>Willacy County Arrest Records Online

Willacy County, Texas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Willacy County, Texas?

Arrest records in Willacy County, Texas are classified as public information pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records maintained by public agencies operating within the state of Texas, including Willacy County. The Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to records documenting official activities, including arrests made by law enforcement agencies.

The Texas Public Information Act specifically designates arrest records as public documents, making them accessible to any member of the public who submits a proper request. These records are maintained by various county agencies, including the Willacy County Sheriff's Office and the Willacy County District Clerk. Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body."

Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in specific circumstances, such as:

Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
Records involving juveniles
Records that have been ordered sealed or expunged by a court
Information that would compromise personal privacy beyond what is permitted by statute

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Willacy County?

Willacy County arrest records are available through various online platforms, both governmental and third-party. The digital availability of these records is consistent with Texas Government Code § 552.272, which permits governmental bodies to provide "for a method of searching for or accessing public information that is also available on the governmental body's website."

The primary online sources for Willacy County arrest records include:

The Willacy County Sheriff's Office website, which may provide limited booking information
The re:SearchTX portal, which offers access to court case information from all 254 Texas counties
The Willacy County District Clerk's online case search system
Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Record Information repository

Users should note that while basic arrest information may be available online at no cost, comprehensive records or certified copies typically require payment of statutory fees as authorized under Texas Government Code § 552.261.

How to Look Up Willacy County Arrest Records in 2025

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

In-Person Requests:

Individuals may visit the Willacy County Sheriff's Office to request arrest records in person. The office maintains booking records and arrest reports for incidents within their jurisdiction.

Willacy County Sheriff's Office
1371 Industrial Drive
Raymondville, TX 78580
Phone: (956) 689-5576
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Alternatively, arrest records may be requested from the Willacy County District Clerk's Office, which maintains court records related to criminal cases.

Willacy County District Clerk
576 W. Main Ave, Room #102
Raymondville, TX 78580
Phone: (956) 689-2532
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Online Access:

The re:SearchTX portal provides electronic access to court records, including those related to criminal cases in Willacy County. This platform allows users to search for case information across all Texas counties.

Written Requests:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the appropriate agency pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.301. Requests must include:

Requestor's full name and contact information
Specific description of records being requested
Preferred method of delivery
Date range of records sought

Agencies are required to respond to public information requests promptly, typically within 10 business days of receipt.

Contents of a Willacy County Arrest Record

Willacy County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. A typical arrest record includes:

Subject's full legal name 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
Arresting agency and officer information
Specific charges filed, including statute citations
Case or incident number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint classification
Custody status information
Bond amount, if applicable
Court assignment information

Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 27, Rule § 27.1, law enforcement agencies must maintain complete and accurate records of all arrests. These records serve multiple purposes within the criminal justice system, including identification, prosecution, and statistical analysis.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Willacy County

The expungement process in Willacy County allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances defined by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55. Expungement (legally termed "expunction") provides eligible individuals with the opportunity to clear their record of arrests that did not result in conviction or that meet other statutory criteria.

Eligibility requirements for expungement in Willacy County include:

The arrest did not lead to a conviction or deferred adjudication
The case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal
The statute of limitations has expired (if charges were never filed)
The individual received a pardon
The individual completed a pretrial diversion program
The arrest resulted from identity theft

The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Willacy County District Court. 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 to be expunged
All agencies believed to possess records subject to expunction
A sworn statement of eligibility

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing to determine if the petitioner meets all statutory requirements. If the court grants the expunction, an order will be issued directing all agencies to destroy or return all records related to the arrest.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The filing fee for an expungement petition in Willacy County is approximately $300, though this amount may vary based on current court fee schedules.

Legal Restrictions on Accessing Arrest Records

Access to Willacy County arrest records is subject to certain legal restrictions established by state and federal law. These limitations serve to balance the public's right to information with individual privacy interests and the integrity of the criminal justice process.

Texas Government Code § 552.108 provides law enforcement exceptions that may temporarily restrict access to arrest records during:

Active criminal investigations
Prosecutions that have not been completed
Internal affairs investigations involving law enforcement personnel

Additionally, the following categories of arrest records are subject to permanent or long-term restrictions:

Juvenile records (governed by Texas Family Code Chapter 58)
Records that have been legally expunged or sealed
Records subject to court-ordered non-disclosure
Records containing information that would compromise victim safety
Records containing information protected by federal law (e.g., HIPAA)

Government agencies in Willacy County are required to redact confidential information from arrest records before releasing them to the public. This includes social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and certain medical information as specified in Texas Government Code § 552.147 and § 552.101.