Colorado County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Colorado County, Texas, contain an official account of an individual's apprehension and detention. These records detail the reason for the arrest and all subsequent interactions with the arresting agency. Peace officers are authorized to make arrests when they observe a crime in progress or have reasonable grounds to believe it is being committed.

Colorado County inmates are usually held at the Colorado County Jail, the primary location for keeping inmates in the county. However, the Colorado County Sheriff's Office generates and maintains the arrest records. When charges are filed and the case goes to court, the proceedings form a part of the Colorado County Court Records.

Are Arrest Records Public in Colorado County?

The Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code § 552) guarantees residents and non-residents the right to inspect or obtain copies of public records, including arrest information. However, this right is subject to exemptions. The Colorado County Sheriff's Office is legally authorized to refuse requests for restricted arrest records in the following circumstances:

• When the arrest-related information involves a minor
• The information may interfere with criminal investigation or the prosecution of crime
• Personal information: home addresses, social security numbers, telephone numbers, and family information
• Information that compromises the safety of a victim or witness

For in-person or mailed record requests, individuals may contact:

Colorado County Sheriff's Office
2215 Walnut Street
Columbus, TX 78934
Phone: (979) 732-2388
Fax: (979) 732-6431

Colorado County Arrest Statistics

While Colorado County does not publish arrest-specific data, state-level sources like the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program offer insight into general arrest trends across Texas. According to DPS data, Texas recorded 740,424 arrests in 2021 and 683,799 arrests in 2020. Top arrest categories included driving while intoxicated, with 50,507 arrests, assault causing bodily injury, which amounted to 45,314 arrests, and possession of marijuana under 2 ounces, resulting in 35,365 arrests. In 2022 alone, over 82,000 DWI charges were recorded, many of which involved arrest and subsequent incarceration.

Find Colorado County Arrest Records

Colorado County Sheriff's Office

Individuals may access Colorado County arrest records by submitting a records request directly to the Colorado County Sheriff's Office. Requests may be submitted in person or by mail, and may require a government-issued photo ID:

Colorado County Sheriff's Office
2215 Walnut Street
Columbus, TX 78934
Phone: (979) 732-2388
Fax: (979) 732-6431

Colorado Department of Corrections Offender Search

Researchers may search for inmates in the Colorado Department of Corrections database under the "Find An Inmate" section. To execute a search, an individual typically has to enter the inmate's last and first name, gender, and DOC number.

Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) inmate search is a platform for persons to find offenders currently incarcerated in Texas. Individuals typically have to search by inmate's last name, first name, TDCJ number, SID number, gender, and race

Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator

Individuals may use the BOP's online inmate locator for county residents incarcerated in federal custody and federal inmates incarcerated in Texas, including those at the Colorado County Jail. Search by name or inmate registration number.

Colorado County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records and criminal records are related but not synonymous. An arrest record documents the initial apprehension of an individual, including details of the alleged offense and the law enforcement agency involved. However, criminal records go a step further. They include the entire judicial outcome, such as charges filed, court proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing. In Colorado County, a person could have an arrest record without a corresponding criminal record if:

• No charges were filed
• The charges were dropped
• The individual was acquitted

Conversely, a criminal record always includes at least one arrest event.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Colorado County arrest records remain on file indefinitely unless sealed or expunged. This means an arrest may appear on background checks and public databases for life, even without a conviction. However, eligible individuals may petition the court to have their records expunged or sealed, removing or limiting public access to the information. Article 55.01 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure governs the process and eligibility.

Colorado County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant in Colorado County, according to Art. 15.01. TCCP is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate authorizing law enforcement to arrest a person suspected of committing a crime. Arrest warrants are typically issued after law enforcement presents probable cause through affidavits or complaints. Arrest warrants include:

• The name of the suspect
• Description of the alleged offense
• Date and time of issuance
• Name of the issuing judge or magistrate
• Jurisdiction where it is enforceable

Arrest warrants are often issued for failing to appear in court, committing a new crime, or violating probation terms. Once issued, officers may detain the person named in the warrant.

Do Colorado County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Arrest warrants generally do not expire in Colorado County. They remain active until one of the following occurs:

• The individual is arrested
• A judge quashes or recalls the warrant
• The statute of limitations for the offense expires

Some lesser charges, like Class C misdemeanors (certain traffic violations, public intoxication, and minor theft), may lose enforceability over time, but most felony-related warrants remain active indefinitely.

Expunge Colorado County Arrest Records

Eligible individuals under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01 (Right to Exemption) may seek to expunge arrest records in Colorado County. Eligibility includes:

• Acquittal or dismissal of charges
• Pardon after conviction
• No charges filed following arrest
• Offense classified as a Class C misdemeanor

To expunge an arrest record in Colorado County, an individual typically have to file a Petition for Expunction in the Colorado County Circuit Court, notify all relevant agencies holding the records, and attend a court hearing at:

Colorado County Courthouse
400 Spring St., Room 107
P.O. Box 236
Columbus, Texas 78934
Phone: (979) 732-8203 Ext. 225
Fax: (979) 732-9115

If the court approves, it will issue an expunction order, which agencies typically have to follow by destroying or redacting the records.

Note: Expunction is unavailable if the person was later convicted of the same or a related offense.