Shelby County Arrest Records

Law enforcement agencies in Shelby County, Texas, typically make arrests when there is probable cause, which may arise from an offense committed in an officer's presence, a third-party complaint, or when a court orders their arrest by issuing a warrant. Arrest records are maintained by the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, local law enforcement agencies, and sometimes the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). These records are also reflected in the Shelby County Court Records.

The records provide details about individuals arrested and held in the Shelby County Jail or other detention facilities. They include information on the charges filed and the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

Are Arrest Records Public in Shelby County?

Under Texas law, arrest records are public information, meaning anyone can submit a request to inspect or copy specific details. However, some records are confidential and exempt from public disclosure under Texas Local Government Code § 143.089. These include:

• Police disciplinary records that result only in minor reprimands are confidential.
• The arresting officer's contact information, including their home address, phone number, or social security number.

Note: Individuals seeking access to court records are required to present a valid ID.

Shelby County Arrest Statistics

The Texas UCR Program provides annual reports of arrest statistics in Shelby County, Texas. The 2023 report showed a total of 429 arrests. These arrests included 213 violent crime arrests and 216 property crime arrests.

The violent crime arrests included no murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, four sexual offenses, and two robbery arrests. Aggravated assault offenses saw 207 adult arrests. Regarding property crimes, there were 51 adult burglary arrests, 151 adult larceny arrests, 14 adult motor vehicle thefts, and no arson arrests.

Find Shelby County Arrest Records

TDCJ Offender Search Portal

This online portal allows individuals to search for inmates using their last name, first name, Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) number, or State Identification (SID) number, gender, and race.

Shelby County Sheriff's Office Website

Individuals can easily access arrest records on the official Shelby County Sheriff website under the jail bookings section. Navigate to the menu on the website, then select the "Jail Bookings" section. You would find arrest information like the areestee's name, arrest date, offence, and bond.

Shelby County Sheriff's Office

This is the most direct source for arrest information. Residents may request records by visiting the Shelby County Sheriff's Office in person at:

Shelby County Sheriff's Office
100 Hurst Street
Center, TX 75935
Phone: (936) 598-5601

Requesters would require several identifications, such as filling out forms or paying fees.

Shelby County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records are documents generated by law enforcement agencies when an individual is taken into custody. A typical arrest report includes the arrestee's full name, reason for arrest, date, time, and place of arrest, bail information, and fingerprint impression. Arrest records show that a person was taken into custody on suspicion of criminal activity, but they do not necessarily mean the individual was convicted.

Criminal Records provide a broader view of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system, from the point of arrest through to sentencing or acquittal. This record includes arrests and subsequent legal outcomes, such as convictions, sentences, and any court proceedings related to those arrests. Criminal records may detail convictions, acquittals, pending charges, and related court orders, such as probation or parole. This indicates that formal charges were brought and provides information about the case's outcome.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Unless expunged, details of an arrest may remain on file forever. Individuals may petition to have arrest records expunged, particularly if the individual was not convicted or if the charges were dismissed.

Nevertheless, the expungement process is subject to specific eligibility and legal requirements, which vary based on the nature of the arrest and the outcome. If granted, expungement removes the arrest from the individual's criminal history, restricting public access to the record.

Shelby County Arrest Warrants

Arrest warrants are court-issued documents instructing law enforcement officers to apprehend an individual suspected of committing a crime. Magistrates typically issue one when convinced that the evidence provided by law enforcement, after diligent investigation, discloses a reasonable likelihood of guilt on the suspect's part.

An arrest warrant will often list the following information:

• The date the judge issued the warrant.
• The full name of the individual to be arrested.
• Details such as the individual's date of birth, physical characteristics, and any known aliases.
• The name of the agency authorized to execute the warrant.
• Brief description of the alleged crime(s) and relevant statutes or laws violated.
• The signature of the judge authorizing the arrest.

Do Shelby County Arrest Warrants Expire?

In Shelby County, an arrest warrant is an official order issued by a judge or magistrate that allows law enforcement officers to arrest an individual based on the suspicion of involvement in a criminal activity.
A warrant remains active indefinitely until the individual is apprehended. The specific details about when warrants expire can vary depending on the crime and local jurisdiction laws. Authorized law enforcement agencies can enforce the warrant at any time.

Expunge Shelby County Arrest Records

The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 55, allows individuals to restrict or expunge arrest records under certain circumstances. Article 55.01 of the Texas Code permits arrest records to be expunged if the charges were dismissed, not prosecuted, or if the person was found not guilty at trial. Article 55.02 lays out the process, and it includes:

1. Eligible individuals should file a Petition for Expunction with the district court in the county where the arrest occurred.
2. Pay the required filing fees.
3. Attend a hearing where the judge will consider the petition.
4. If the judge grants the expunction, an Order of Expunction is issued and sent to the Texas Crime Information Center (GCIC), which will update the record to reflect its restricted status if approved.

When an arrest record is expunged, it's hidden from public view. However, law enforcement and specific government agencies can still access it.