Austin County Arrest Records

In Austin County, Texas, peace officers make arrests when there is evidence that an individual violated state or federal laws. In some cases, they may arrest persons who are likely to pose a potential threat to life or property. Arrestees are temporarily detained until they fulfill the bail conditions or are arraigned before a court.

Local law enforcement agencies like the Austin County Sheriff's Office create arrest records after an arrest event. These agencies maintain and release the record to interested parties.

Interested parties can also locate arrest information in other public documents. For example, Austin County court records contain arrest data, such as the arrestee's personal information, criminal charges, arrest date and location, and bond amount.

Are Arrest Records Public in Austin County?

Per Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, most arrest records in Austin County are publicly accessible. Public members have the right to view and obtain the record from specific government agencies. These agencies are designated as record custodians and are legally required to release records to the public. For example, the Austin Police Department is an official custodian of arrest records. You can access records from the agency by making an in-person request at:

715 East 8th Street
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 974-2000/311

Note: Government entities may sometimes refuse public access to certain arrest records. Exempted records typically reveal sensitive data that may violate the privacy of concerned parties. That being said, the following arrest records are exempt from public view:

• Information concerning threats made against law enforcement officers.
• Records that may interfere with an ongoing investigation.
• Sensitive images or videos of crime scenes.
• Internal law enforcement records concerning arrests that did not lead to criminal conviction.

Austin County Arrest Statistics

The Texas Department of Public Safety creates an annual arrest statistics report for all arrests documented within the state. According to the report, Austin County's arresting agencies made 351 arrests in 2022.

In contrast, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards maintains an online incarceration report for the state's county jails. Per the report, the Austin County jail housed 48 inmates as of August 1, 2022.

Find Austin County Arrest Records

Public members can find Austin County arrest data in inmate records. These records usually contain the arrestee's names, physical description, arrest charges, location, date, and booking information.

Government agencies provide online repositories through which the public can view inmate records. For example, The Austin Police Department hosts an online search platform for viewing arrestees' booking photos. Public members must provide the inmate name, booking number, charges, and birthdate to view records on the platform.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice also offers online access to inmate records. Persons or entities can view records on the platform by filling out these details:

• Inmate's first and last name.
• TDCJ number.
• SID number.
• Inmate's race and gender.

The platform features information about inmates who are currently incarcerated in the state's correctional centers. In order to locate inmates in federal prisons, inquirers must use the Federal Bureau of Prisons' inmate locator.

Austin County Arrest Records vs. Criminal Records

Austin County arrest records differ from criminal records in the following ways:

They contain different information.

Arrest records typically include information created or received during an arrest event. Such information may include the arrestee's legal name, aliases, physical description, charges, mugshots, crime scene photos or videos, and booking date. However, criminal records provide information about a person's criminal past. You may find arrest, court, and incarceration data in criminal records.

They are under the purview of different public entities

Arresting agencies are the primary custodians of arrest records. This means they are responsible for generating and maintaining the records. Conversely, the Texas Department of Public Safety is the custodian of criminal records. The agency creates criminal records by collecting crime-related data from other public entities.

The records have different outcomes and consequences.

Arrest records do not indicate if an arrestee is guilty of the charges. Therefore, they do not negatively affect the record subject's life. However, criminal records show that the court tried and convicted an offender. Thus, record subjects may face discrimination during employment or statutory restrictions. For instance, sex offenders are restricted from living near schools, daycares, or parks.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Austin County arrest records will remain a part of your public records unless they are dismissed, sealed, or expunged. Arrestees can legally expunge their arrest records, provided they meet the following conditions:

• They were tried and acquitted by the court.
• They were convicted of an offense that was committed before September 1, 2021, under Section 46.02(a).
• They have not previously received an expungement or sealing of an arrest record.
• The charges did not lead to a conviction or court-ordered community service.
• They were tried by the court but were later found innocent of the charges.

Austin County Arrest Warrants

Austin County arrest warrants are court orders that authorize the arrest of suspected offenders. Justice or municipal court judges may issue warrants upon receiving an affidavit of probable cause from law enforcement agencies.

Under Texas laws, an arrest warrant is valid if it fulfills these criteria:

• It is issued under the "State of Texas".
• It contains the defendant's name, aliases, and physical features.
• It contains a description of the defendant's crimes.
• It includes a court order that calls for the arrest of the defendant.
• It is directed to an arresting officer or persons named in the document.
• It contains the court judge's signature.

Do Austin County Arrest Warrants Expire?

In Austin County, arrest warrants do not expire. They remain valid even after the statute of limitations for the crime has elapsed. However, arrest warrants become inactive after the defendant is arrested or the court nullifies them.