Arrest records are public information in Hutto, Texas, 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 the Hutto Police Department, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities, including arrests made within the jurisdiction.
The City of Hutto maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules as mandated by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Members of the public seeking arrest information may submit requests to the appropriate custodian of records, typically the Hutto Police Department or the Williamson County Sheriff's Office, depending on which agency made the arrest.
The City of Hutto provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information in response to proper requests. The following methods are available for obtaining arrest records in Hutto:
Online Portal Access: The Hutto Police Department maintains a Public Records Center where requestors may submit electronic requests for arrest records. This system allows for efficient processing and delivery of documents.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Hutto Police Department to submit requests for arrest records during regular business hours. Staff will assist with completing the necessary forms and identifying the specific records sought.
Hutto Police Department
401 W. Front Street
Hutto, TX 78634
Phone: (512) 846-2057
Official Website
Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted via mail to the Records Division of the Hutto Police Department. All requests must include sufficient information to identify the specific arrest record being sought, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information.
Municipal Court Records: For cases processed through the Hutto Municipal Court, arrest information related to citations and misdemeanor violations may be available through court records.
Hutto Municipal Court
401 W. Front Street
Hutto, TX 78634
Phone: (512) 759-1011
Official Website
Arrest records maintained by the Hutto Police Department typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and details of an arrest. Pursuant to Texas law, these records generally include the following elements:
Demographic Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, and any known aliases or identifiers.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the specific charges filed; and the statutory provisions allegedly violated.
Case Information: Assigned case number, arresting officer's name and badge number, and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Booking Data: Fingerprints, photographs (mugshots), and physical descriptors such as height, weight, eye color, and identifying marks.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention.
Incident Narrative: A summary of the alleged criminal activity and the circumstances leading to the arrest, as documented by the arresting officer.
It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from public arrest records in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.101-152, which provides exceptions for confidential information such as juvenile records, certain medical information, and information that might compromise an ongoing investigation.
Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records under specific circumstances. The expungement process in Hutto follows state law and requires judicial approval. Eligible scenarios for expungement include:
The expungement procedure requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Williamson County. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Upon approval, the court issues an Order of Expunction directing all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to delete or return all files and references to the arrest.
Williamson County District Clerk
405 Martin Luther King Street
Georgetown, TX 78626
Phone: (512) 943-1212
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The court may schedule a hearing to determine eligibility, and notice must be provided to all agencies that may possess records related to the arrest. If granted, an expungement legally permits the individual to deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances, including on employment applications.
Alternative remedies include orders of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code § 411.081, which seal records from public view but remain accessible to law enforcement and certain governmental entities. These orders are available in specific circumstances, particularly for successfully completed deferred adjudication programs.