Harris County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Harris County
Arrest records in Harris County, Texas are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act, specifically pursuant to § 552.021, which establishes the fundamental right of access to government records. The statute provides that "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies, including the Harris County Sheriff's Office and the Houston Police Department, generally fall within this definition of public information.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of the offense in a court of law. Under Texas law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.
The Texas Department of Public Safety administers the statewide criminal history record information system and provides guidance on access to criminal justice records. According to § 411.083 of the Texas Government Code, criminal history record information maintained by the department is confidential except as provided by specific statutory provisions.
What's in Harris County Arrest Records
Harris County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following elements:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Home address (may be redacted in public versions)
- Fingerprints
- State identification number (SID)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal offense(s) charged
- Statute or ordinance citation
- Offense classification (felony or misdemeanor)
- Offense degree (e.g., first-degree felony, Class B misdemeanor)
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Booking facility
- Booking officer
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court assignment
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Immigration holds
- Protective orders
- Mental health flags
- Medical alerts
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations, as provided by exceptions under the Texas Public Information Act.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Harris County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Harris County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for retrieving arrest record information:
-
Submit a public information request to the Harris County Sheriff's Office:
- Complete the Public Information Request Form
- Submit the form in person, by mail, or electronically
- Specify the information sought with as much detail as possible
- Provide contact information for response
-
Visit the Harris County District Clerk's Office in person:
- Request criminal case records related to arrests
- Provide identifying information about the subject (name, date of birth)
- Pay applicable fees for copies of records
Harris County District Clerk's Office
201 Caroline, Suite 420
Houston, TX 77002
713-274-1700
Harris County District Clerk
- Contact the Harris County Sheriff's Office Records Division:
- Request specific arrest record information
- Provide case number or identifying information
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copies
Harris County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1200 Baker Street
Houston, TX 77002
713-274-5400
Harris County Sheriff's Office
- Submit a request to the Houston Police Department for arrests within city limits:
- Complete the department's public information request form
- Submit the form to the Open Records Unit
- Provide specific information about the arrest of interest
Houston Police Department Open Records Unit
1200 Travis Street
Houston, TX 77002
713-308-3200
Houston Police Department
Pursuant to § 552.221 of the Texas Government Code, governmental bodies must "promptly produce public information for inspection, duplication, or both" upon request. The statute defines "promptly" as "as soon as possible under the circumstances, that is, within a reasonable time, without delay."
How To Find Harris County Arrest Records Online
Harris County provides several online resources for accessing arrest record information electronically. The following digital platforms are available for conducting arrest record searches:
-
Harris County Justice Information Management System (JIMS):
- Access the Harris County JIMS Search
- Select "Criminal" from the search options
- Enter the defendant's name or case number
- Review case information, including charges and court dates
- Note that complete arrest reports may not be available through this system
-
Harris County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:
- Visit the Harris County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
- Enter the individual's name or SPN (System Person Number)
- View current custody status and basic arrest information
- Access booking photos and charge information for current inmates
-
Harris County District Attorney's Office Case Status Search:
- Access the Harris County District Attorney's Case Status Search
- Enter the defendant's name or case number
- View information about pending criminal cases
- Check case status, court assignments, and upcoming court dates
-
Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Record Information:
- Visit the Texas DPS Crime Records Service
- Request a criminal history record check (fees apply)
- Receive comprehensive arrest and disposition information
- Note that this service provides statewide records, not just Harris County
When using online systems, users should be aware that certain information may be restricted or redacted in accordance with privacy laws and judicial orders. Additionally, the most current and complete arrest record information may require a formal public information request rather than online access.
How To Search Harris County Arrest Records for Free?
