El Paso County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in El Paso County
Arrest records in El Paso County are considered public information pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). Members of the public may access these records with certain limitations established by state and federal privacy laws. The Texas Public Information Act establishes that government records, including arrest records, are presumed to be open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
The following guidelines apply to arrest record accessibility in El Paso County:
- Records are maintained by multiple agencies including the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, El Paso Police Department, and the El Paso County Clerk's Office
- Certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or other protected information
- Access methods include in-person requests, online portals, and formal public information requests
- Records may be subject to fees as permitted under Texas Administrative Code §70.3
Individuals seeking arrest records should note that while these documents are generally public, certain exceptions exist under Texas Government Code §552.108 for law enforcement records that could interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime if released.
El Paso County Sheriff's Office 3850 Justice Drive El Paso, TX 79938 (915) 546-2280 El Paso County Sheriff's Office
What's in El Paso County Arrest Records
El Paso County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county jurisdiction. These records are maintained in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102.
Standard information contained in El Paso County arrest records includes:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint data
- Criminal charges filed at time of arrest
- Case or incident number
- Bail or bond information
- Court appearance dates
- Disposition of the case (if available)
It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Government Code §552.1175, certain personal information of peace officers, county jailers, security officers, and specific public employees may be redacted from public arrest records. Additionally, arrest records related to juveniles are subject to different confidentiality standards under Texas Family Code §58.007.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in El Paso County in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in El Paso County in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The County has implemented updated procedures to facilitate public access while maintaining compliance with Texas Government Code Chapter 552.
To look up arrest records in El Paso County, individuals may:
- Visit the El Paso County Clerk's Office in person to request physical copies of public arrest records
- Access the El Paso County Case Records Search portal for digital access to case information
- Submit a formal Public Information Act request to the appropriate law enforcement agency
- Contact the El Paso County Sheriff's Office Records Division directly
- Utilize the Texas Department of Public Safety resources for statewide criminal history information
El Paso County Clerk's Office 500 E. San Antonio Ave., Suite 105 El Paso, TX 79901 (915) 546-2071 El Paso County Clerk
Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information about the subject of their search, including full name, approximate date of arrest, and date of birth if available. Fees for copies of records are assessed in accordance with Texas Administrative Code §70.3 and may vary based on the volume and format of records requested.
How To Find El Paso County Arrest Records Online
El Paso County provides digital access to arrest records through several online platforms maintained by various government agencies. These electronic resources have been established to enhance public accessibility while adhering to the provisions of the Texas Public Information Act.
The primary online resources for accessing El Paso County arrest records include:
- El Paso County Case Records Search - The official county portal providing access to criminal case information, including arrest data
- City of El Paso Police Department website - Offers information about recent arrests and booking data
- El Paso County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search - Provides current custody status and booking information
- Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search - Offers statewide criminal history information for a fee
El Paso Police Department 911 N. Raynor St. El Paso, TX 79903 (915) 212-4000 El Paso Police Department
Users of these online systems should note that pursuant to Texas Government Code §552.275, agencies may establish reasonable limits on the amount of time personnel spend producing public information without recovering costs. Additionally, certain information may be redacted in accordance with applicable privacy laws and exemptions.
Can You Search El Paso County Arrest Records for Free?
El Paso County provides limited free access to arrest records through several public resources. In accordance with Texas Government Code §552.261, while agencies are permitted to charge reasonable fees for copies of public records, certain basic information must be made available for public inspection without charge.
Free options for accessing El Paso County arrest records include:
- In-person inspection of publicly available records at the El Paso County Clerk's Office during regular business hours
- Basic searches on the El Paso County Case Records Search portal
- Limited information available through the City of El Paso Police Department website
- Public terminals available at the El Paso County Law Library
El Paso County Law Library 500 E. San Antonio Ave., Room 704 El Paso, TX 79901 (915) 546-2240 El Paso County Law Library
Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
While basic searches may be conducted without charge, fees may apply for printed copies, certified records, or extensive searches requiring significant staff time. These fees are established in accordance with Texas Administrative Code §70.3 and are subject to periodic review by the El Paso County Commissioners Court.
How To Delete Arrest Records in El Paso County
The process of removing arrest records from public access in El Paso County is governed by specific provisions in Texas law, primarily through expunction (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55) or order of nondisclosure (Texas Government Code Chapter 411). These remedies are not automatically granted and require specific legal procedures.
Individuals seeking to delete arrest records must:
- Determine eligibility for expunction or order of nondisclosure based on specific statutory criteria
- File a petition with the appropriate district court in El Paso County
- Pay required filing fees (subject to possible waiver for indigent petitioners)
- Attend any scheduled court hearings
- If granted, ensure the court order is properly distributed to all agencies holding records
El Paso County District Clerk 500 E. San Antonio Ave., Suite 103 El Paso, TX 79901 (915) 546-2021 El Paso County District Clerk
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01, expunction may be available in cases where charges were dismissed, the person was acquitted, or certain other specific conditions are met. Orders of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code §411.081 may be available for certain successfully completed deferred adjudication cases. Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating these complex procedures.
What Happens After Arrest in El Paso County?
Following an arrest in El Paso County, individuals are processed through a standardized system in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 14 and local protocols. This process creates the official arrest record and initiates the criminal justice proceedings.
The standard post-arrest procedure in El Paso County includes:
- Transportation to an appropriate detention facility
- Booking process including fingerprinting, photographing, and collection of personal information
- Initial appearance before a magistrate within 48 hours (24 hours for misdemeanors)
- Setting of bail or bond conditions when applicable
- Filing of formal charges by the District Attorney's Office
- Assignment to appropriate court
- Arraignment and subsequent court proceedings
El Paso County Detention Facility 601 E. Overland Ave. El Paso, TX 79901 (915) 546-2280 El Paso County Sheriff's Office Detention Division
During this process, arrest records are created and maintained by multiple agencies including the arresting agency, detention facility, and court system. These records become part of the public record subject to the provisions and exemptions of the Texas Public Information Act as outlined in Texas Government Code Chapter 552.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in El Paso County?
Arrest records in El Paso County are maintained in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission retention schedules and applicable state laws. These records are generally preserved for extended periods to support the criminal justice system and public safety functions.
The retention periods for various components of arrest records include:
- Arrest reports and booking information: Minimum 75 years from date of arrest
- Fingerprint cards and identification records: Permanent retention
- Investigation reports: Minimum 10 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum 5 years after final disposition
- Felony case files: Minimum 25 years after final disposition
- Capital felony records: Permanent retention
These retention periods are established pursuant to Texas Local Government Code §203.042 and the retention schedules approved by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Records may be maintained in physical or electronic format, with increasing digitization of historical records to improve accessibility and preservation.
How to Find Mugshots in El Paso County
Booking photographs, commonly known as mugshots, are considered public records in El Paso County subject to the provisions of the Texas Public Information Act. These photographs are created during the booking process and maintained as part of the official arrest record.
Members of the public seeking mugshots in El Paso County may:
- Submit a Public Information Act request to the El Paso County Sheriff's Office or appropriate municipal police department
- Check the El Paso County Sheriff's Office website for recently booked individuals
- Access limited booking photo information through the El Paso County Case Records Search portal
- Contact the Records Division of the arresting agency directly
Texas Department of Public Safety 11612 Scott Simpson Dr. El Paso, TX 79936 (915) 849-4000 Texas Department of Public Safety
Requestors should note that pursuant to Texas Government Code §552.108, certain mugshots may be withheld if their release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. Additionally, the Office of the Texas Attorney General provides guidance on public information requests and may issue opinions on disputed records.
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