Arrest records in Webb County, Texas are considered public information pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that records created, collected, or maintained by governmental bodies, including law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to the public with certain statutory exceptions. The Webb County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies maintain these records as part of their official duties. Members of the public may request access to these documents for various purposes, including background checks, legal proceedings, or personal information gathering. The custodian of records must respond to requests within the timeframes established by state law, typically within 10 business days of receipt of a proper request.
Webb County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Webb County Sheriff's Office provides limited online access to current inmate information and recent arrest data through their official website. Additionally, the Webb County Clerk's Office maintains a searchable database of court records that may contain information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. These online resources are provided as a public service in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.272, which permits governmental bodies to provide reasonable access to public information via electronic means. Users should note that online records may not be comprehensive and might require supplementation through in-person requests for complete information.
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Webb County. Interested parties may utilize any of the following methods:
Submit a formal public information request to the Webb County Sheriff's Office located at 902 Victoria Street, Laredo, TX 78040. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (956) 523-4500.
Visit the Webb County Clerk's Office at 1110 Victoria Street, Suite 201, Laredo, TX 78040 during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to request court records related to arrests. Telephone: (956) 523-4268.
Access the Webb County Judicial Records Search portal through the county's official website. This resource provides case information for matters processed through the county court system.
Submit requests to the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service for statewide criminal history information at PO Box 4143, Austin, TX 78765-4143. Telephone: (512) 424-2474.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific identifying information about the subject of the search, including full legal name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known. Fees may apply in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.261, which permits governmental bodies to charge reasonable fees for document reproduction and staff time.
Standard arrest records maintained by Webb County law enforcement agencies contain comprehensive information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102. These records typically include:
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of the criminal justice process at which the record is accessed. Records related to juvenile arrests are subject to additional confidentiality protections under Texas Family Code Chapter 58.
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 provides the statutory framework for the expungement of arrest records in Webb County. Individuals may petition for expungement (also called "expunction") under specific circumstances, including:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Webb County District Court located at 1110 Victoria Street, Laredo, TX 78040. Telephone: (956) 523-4900. The petition must comply with the requirements set forth in Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, including proper notice to all agencies that may possess records related to the arrest.
Upon granting an expungement order, all records and files pertaining to the arrest are removed from public access and may not be disclosed by government agencies. Individuals who have successfully obtained an expungement may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances, with limited exceptions for certain law enforcement and judicial purposes.
For arrests that do not qualify for expungement, individuals may alternatively seek an order of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which restricts public access to criminal history record information while allowing access by law enforcement and certain governmental entities.