Harris County residents and members of the public may access certain arrest record information without payment through several free resources:
-
Harris County Justice Information Management System (JIMS) Public Access:
- The Harris County District Clerk's Public Access portal provides free basic case information
- Search by defendant name or case number
- View charge information, court dates, and case status
- No fee is required for basic search functions
-
Harris County Sheriff's Office Current Inmate Search:
- The Current Inmate Information search tool is available at no cost
- Search by name or SPN (System Person Number)
- View current booking information and charges
- Access mugshots of currently incarcerated individuals
-
Public Access Terminals at Government Offices:
- Visit the Harris County District Clerk's Office in person
- Use public access terminals to search criminal case records
- No fee for on-site searches (printing fees may apply)
Harris County District Clerk's Office
201 Caroline, Suite 420
Houston, TX 77002
713-274-1700
Harris County District Clerk
- Harris County Law Library:
- Access public computers with internet connections
- Use online resources to search public records
- Receive assistance from library staff for research
Harris County Law Library
1019 Congress Street
Houston, TX 77002
713-755-5183
Harris County Law Library
- Public Information Requests:
- Submit a Public Information Request to the appropriate agency
- Specify that you are requesting only information that can be provided without charge
- Note that while the initial request is free, copying fees may apply if you request physical copies
Under § 552.261 of the Texas Government Code, "the charge for providing a copy of public information shall be an amount that reasonably includes all costs related to reproducing the public information." However, agencies may waive or reduce charges when doing so is in the public interest.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Harris County
In Texas, including Harris County, arrest records cannot be "deleted" in the literal sense, but they may be eligible for expunction (complete legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) under specific circumstances. These two remedies have distinct legal implications:
Expunction (Expungement): Expunction completely removes arrest records from public and law enforcement databases. Pursuant to § 55.01 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, individuals may qualify for expunction if:
- They were arrested but never charged
- Charges were dismissed
- They were acquitted at trial
- They were convicted but subsequently pardoned
- They completed certain pretrial diversion programs
Record Sealing (Non-Disclosure): Record sealing restricts public access to criminal records but maintains them for law enforcement purposes. Under § 411.081 of the Texas Government Code, individuals may qualify for an order of non-disclosure if:
- They successfully completed deferred adjudication
- They meet waiting period requirements (varies by offense)
- The offense is eligible for non-disclosure
- They have no disqualifying criminal history
To pursue expunction or sealing of arrest records in Harris County:
-
Determine eligibility:
- Review the statutory requirements under Texas law
- Consult with an attorney to assess qualification
- Obtain certified copies of case disposition documents
-
File the appropriate petition:
- For expunction: File a Petition for Expunction with the Harris County District Court
- For non-disclosure: File a Petition for Non-Disclosure with the court that handled the original case
- Include all required documentation and information
-
Pay filing fees:
- Court filing fees (approximately $200-$300)
- Service fees for notifying agencies
- Attorney fees if representation is obtained
-
Attend court hearing (if required):
- Present evidence of eligibility
- Address any objections from the District Attorney's Office
- Receive the judge's ruling
-
If granted, ensure compliance:
- For expunction: Verify that all agencies have destroyed records
- For non-disclosure: Confirm that records have been properly sealed
Harris County District Clerk's Office
201 Caroline, Suite 420
Houston, TX 77002
713-274-1700
Harris County District Clerk
The Office of Court Administration provides resources regarding record sealing in Texas, including forms and eligibility information.
What Happens After Arrest in Harris County?
Following an arrest in Harris County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several key stages:
-
Booking and Processing:
- Arrestee is transported to a Harris County jail facility
- Personal information is recorded
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and stored
- Medical screening is conducted
-
Magistration (Initial Appearance):
- Occurs within 24-48 hours of arrest
- Judge informs arrestee of charges
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail amount is set or denied
- Indigent defense counsel may be appointed
-
Bail Determination:
- Judge sets bail based on offense severity, criminal history, and flight risk
- Options include cash bail, surety bond, or personal recognizance
- Harris County's bail reform measures affect certain misdemeanor cases
- Pretrial services may supervise released defendants
-
Formal Charging:
- For misdemeanors: Information filed by District Attorney
- For felonies: Case presented to grand jury for indictment
- Charging decision must occur within statutory time limits
-
Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges in court
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Court dates are scheduled
- Discovery process begins
-
Pretrial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions (e.g., motion to suppress evidence)
- Plea negotiations
- Case status conferences
-
Trial or Plea Resolution:
- Most cases resolve through plea agreements
- If no plea agreement, case proceeds to trial
- Trials may be jury trials or bench trials (judge only)
- Burden of proof is "beyond a reasonable doubt"
-
Sentencing (if convicted):
- Judge imposes sentence based on statutory guidelines
- Potential sentences include incarceration, probation, fines
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Restitution may be ordered
-
Post-Conviction:
- Right to appeal within 30 days
- Possible post-conviction remedies
- Probation supervision if applicable
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison if sentenced
The Harris County Criminal Courts and Harris County District Courts oversee different aspects of this process depending on the level of offense.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Harris County?
