Brenham Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Brenham, Texas?
Arrest records are public documents in Brenham, 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 presumptively open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Washington County Sheriff's Office and Brenham Police Department maintain these records as part of their official duties in documenting law enforcement activities within their jurisdiction. Members of the public may access these records to promote transparency in the criminal justice system and facilitate informed community awareness.
The Texas Public Information Act specifically addresses arrest records in §552.108, which provides limited exceptions to disclosure for certain law enforcement and prosecutorial records. However, basic information regarding arrests, including the arrested person's name, charges, and booking details, remains accessible to the public even when other investigative materials may be withheld. Government entities in Brenham must respond to public information requests within 10 business days as mandated by state law.
How to Look Up Brenham Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking to obtain arrest records in Brenham, Texas. Requestors may utilize any of the following methods:
In-person requests at the Brenham Police Department located at 1800 Longwood Drive, Brenham, TX 77833. The Records Division operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and can be reached at (979) 337-7337.
Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains county-wide arrest records at 1206 Old Independence Road, Brenham, TX 77833. Their Records Division accepts public information requests Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and can be contacted at (979) 277-6251.
The Washington County District Clerk's Office houses court records related to arrests at 100 E. Main Street, Suite 304, Brenham, TX 77833. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with telephone inquiries accepted at (979) 277-6200.
The Texas Department of Public Safety offers statewide criminal history record information through their Crime Records Service. Requests can be submitted online through the agency's website or by mail to Box 4143, Austin, TX 78765.
Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 27, requestors must provide sufficient identifying information to locate specific records. Fees for copies of arrest records are established in accordance with §552.261 of the Texas Government Code and may vary based on the volume and format of records requested.
Contents of a Brenham Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Brenham, Texas typically contain standardized information as required by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.17. Standard elements include:
Subject identification information:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and physical descriptors
- Residential address at time of arrest
- State identification number and FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of apprehension
- Statutory charges filed with corresponding penal code citations
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Agency case number and incident report reference
Processing information:
- Booking photographs (mugshots) taken from front and profile views
- Fingerprint impressions collected during booking procedures
- Property inventory documenting items in possession at arrest
- Medical screening documentation as required by the Sandra Bland Act
Judicial processing:
- Magistration details including date of appearance before magistrate
- Bond amount and conditions if set
- Detention status (released or remanded to custody)
- Court assignment information
The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) establishes standardized reporting requirements for all arrest records generated within the state through Texas Administrative Code §218.10. These standards ensure uniformity in record-keeping practices across jurisdictions while facilitating information sharing between agencies.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Brenham
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 provides statutory authority for the expungement of arrest records in Brenham and throughout Texas. Expungement (legally termed "expunction") constitutes the complete removal and destruction of all records and files relating to an arrest. Individuals meeting statutory eligibility requirements may petition the court for this relief.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Washington County include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal (Article 55.01(a)(1))
- Cases dismissed or no charges filed, with applicable waiting periods (Article 55.01(a)(2))
- Certain misdemeanor juvenile offenses (Article 45.0216)
- Arrests for identity theft where another person was convicted (Article 55.01(d))
- Convictions pardoned by the Governor or President (Article 55.01(a)(1)(B))
The expungement process requires filing a petition in the district court of Washington County where the arrest occurred. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include:
- Detailed personal information of the petitioner
- Specific information about the arrest and charges
- All agencies believed to possess records subject to expungement
- Verification that statutory waiting periods have been satisfied
Upon filing, the court will schedule a hearing no earlier than 30 days from filing. The Washington County District Attorney's Office, located at 100 E. Main Street, Suite 200, Brenham, TX 77833, receives notice and may contest the petition if they believe statutory requirements have not been met.
If granted, the expungement order directs all agencies to destroy or return all records related to the arrest. Agencies must comply within a timeframe specified by the court, typically 60-90 days. Following successful expungement, individuals may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
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