Wichita County Arrest Records

In Wichita County, Texas, arrests occur when an individual is suspected of engaging in illegal activity or is caught violating the law. Law enforcement officers are authorized to make arrests if they witness a crime or have substantial evidence that an individual has committed an offense. Additionally, arrests may occur when a judge issues a warrant, often following an investigation that establishes probable cause, as per the guidelines of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 15.01.

After an arrest in Wichita County, the individual is usually taken to a local detention facility for processing. This procedure, referred to as "booking," includes photographing (mugshot), fingerprinting, and gathering personal information such as name, address, and date of birth. This information is compiled into an arrest record, which provides an official account of the apprehension and subsequent events. In Wichita County, arrest records are maintained by law enforcement agencies. However, they may also be referenced in Wichita County court records if they are relevant in judicial proceedings.

Are Arrest Records Public in Wichita County?

Arrest records in Wichita County are generally considered public information under Texas Government Code Chapter 552. This act allows members of the public to access government records, including arrest records, with some exceptions. Arrest-related information typically exempt from public disclosure include:

• Juvenile arrest records
• Arrest records pertaining to an ongoing investigation
• Information that might reveal the identity of confidential informants or endanger their safety
• Certain private information whose disclosure may aid identity theft

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records provide detailed information about the arrest's circumstances, including the suspect's identity, the offense committed, and specific arrest details. Once an arrest leads to formal charges, they may become interconnected with court records and feature case information, arraignment dates, bail/bond information, and related details.

Wichita County Crime Rate

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety's Uniform Crime Reporting System, the crime rate in Wichita County was 4333 per 100,000 population in 2023. A breakdown of the county's index crimes was as follows:

• Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter: 7 incidents
• Manslaughter by Negligence: 3 Incidents
• Rape: 113 incidents
• Robbery: 63 incidents
• Assault: 2,663 incidents
• Burglary: 486 incidents
• Larceny-theft: 2,086 incidents
• Motor vehicle theft: 228 incidents
• Human Trafficking: 1 Incident

Find Wichita County Arrest Records

In Wichita County, individuals seeking access to arrest records primarily rely on the Wichita County Sheriff's Office, which maintains an online Inmate Roster on its official website. This tool allows users to find individuals currently held in Wichita County detention facilities by inputting details such as the inmate's full name or booking number. This public service provides up-to-date information regarding current inmates and recent arrests.

For individuals searching for those held in federal facilities, such as federal prisons or detention centers, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) offers an inmate locator tool on its website. By entering the individual's name or register number, users can access federal inmate information, which includes incarceration details and the facility's location.

Free Arrest Record Search in Wichita County

For individuals looking to conduct a free search for arrest records in Wichita County, the Wichita County Sheriff's Office provides an online Inmate Roster. This system allows for real-time access to arrest records, recent bookings, and inmate details. Those looking to access this information can do so at no cost via the Sheriff's Office website.

In addition to the Sheriff's Office, several third-party websites offer free arrest record searches. These websites compile data from various public sources and jurisdictions, allowing users to search across multiple regions. However, users are encouraged to verify information obtained from third-party sources, as it may not always be as reliable or accurate as information from official government websites.

Get Wichita County Criminal Records

Criminal records, sometimes referred to as a person's criminal history, are formal documents summarizing an individual's interactions with law enforcement. These records typically contain identifying information, arrest details, and court case outcomes, including any convictions or sentences handed down. Criminal records are vital for background checks, job applications, and professional licensing.

Individuals needing access to Wichita County criminal records have two primary avenues: law enforcement agencies and court systems.

The Wichita County Sheriff's Office provides access to criminal records. Individuals seeking these records can submit a formal request, either in person or online, through the office's official website. Requesters are required to provide specific details, such as the individual's name and date of birth, to assist with the search. Mail queries should be addressed to:

Wichita County Sheriff's Office
2815 Central Freeway East
Wichita Falls, TX 76302
Phone: (940) 766-8170
Fax: (940) 766-8102

Other local law enforcement police departments also maintain records of criminal history information. For instance the Records Division of the Wichita Falls Police Department which maintains and processes criminal records along with reports on accidents and crime reports.

