maintains public accountability throughout Waller County.
The Waller County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties. These records document law enforcement activities and are considered public information under Texas state law. Certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or information deemed confidential by statute, as outlined in § 552.101 through § 552.158 of the Texas Government Code.
Arrest records can be accessed online in Waller County through several official portals. The Waller County District Clerk's Office maintains an electronic database of court records, including those related to criminal cases that originate from arrests. Members of the public may search these records remotely through the county's official website.
The online availability of arrest records is subject to the provisions of Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 10, Chapter 205, which governs electronic access to court records. While basic arrest information is typically available online, certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.147, which protects personal identifying information.
Digital access to arrest records is provided as a public service, though users should note that online records may not always reflect the most current status of a case. The Waller County Criminal Court maintains the most up-to-date information regarding criminal proceedings resulting from arrests within the county.
To obtain Waller County arrest records, members of the public may utilize several methods established by county authorities. Each method provides different levels of detail and accessibility:
Visit the Waller County Sheriff's Office in person at 701 Calvit Street, Hempstead, TX 77445. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (979) 826-8282.
Submit a written request to the Waller County Clerk's Office located at 425 FM 1488, Hempstead, TX 77445. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (979) 826-7600.
Access the Waller County District Clerk's online portal for court records related to arrests. The District Clerk's Office is located at 836 Austin Street, Suite 217, Hempstead, TX 77445. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (979) 826-7236.
Submit a Public Information Act request to the Waller County Criminal District Attorney's Office at 645 12th Street, Hempstead, Texas 77445. Telephone: (979) 826-7718.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, fees may apply for record searches and copies. The standard fee for criminal record searches conducted by the County Clerk's Office is $5.00 per name searched, with additional charges for certified copies as prescribed by statute.
Waller County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. A complete arrest record typically includes:
The Waller Municipal Court and other jurisdictional courts within the county maintain records of subsequent proceedings related to arrests. These courts process cases according to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure guidelines and maintain records of all judicial actions taken following an arrest.
In Waller County, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances as provided by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Expungement (also called expunction) legally removes arrest records from public access and allows individuals to lawfully deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Waller County include:
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Waller County District Court. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Filing fees apply as established by the Waller County District Clerk's fee schedule.
After filing, a hearing date will be set, and notice must be served to all agencies holding records related to the arrest. These agencies include the Waller County Sheriff's Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and any other law enforcement agencies involved in the arrest or prosecution.
If granted, an Order of Expunction will be issued directing all agencies to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest. The expungement process typically takes 60-90 days to complete after the court issues its order.