Potter County Arrest Records

According to Article 14.01 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, a peace officer or any citizen may take an individual into custody without a warrant when they witness a criminal offense. Article 14.03 allows a peace officer to apprehend an individual if there is probable cause to believe that they are involved in criminal activity.

In Potter County, arrested individuals are typically taken to the county detention center. There, they undergo a booking process that includes recording the alleged offense and the circumstances of the arrest and collecting personal details of the arrestee, such as fingerprints and photographs. This information forms part of the official arrest record.

Potter County arrest records do not serve as proof of guilt. Instead, they are considered part of the pretrial process and are often included in Potter County court records when the case proceeds to trial.

Are Arrest Records Public in Potter County?

Under the Texas Public Information Act, Potter County arrest records are public documents accessible to anyone upon request. However, there are exceptions. Records related to juveniles, sensitive personal information, and ongoing investigations are exempt from public disclosure unless authorized by a court or the subject of the record.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Potter County arrest records available to the public typically include:

• The arrestee's full name, date of birth, gender, race, and distinguishing features (such as tattoos, scars, height, and weight)
• Mugshot
• Details of the arresting agency
• Arrest details, including the booking date, charges, bail amount, and custody status
• Any warrant information, if applicable

Potter County Crime Rate

According to the 2023 Uniform Crime Report published by the Texas Department of Public Safety (TDPS), Potter County reported a crime rate of 5594.9 per 100,000 residents, a 7.48% decrease from the 6047.5 per 100,000 reported in 2022. The breakdown of the county's index offenses is as follows:

• Murder & Nonneglient Homicide: 16
• Rape: 178
• Robbery: 207
• Simple and Aggravated Assault: 5,436
• Burglary: 973
• Larceny-theft: 4,722
• Motor Vehicle Theft: 683

Find Potter County Arrest Records

Residents of Potter County seeking arrest records can contact local law enforcement agencies. Potter County is served by the Potter County Sheriff's Office, the Amarillo Police Department, and several other smaller agencies, all of which are authorized to make arrests within the county. Arrest records are typically available through these agencies, and depending on the arresting body, records can be requested online, by mail, or in person.

The Potter County Detention Center maintains a Jail Roster, which provides access to information related to individuals held in custody. This tool allows users to search by the defendant's name or booking number and view details about the arrest, such as charges and the arresting agency. Additionally, the system may provide information regarding bond amounts and court dates.

For those seeking arrest records on a broader scale, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) maintains a repository of information on individuals arrested in Potter County who have been sentenced to state prison. The TDCJ provides an online inmate search tool, allowing users to find details about individuals who are currently incarcerated or have been released from Texas state prisons.

Federal arrest records, such as those involving individuals detained by federal agencies or charged with federal crimes, can be accessed through the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator, which is searchable by inmate name or number.

Free Arrest Record Search in Potter County

Potter County residents can access arrest records for free using the tools provided by local law enforcement agencies, including the Potter County Sheriff's Office and the Amarillo Police Department. These agencies often require basic information, such as the individual's full name or booking number, to retrieve records.

Several third-party websites also offer free initial searches for public arrest records. However, depending on the services offered, these platforms may require users to pay for more detailed information.

Get Potter County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Potter County, which provide a more comprehensive view of an individual's criminal history, including arrests, charges, convictions, and court dispositions, are available through various sources. Requests for criminal records can be made online, by mail, or in person, depending on the custodian of the records.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains a central repository of criminal records accessible to the public. While name-based searches are generally available to the public, fingerprint-based searches are only available to authorized individuals, such as the record subject.

To perform a search, individuals must provide the full name and date of birth of the subject. Each search requires purchasing credits, with costs set at $3.07 per credit for card payments or $3.00 for check payments. Individuals can contact DPS Customer Service at (855) 481-7070 or use the online messaging system for inquiries.

Residents may also obtain criminal records directly from the Potter County Courts. These records include information on the prosecution and disposition of criminal cases. The Potter County District Clerk's Office provides access to case records through its online case search tool, which allows users to search by name or case number.

Individuals can request their records from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a national-level criminal history check. The FBI offers an online application for a criminal history background check, which costs $18.00 and can be requested via mail or through approved third-party vendors.

Potter County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records are a component of criminal records but are not identical to each other. An arrest record simply indicates that a person was detained by law enforcement on suspicion of a crime. In contrast, a criminal record provides a more comprehensive history of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system.

A criminal record includes arrest details and provides information about the charges filed, the court's rulings, and sentencing information. It reveals whether the individual was convicted of the crime, dismissed, or acquitted. Unlike arrest records, which merely reflect an interaction with law enforcement, a criminal record documents the outcome of the legal proceedings and can impact various aspects of a person's life, including employment opportunities and housing eligibility.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Potter County, an arrest remains permanently on an individual's record unless specific legal action is taken to remove or conceal it. Arrest records are part of a person's criminal history; unless sealed through a nondisclosure order or expunged, these records are accessible to the public.

Expunge Potter County Arrest Records

Expungement provides a legal mechanism for qualified individuals to clear their arrest records. This process is governed by Title 1, Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which outlines the conditions under which a person may seek to have their arrest records erased in any Texas jurisdiction.

To be eligible for expungement in Potter County, an individual must meet specific criteria. The following are typical scenarios where an arrest may be expunged:

• The arrest did not result in a conviction.
• Charges were dismissed or never filed.
• The person was acquitted of the charges.
• The individual was pardoned or found innocent after being convicted.
• The offense was a Class C misdemeanor resulting in deferred adjudication, and the required waiting period has passed.

The expungement process begins with obtaining arrest records and filing an expunction petition with the court in Potter County that handled the original case. A filing fee may be required along with the petition. The court schedules a hearing once the petition is submitted, typically no sooner than 30 days from the filing date. If the expungement is granted, all law enforcement agencies that hold the arrest record will be instructed to delete it from their databases, making it inaccessible to the public.

Potter County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant in Potter County is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement officers to take an individual into custody. The issuance of arrest warrants in Texas is governed by Title 1, Chapter 15 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. In most cases, a warrant is necessary for an arrest if the crime was not committed in the officer's presence.

Arrest warrants in Potter County are issued when law enforcement provides sufficient evidence to a judge or magistrate, often through an affidavit, indicating there is probable cause to believe the individual committed a crime. Once the warrant is issued, it includes the following information:

• The name of the suspect.
• The violation or crime they are accused of.
• The date of issuance and the issuing judge or court.
• The name of the law enforcement agency responsible for executing the warrant.

Potter County Arrest Warrant Search

Individuals can contact the Potter County Sheriff's Office or the Potter County Courthouse to find out whether an arrest warrant has been issued in Potter County. The Potter County District Clerk's Office provides access to public court records, which may include information on outstanding warrants. Another option is to visit the local police department or contact a bail bondsman or attorney who can help search for active warrants.

Additionally, Potter County residents can utilize the Texas Department of Public Safety's Criminal History Conviction Name Search tool, which provides arrest and warrant information for a fee.

Do Potter County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Arrest warrants issued in Potter County do not expire. Once issued, they remain valid until the individual is apprehended or surrenders. Warrants are in effect indefinitely, meaning that law enforcement officers can execute them at any time unless the court recalls them.