The Wichita County District Clerk handles criminal records, specifically felony records. To obtain felony criminal records, individuals must submit a criminal records request in person, by mail, or via email.

Wichita County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records contain details of an individual's apprehension and detainment. These records typically include the arrest's date, time, and location, as well as the charges that led to the arrest. It is essential to note that an arrest record does not indicate guilt or conviction; it only details the authorities' initial apprehension of an individual.

In contrast, criminal records provide a complete history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system. This includes arrest details and subsequent court proceedings, the charges filed, any resulting convictions, and sentences. Criminal records offer a more comprehensive view of a person's interactions with the legal system, following the process from arrest to resolution.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Wichita County, Texas, arrest records remain indefinitely on a person's record. Texas state law does not automatically expunge or seal arrest records, meaning they remain part of the public record unless a formal legal process is initiated to remove or restrict them. However, under certain circumstances, individuals may petition for expunction or seek an order of nondisclosure to limit public access to their arrest records, as provided under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 55.

Expunge Wichita County Arrest Records

Expungement is a legal process that removes an individual's arrest records from public access, effectively erasing the arrest from government databases. In Wichita County, individuals may seek expunction under specific conditions outlined in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 55. Generally, an individual may qualify for expungement if:

• They were acquitted by a court.
• They received a pardon from the Governor of Texas or the President of the United States.
• Charges were not filed within the applicable statute of limitations.
• The case was dismissed without the possibility of further prosecution.
• The individual completed a pretrial diversion program.
• They were a victim of identity theft.

To initiate the expungement process in Wichita County, individuals must verify that they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Chapter 55. Once eligibility is established, a petition for expunction must be filed with the district court in Wichita County. This petition requires detailed information, including the petitioner's full name, date of birth, driver's license number, social security number, the specifics of the arrest, the charges (if applicable), and a list of all agencies that may hold arrest records.

After the petition is filed, the petitioner must notify all relevant entities, including the arresting law enforcement agency, the Wichita County District Attorney's Office, and any other agencies involved in maintaining the arrest records. A court hearing will then be scheduled, and a judge will review the petition and any objections from these entities. If the court grants the expunction, all relevant agencies are ordered to destroy or return the records to the court, ensuring they are removed from public databases and no longer accessible.

If the individual does not qualify for expunction, they may still seek relief through an Order of Nondisclosure under the Texas Government Code, Chapter 411, Subchapter E-1. This order prevents public disclosure of criminal records under specific conditions, typically after the successful completion of deferred adjudication.

Wichita County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant in Wichita County is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement officers to apprehend an individual. Warrants are typically issued when law enforcement provides sufficient evidence of probable cause that an individual has committed a crime. Texas law, specifically the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 15.01, governs the issuance and execution of arrest warrants in Wichita County.

Warrants in Wichita County may be issued when an individual fails to appear in court, violates probation or parole, or is suspected of a crime based on credible evidence. Each warrant is specific to the situation and includes critical information, such as the individual's name (or a sufficient description), the offense in question, the date of issuance, the jurisdiction (Wichita County), and the judge's or magistrate's signature.

Wichita County Arrest Warrant Search

To search for an active arrest warrant in Wichita County, individuals can contact the Wichita County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for serving arrest warrants in the county. The Sheriff's Office provides information on warrants either by phone or through its website. Individuals can also visit the local courthouse to inquire about active warrants.

Do Wichita County Arrest Warrants Expire?

In Wichita County, arrest warrants do not expire. Once a judge or magistrate issues a warrant, it remains active until it is executed by law enforcement or officially recalled by the issuing authority.

However, the statute of limitations for the underlying offense may affect the enforceability of the warrant. The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure limits the timeframe in which criminal charges must be filed after a crime is committed. If the statute of limitations expires, the warrant may become unenforceable, although this typically only applies in cases where charges have not yet been filed.

Errors in the issuance or execution of a warrant can also impact its validity. If procedural violations occur or there is insufficient evidence to support the issuance of a warrant, the court may deem the warrant invalid.