Aransas County Arrest Records

Aransas County peace officers and law enforcement agencies may arrest persons caught in or suspected of criminal actions (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.13). An arrest is necessary to maintain public peace and ensure the laws and justice systems in the County are enforced.

Upon arrest, the arrested individual is taken to the Aransas County Detention Center for booking and holding. Arrest records are created during the booking process where vital information about the arrest and the arrestee is retrieved. Booked suspects may either be released on certain conditions, made to post bail, or held pending an arraignment. In cases where an arrest leads to an arraignment, arrest records, and information may be obtained from Aransas County court records.

Are Arrest Records Public in Aransas County?

Yes. Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, otherwise known as the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), contains the State's provisions for public access to records generated by public agencies. Interested parties may request to inspect and copy arrest records maintained by the Sheriff's Office and other police departments in Aransas County.

It is important to note, however, that not all arrest records are publicly available for inspection and copying. The TPIA places certain limitations and restrictions on the public access of arrest records. These limitations ensure the protection of privacy rights and preserve public peace and safety.

Identifying information like social security numbers, license numbers, personal addresses, and telephone numbers are usually redacted from public arrest records. In addition, juvenile arrest records, sealed or expunged records, and arrest information about ongoing investigations are typically exempt from public access in Aransas County.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Members of the public who request an Aransas County arrest records may find the following information:

• The record bearer's full name and aliases if known
• The record bearer's birth information, occupation, location, and agent
• Descriptions of the record bearer including bodily features like marks, tattoos, and scars
• Arrest information such as the date, time, and place of arrest
• The purpose of the arrest
• The alleged charges filed against the record bearer
• Information about the arresting agency and officer in charge
• Mugshots, fingerprints, and other biometric information retrieved during the booking process
• The booking facility, date, time, and agency in charge of the booking
• Bail/bond details and/or release information
• Arraignment and court details where available.

Aransas County Arrest Statistics

The Texas Department of Public Safety's Crime by Jurisdiction report for 2023 reveals that 160 arrests were recorded in Aransas County. The most prevalent criminal actions for which arrests were made in the year 2023 included larceny (91), aggravated assault (33), rape (13), auto theft (12) and burglary (10).

Find Aransas County Arrest Records

Under the Texas Public Information Act, interested persons are at liberty to request Aransas County arrest records from the appropriate record custodian. In Aransas County, the Sheriff's Office manages and releases arrest records and information to concerned persons.

The Sheriff's Office allows requesters to submit arrest record requests online, in person, by mail, or by other electronic media. Mail requests may usually require a self-addressed stamped envelope containing adequate description of the requested record. Requesting parties should note that fees may be required to obtain copies of the requested arrest records.

Residents of Aransas County and interested parties may submit requests for arrest records to the Sheriff's Office using the contact information below:

Aransas County Sheriff's Office
714 E Concho Street
Rockport, TX 78382
Phone: (361) 729-2222
Fax: (361) 790-0164

Moreover, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) makes inmate information for persons arrested at the State level available online. Researchers may be required to enter a last name, birth date, or TDCJ/SID (state identification) number.

Free Arrest Record Search in Aransas County

Researchers may access Aransas County arrest records for free by visiting the physical location of public agencies like the Sheriff's Office and other police departments. Inspecting these records physically at the record custodian's office usually comes at no cost. However, a fee may be required by the record custodian to provide copies of these records. Residents of Aransas County may also find free arrest records and information online via the Current Inmate page of Aransas County's official webpage.

It may also be possible to access Aransas County arrest records for free via online third-party websites. These sites provide search features that allow users to access arrest information that cuts across varying jurisdictions and multiple sources simultaneously. Some of these sites may provide limited information to users for free while others require low-cost fees for complete records. A last/first name or age is usually required to retrieve arrest records and information from these sites.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Aransas County, arrest records will continuously reflect on an individual's criminal history record unless they are expunged or sealed. Nonetheless, law enforcement agencies like the sheriff's office and local police departments are mandated to abide by the retention schedule provided by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. However, this retention schedule does not apply to arrest records maintained by the courts or the Department of Safety.

Expunge Aransas County Arrest Records

In the state of Texas, the laws have provisions for eligible record bearers to expunge their arrest records or file for a nondisclosure order. The criteria and requirements to qualify for an expungement or nondisclosure order are provided in Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Chapter 411, Subchapter E-1 of the Texas Government Code. Similarly, juvenile records under Section 58.203 of the Texas Family Code are eligible for automatic expungement and sealing.

To process an expungement or petition for a nondisclosure order, eligible parties may fill and submit the Expunction Petition-Arrest Records (Chapter 55) form to the trial court of jurisdiction in Aransas County. Applicants are to submit the duly completed form alongside other required supporting documents and fees. Once the petition is reviewed by the court and granted, an expungement or nondisclosure order is issued by the court. This order directs the relevant authorities, such as the Texas Department of Public Safety, to expunge or seal the affected records.

Aransas County Arrest Warrants

Aransas County arrest warrants are legal orders written by magistrates directing law enforcement agencies to make an arrest and bring an offender into custody to answer for a crime (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Art. 15.01). Arrest warrants are usually issued based on provided probable cause accompanied by an affidavit or sworn statement. The contents of an Aransas County arrest warrant typically include:

• The defendant's name and descriptions
• The crime for which the defendant is to be arrested
• The time, date, and place in which the criminal action occurred
• The signature and office of the issuing magistrate
• Adequate statements, evidence, and probable cause supporting the issued arrest warrant
• A statement mandating the defendant's arrest on behalf of "The State of Texas".

Do Aransas County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, Aransas County arrest warrants, once issued, do not expire. Police officers and enforcement agencies may execute an arrest warrant anytime, anywhere no matter how long it takes. An arrest warrant may also be resolved if the subject willingly appears in court, posts bond, or has sufficient reasons for missing a court hearing. A judge or issuing court may quash or recall an issued arrest warrant for several other legal reasons.