Arrest records in Harris County are maintained according to retention schedules established under Texas state law. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides guidance on records retention for local government agencies, including law enforcement departments.
Pursuant to § 441.158 of the Texas Government Code, the commission has established the Local Government Records Act, which governs the retention of records by county agencies. Under this framework:
-
Law Enforcement Records:
- Arrest records: Minimum retention period of 75 years from date of arrest
- Offense reports: Minimum retention period of 10 years for most offenses
- Felony case records: Permanent retention for capital offenses; 75 years for other felonies
- Misdemeanor case records: Retention periods vary from 2 to 10 years depending on offense type
-
Court Records:
- Criminal case files: Permanent retention for cases involving capital offenses
- Felony case files: 50 years from final disposition
- Misdemeanor case files: 5 years from final disposition
- Juvenile case records: Until the individual reaches age 23 or 10 years after final disposition, whichever is later
-
Jail Records:
- Booking records: 5 years
- Custody records: 5 years after release
- Visitor logs: 3 years
-
Digital Records:
- Electronic arrest records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records
- Backup systems must maintain data integrity for the full retention period
- Migration to new systems must preserve all required information
Different agencies within Harris County may have specific retention schedules that comply with or exceed these minimum requirements. The Harris County Sheriff's Office, Houston Police Department, and smaller municipal police departments within the county each maintain their own records according to these guidelines.
The retention of arrest records serves several important purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Maintains accountability and transparency in law enforcement
- Provides historical documentation of criminal justice activities
- Supports statistical analysis and policy development
- Enables background checks for employment and licensing purposes
How to Find Mugshots in Harris County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrested individual and are used for identification purposes within the criminal justice system. In Harris County, mugshots are created as part of the standard booking procedure at county jail facilities.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots in Harris County are primarily maintained by the following agencies:
Harris County Sheriff's Office
1200 Baker Street
Houston, TX 77002
713-274-5400
Harris County Sheriff's Office
Houston Police Department
1200 Travis Street
Houston, TX 77002
713-308-3200
Houston Police Department
These photographs are stored in law enforcement databases and may be included in arrest records maintained by the arresting agency. They may also be shared with other law enforcement agencies through information-sharing networks.
Finding Mugshots
To locate mugshots in Harris County, individuals may:
-
Submit a public information request to the arresting agency:
- Specify the request is for booking photographs
- Provide the name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
- Submit the request in writing using the agency's public information request form
-
Check the Harris County Sheriff's Office inmate search:
- For currently incarcerated individuals only
- Visit the Harris County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
- Enter the individual's name or SPN (System Person Number)
- View current booking photos if available
-
Request records from the Harris County District Clerk:
- Mugshots may be included in case files for some criminal proceedings
- Visit the District Clerk's office in person or submit a request online
- Provide case number or identifying information
Can They Be Found Online
Some mugshots from Harris County may be available online through:
- The Harris County Sheriff's Office inmate search (for current inmates only)
- Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from public records
- Media outlets that publish mugshots related to newsworthy arrests
It is important to note that Texas has enacted legislation (§ 109.005 of the Business and Commerce Code) regulating websites that publish mugshots and charge fees for removal. This law prohibits publishing criminal record information with the primary purpose of charging individuals to remove the information.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method to obtain official mugshots is through formal channels:
- Submit a public information request directly to the arresting agency
- Provide specific information about the arrest to facilitate record location
- Pay any applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
- Allow time for the agency to process the request (typically 10 business days)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrest records (individuals under 17) are generally confidential
- Expunged or sealed records are not available to the public
- Active investigations may result in temporary withholding of booking photos
- Privacy concerns may lead to redaction of certain information
Requests for mugshots must comply with the Texas Public Information Act, and agencies may withhold information that falls under statutory exceptions to disclosure.