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Wichita Falls Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Wichita Falls, Texas?

Arrest records are public documents in Wichita Falls, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for governmental entities is available to the public, with specific statutory exceptions. The public nature of arrest records serves to maintain transparency in law enforcement operations and provides citizens with access to information regarding arrests within their community.

The Texas Public Information Act specifically designates arrest records as public information under § 552.021, which states that public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body. Members of the public may request access to these records through designated procedures established by local law enforcement agencies and municipal offices in Wichita Falls.

How to Look Up Wichita Falls Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods are available for accessing arrest records in Wichita Falls, with both in-person and digital options accessible to the public. The Records Division of the Wichita Falls Police Department maintains and processes all criminal records and reports. Citizens seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:

In-person requests at the Wichita Falls Police Department Records Division 610 Holliday Street Wichita Falls, TX 76301 (940) 761-7792 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Written requests submitted to the City Clerk's Office City of Wichita Falls P.O. Box 1431 Wichita Falls, TX 76307
Online access through the Wichita Falls Municipal Court portal for cases within their jurisdiction
Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service for statewide criminal history information P.O. Box 4143 Austin, TX 78765 (512) 424-2000

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information in response to proper requests. The standard timeframe for response is ten business days, though complex requests may require additional time as permitted by statute.

Contents of a Wichita Falls Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Wichita Falls Police Department contain standardized information as required by Texas law. These records typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Specific charges filed, including citation of applicable statutes
Case or incident number assigned by the arresting agency
Booking information, including photographs and fingerprints
Arresting officer's identification number
Bail or bond information, if applicable
Court assignment information

The Municipal Court of Wichita Falls maintains jurisdiction over Class C misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and violations of the Code of Ordinances that occur within city limits. Records pertaining to these cases are maintained separately from more serious offenses, which are processed through the Wichita County Court system.

Legal Framework for Arrest Records in Wichita Falls

The management and accessibility of arrest records in Wichita Falls operate within a comprehensive legal framework established by state and local regulations. The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102 mandates the collection and maintenance of criminal history record information by law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the Texas Local Government Records Act (Texas Local Government Code Chapter 201) establishes requirements for the retention and preservation of these records.

The Wichita Falls Police Department adheres to these statutory requirements when processing, maintaining, and providing access to arrest records. The department's Records Division serves as the custodian of these documents and implements procedures consistent with state law regarding public access.

Certain information within arrest records may be subject to redaction or withholding under exceptions provided in Texas Government Code § 552.108, which protects information related to ongoing investigations or prosecutions. Additionally, juvenile records are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under Texas Family Code Chapter 58.

Warrant Information and Arrest Status

The Warrants Division of the Wichita Falls Municipal Court maintains records of active warrants issued within its jurisdiction. When individuals fail to appear for scheduled court dates or fail to comply with court orders, warrants may be issued for their arrest. These warrants become part of the public record and may be executed by any law enforcement agency.

The Warrants Division is located at: Wichita Falls Municipal Court 611 Bluff Street Wichita Falls, TX 76301 (940) 761-7880 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Citizens may verify warrant status through the Municipal Court's online portal or by contacting the Warrants Division directly. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.16, individuals arrested under warrant must be taken before a magistrate without unnecessary delay.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Wichita Falls

Under Texas law, certain individuals may be eligible to have their arrest records expunged or sealed from public view. Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure governs the expungement process, which effectively removes arrest records from public access when specific criteria are met.

Eligibility for expungement in Wichita Falls typically requires one of the following conditions:

The individual was arrested but never charged with a crime
Charges were filed but later dismissed
The individual was acquitted of the charges (found "not guilty")
The individual was convicted but later pardoned
The individual successfully completed certain deferred adjudication programs

The expungement petition must be filed in the district court of Wichita County. The process requires:

Preparation and filing of a Petition for Expunction
Payment of required filing fees
Notification to all agencies that may possess records related to the arrest
Attendance at a scheduled court hearing
Issuance of an Order of Expunction if approved by the court

Upon successful expungement, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest are ordered to destroy or return all documentation related to the case. The individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances, with limited exceptions for certain licensing and employment situations.