Are Collin County Records Public?

Yes. Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, or the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), allows individuals to inspect or copy information on how the state conducts the public's business. The law ensures that any person can request public information from the governmental body that maintains it within the county.

Public information is any information written, produced, collected, assembled, or maintained under the state's public record law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business (Sec.552.002).

The Texas Public Information Act applies to all formats of city records under governmental bodies such as boards, commissions, and committees of a legislative branch. However, the Texas Supreme Court guidelines govern Collin County court records and all state judiciary information collection and maintenance.

What is Exempted Under the Texas Public Records Act?

The Texas Public Information Act allows citizens to inspect or copy public records to ensure the effective governing of the state. It also provides that governmental bodies may withhold government records from the public in specific situations within Collin County. If the law exempts information from public disclosure, a governmental body cannot provide public access to the case documents or release the requested information without due authorization. However, an agency can only withhold information under the law if the attorney general rules that it may do so.

Several exceptions in the Texas Public Information Act may allow agencies to withhold certain types of information, including:

• Social security number and information identifying the family members of governmental officials and employees (Section 552.14)
• Driver's license or permit, motor vehicle title or registration, and personal identification documents
• Statements and names of witnesses to and victims of sexual harassment
• Medical records that a physician creates regarding the identity, diagnosis, evaluation, or treatment of a patient
• Attorney-client information revealing client confidences or containing legal advice or opinions (Section 552.107(1))
• Records of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors that deal with the detection, investigation, and prosecution of crime (Section 552.108)
• The location of real or personal property for a public purpose prior to public announcement of the project.

Although certain exceptions apply under the Texas Public Information Act, records not open to the public are accessible by law enforcement agencies, attorneys with specific access agreements, and those with a legitimate interest in the county.

Collin County Public Record Search

To find a public record in Collin County, one has to file a Public Information Request or Open Records Request under the Texas Public Information Act in writing. The request can be made in person, online, through a letter, or via email or fax. It is also important for the requester to provide specific information identifying the record custodian and the type of information to be retrieved. Providing details of the case records, such as a case number, filing date range, and party name, will help ease the record retrieval process and eliminate the need to narrow down search results.

Collin County also has a public information page where individuals can find the different official custodian websites and receive guidelines on submitting public records requests to that agency. The public can also file a Public Information Request online to access documents maintained by county government agencies.

This online process applies to almost every aspect of county government, but not police or court records. Although most records are public, individuals have to request records directly from the clerks of the various levels of courts or the police agency. All written requests can be mailed to:

Public Information Office
2300 Bloomdale Road,
Suite 4154
McKinney, TX 75071

Alternatively, the Collin County Sheriff's Office offers two ways of submitting open records requests in person or online. According to the Public Information Act, the Sheriff's Office makes all its public records available to citizens upon request. The request can only retrieve government information that is already in existence. Individuals can submit a written request in person at:

Sheriff's Office Lobby
4300 Community Avenue.
McKinney, TX 75495

All online record requests can be submitted to the Sheriff's Office Open Records Section. A fee will be required for the requested documents.

Find Public Records For Free in Collin County

The public can find government records for free in Collin County at the various custodian offices during work hours. Each public agency may offer free search options on official websites. However, third-party websites also allow the public to search for records at no cost. Third-party websites are online resources that make government records or information available to requesters across Texas. These sites work as independent vendors and are not affiliated with government offices.

Third-party websites contain various public information from different official government agencies, making it easy for individuals to access public records from one database. Besides, these databases require less personal information from the requester to complete a search. However, requesters may not depend on the accuracy of information from these websites and may be required to conduct more research. They can also not provide certified copies to requesters and will typically restrict extensive case search information to registered users.

How to Remove Information From Public Records Free

To remove information from public records in Collin County for free, individuals can petition for an order of nondisclosure or expungement at the relevant office. Various record custodians offer different non-disclosure orders and have their requirements and forms, which all applicants should be eligible for. However, to be eligible for any non-disclosure order, applicants should satisfy the basic requirements of the Public Information Act (Section 411.074).

Who Can Access Collin County Public Records in Texas?

According to Section 552.001 of the TPIA, any person may request public records in Collin County, Texas. The law ensures that everyone is entitled to access public information about government affairs and the official functions of public officials unless exempted from disclosure or otherwise stated by law. However, section 552.023 states that a person or a person's authorized representative has a special right of access beyond the right of the general public. Requesters can confirm eligibility to access Collin County public records through the relevant agencies in charge of keeping and maintaining records.

What Happens if I Am Refused a Public Records Request?

According to the Texas Public Information Act, there are reasons public records requests in Collin County can be refused or denied. For instance, if the requested information falls within one of the aforementioned exceptions, the custodian may refuse to release the information. Unless the governmental body has an overriding court order or from the Attorney General regarding the information requested, the agency can decide to withhold information.

The Act provides that a custodian or clerk's office should respond promptly to a request for information within ten business days. If the custodian rejects the record request, it must provide a written statement citing the applicable laws directing it to withhold the information. To appeal this decision, the requester may file a direct appeal with the agency, petition the Attorney General's Office, or obtain a court order.