Wise County, Texas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Wise County, Texas?
Arrest records are public in Wise County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation mandates that records generated, collected, and maintained by governmental bodies be accessible to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. The Wise County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their official duties in law enforcement and public safety. 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."
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while most information is publicly available, certain details may be redacted in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.101, which protects information considered confidential by law, including constitutional law, statutory law, or judicial decisions.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Wise County?
Wise County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Wise County Sheriff's Office provides public access to certain arrest information through their official website. Additionally, the Wise County Jail Records system offers a searchable database of current inmate information and recent arrests.
The Texas Department of Public Safety also maintains a statewide criminal history database that includes arrest records from Wise County. However, pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.135, access to comprehensive criminal history record information through this system may be restricted to authorized agencies and individuals with specific statutory authority.
Online records typically include basic arrest information, but may not contain complete case details that would be available through in-person requests. The timeliness of online records is subject to administrative processing delays, and records may take 24-72 hours to appear in public databases following an arrest.
How to Look Up Wise County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Wise County. Interested parties may utilize any of the following methods to access this information:
Submit a public information request directly to the Wise County Sheriff's Office located at 200 Rook Ramsey Drive, Decatur, TX 76234. Phone: (940) 627-5971. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Access the Wise County Courts and Records System online to search for court dockets related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.
Visit the Wise County Clerk's Office at 101 N. Trinity Street, Decatur, TX 76234. Phone: (940) 627-3200. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. The County Clerk maintains records of misdemeanor criminal cases processed through the county court system.
Utilize the Wise County Detention Center inmate search function for current custody status information.
Submit a written request for specific arrest records pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act. Requests must reasonably identify the records sought and may be subject to fees as authorized by Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70.
When requesting records in person, requestors must present valid government-issued identification. Fees for copies of records are established in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.261 and may vary based on the volume and format of records requested.
Contents of a Wise County Arrest Record
Wise County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. A typical arrest record includes the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or alternative identifications
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including Texas Penal Code references
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Agency responsible for the arrest (e.g., Wise County Sheriff's Office, Decatur Police Department)
- Booking information including processing date, time, and facility location
- Booking photograph ("mugshot") taken during processing
- Fingerprint classification data when collected
- Case or incident number assigned by the arresting agency
- Initial bond amount and type as set by the magistrate
- Custody status information
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108, certain investigative information related to the arrest may be withheld if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. Additionally, information related to juvenile arrests may be subject to confidentiality provisions under Texas Family Code § 58.008.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Wise County
The expungement process in Wise County allows for the legal removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances defined by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55. Individuals may petition for expungement if their situation meets one of the following criteria:
- The arrest did not lead to a formal charge
- The charge was dismissed or quashed
- The individual was acquitted of the charge by a court
- The individual was convicted but subsequently pardoned
- The individual completed a pre-trial diversion program resulting in dismissal
- The statutory waiting period has elapsed for certain offenses eligible for expungement
The petition for expungement must be filed in the district court of Wise County where the arrest occurred or where the case was disposed. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing to determine eligibility. If granted, the expungement order directs all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest. This includes physical and electronic records maintained by the Wise County Sheriff's Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and other agencies that received information about the arrest.
Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that the process typically requires legal representation and payment of filing fees. The Wise County District Clerk's Office, located at 101 N. Trinity Street, Decatur, TX 76234, can provide information about current filing requirements and fees.
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