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Wichita County, Texas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Wichita County, Texas?

Arrest records in Wichita County, Texas are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests, shall be available for public inspection and copying. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to records maintained by public entities. The statute presumes that all government information is available to the public, with certain exceptions as defined by law to protect privacy, security, and other compelling interests.

Individuals seeking arrest records in Wichita County may obtain these documents through various official channels, including the Wichita County Sheriff's Office and the Wichita Falls Police Department Records Division. The availability of these records supports public safety awareness and enables citizens to make informed decisions regarding their communities.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Wichita County?

Wichita County provides digital access to arrest records through several online platforms maintained by county and municipal agencies. The Wichita Falls Records Division maintains electronic databases that allow members of the public to search for arrest information without visiting government offices in person. These digital repositories are regularly updated to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information provided.

Online access to arrest records is provided in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.021, which states that public information is information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for a governmental body. The Wichita County digital systems are designed to balance public access rights with privacy protections mandated by state and federal laws.

Users of these online systems should note that while basic arrest information is typically available, certain details may be redacted pursuant to exemptions under the Texas Public Information Act, particularly information related to ongoing investigations or juvenile records.

How to Look Up Wichita County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Wichita County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official methods to obtain this information:

  • Visit the Wichita County Sheriff's Office in person at 900 7th Street, Room 100, Wichita Falls, TX 76301. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (940) 766-8170.

  • Access the Wichita Falls Public Records Center to search for arrest records electronically. This platform allows users to submit requests for specific records and receive digital copies.

  • Contact the Wichita County District Clerk's Office at 900 7th Street, Room 108, Wichita Falls, TX 76301. Telephone: (940) 766-8100. The District Clerk maintains records of all criminal cases filed in the district courts.

  • Submit a request to the Wichita Falls Police Department Records Division at 610 Holliday Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301. Telephone: (940) 761-7792. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

  • Utilize re:SearchTX, the official statewide platform for accessing court case information from all 254 Texas counties, including Wichita County.

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, governmental bodies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public information. Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees for document retrieval and reproduction.

Contents of a Wichita County Arrest Record

Wichita County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county jurisdiction. Standard components of these records include:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Detailed description of criminal charges filed, including applicable Texas Penal Code sections
  • Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
  • Booking photograph (mugshot) of the arrested individual
  • Biometric data including fingerprints and, in some cases, DNA samples
  • Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and identifying marks
  • Case number and booking identification
  • Custody status information, including bond amount if applicable
  • Court assignment and scheduled appearance dates

The comprehensiveness of arrest records is mandated by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251, which requires law enforcement agencies to report complete information regarding arrests to the Texas Department of Public Safety. These records serve essential functions in the criminal justice system, including defendant identification, case processing, and public safety notification.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Wichita County

The State of Texas provides legal mechanisms for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. In Wichita County, individuals may petition for expungement if their situation meets statutory requirements, which typically include:

  • Arrests that did not lead to formal charges
  • Charges that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
  • Arrests for which the individual received a pardon
  • Arrests for which the statute of limitations has expired without charges being filed
  • Certain misdemeanor juvenile offenses

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Wichita County District Court at 900 7th Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301. Telephone: (940) 766-8100. The petition must comply with all requirements specified in Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

Upon approval of an expungement order by a district judge, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest are directed to delete or return all documentation related to the arrest. Following successful expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.

Alternatively, individuals who do not qualify for expungement may seek an order of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes. The Wichita Falls Municipal Court, located at 611 Bluff Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301, Telephone: (940) 761-7880, can provide guidance on nondisclosure eligibility for cases within its jurisdiction.

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