Arrest records in Laredo, Texas are considered public information and are accessible to members of the general public. This accessibility is governed by the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), which establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by governmental bodies is presumed to be open to public inspection. Law enforcement agencies in Laredo, including the Laredo Police Department and Webb County Sheriff's Office, maintain these records as part of their official duties. The fundamental principle underlying this legislation is to promote governmental transparency and accountability through public oversight of official activities and records.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.021, "Public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." This provision ensures that citizens and interested parties may access arrest records during regular operational hours of the relevant agencies, subject to certain statutory exceptions that may limit disclosure in specific circumstances.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Laredo, Texas, with both traditional in-person options and digital platforms available to accommodate various public needs. The following official channels may be utilized to access these records:
Laredo Police Department
4712 Maher Avenue
Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 795-2800
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Webb County Sheriff's Office
902 Victoria Street
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-4500
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Webb County District Clerk
1110 Victoria Street, Suite 203
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-4268
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Written Requests: Public information requests may be submitted in writing to the appropriate records custodian. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.301, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information in response to written requests unless specific exceptions apply.
Online Resources: The Webb County and City of Laredo websites may provide access to certain public records through dedicated portals. These digital resources are subject to periodic updates and enhancements to improve public accessibility.
Texas Department of Public Safety: For statewide criminal history information, the Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a centralized database that may include arrest records from Laredo and other jurisdictions throughout Texas.
Texas Department of Public Safety - Crime Records Service
5805 North Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78752
(512) 424-2000
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Arrest records maintained by Laredo law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive documentation of the arrest event and the individual's processing through the criminal justice system. Standard components of these records include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases or alternative names, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, identifying marks), and demographic data.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location where the apprehension occurred, the arresting agency, and the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Criminal Charges: Enumeration of all alleged violations of law, including applicable Texas Penal Code sections and the classification of offenses (misdemeanor or felony).
Booking Information: Documentation of the administrative processing following arrest, including the assignment of a booking number, fingerprinting procedures, and photographic documentation (mugshot).
Custody Status: Information regarding pretrial detention or release, including bail determination, bond amounts, and conditions of release if applicable.
Case Disposition: When available, the outcome of criminal proceedings related to the arrest, such as dismissal, conviction, acquittal, or other judicial determinations.
Agency Identifiers: Case numbers, incident report references, and other administrative designations used by law enforcement to track and manage the case.
It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108, certain investigative information may be withheld if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. Additionally, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 62.005 establishes special provisions regarding the disclosure of information related to registered sex offenders.
The expungement process in Laredo follows Texas state law provisions that allow for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific qualifying circumstances. Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure governs the expungement of criminal records, providing legal mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the destruction or return of all records and files relating to an arrest.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Laredo include:
The individual was arrested but never charged with an offense, or charges were dismissed due to mistake, false information, or other similar reason indicating absence of probable cause.
The individual was tried for the offense and acquitted by a court of competent jurisdiction (pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 55.01(a)(1)(A)).
The individual was convicted but subsequently pardoned or otherwise granted relief on the basis of actual innocence.
The individual meets the requirements for expungement following successful completion of certain deferred adjudication or pretrial diversion programs, subject to statutory waiting periods.
The statute of limitations for the offense has expired and no charges have been filed.
The procedural requirements for expungement include:
Filing a petition for expungement with the district court in Webb County where the arrest occurred or where the prosecution was initiated.
Providing notice to all agencies believed to possess records subject to expungement.
Attending a scheduled court hearing where a judge will determine whether the statutory requirements for expungement have been satisfied.
If granted, obtaining a court order directing all relevant agencies to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest.
Webb County District Court
1110 Victoria Street
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-4900
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements and procedural rules. The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 55.02 establishes specific procedural requirements that must be strictly followed to obtain relief. The expungement process may require several months to complete, depending on court dockets and administrative processing times.
An alternative to expungement is an order of nondisclosure, which may be available under Texas Government Code Chapter 411 for certain offenses where expungement is not an option. Orders of nondisclosure do not destroy records but restrict their availability to the general public while remaining accessible to law enforcement and certain governmental entities.