Tarrant County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Tarrant County
Yes, arrest records in Tarrant County are public information under the Texas Public Information Act. This means that anyone can access basic information about arrests made within the county. The Tarrant County Sheriff's Office maintains these records and makes them available through various platforms.
The public nature of these records serves several purposes:
- Ensuring transparency in the criminal justice system
- Allowing community members to stay informed about local law enforcement activities
- Providing necessary information for background checks and public safety
However, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or the privacy of victims in sensitive cases.
Tarrant County Sheriff's Office: 200 Taylor St., Fort Worth, TX 76196
What's in Tarrant County Arrest Records
Tarrant County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records include:
- Full name and aliases of the arrested person
- Date of birth and physical description
- Booking date and time
- Charges filed and their classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Case/incident number
- Arresting agency
- Bond amount (if applicable)
- Court information
- Current custody status
It's important to note that arrest records document only that an arrest occurred—they do not indicate guilt or conviction. Many arrests do not lead to formal charges or convictions.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Tarrant County in 2025
In 2025, Tarrant County offers several methods to access arrest records:
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Online Inmate Search Portal: The county maintains a searchable database of current inmates and recent arrests. Tarrant County Corrections Department: 100 N. Lamar St., Fort Worth, TX 76196
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Daily Booked-In Reports: The Sheriff's Office publishes daily reports of individuals booked into custody for the past 14 days.
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Criminal Docket Search: For cases that have entered the court system, the Criminal Docket Search provides information on court proceedings. Tarrant County District Clerk: 100 N. Calhoun St., Fort Worth, TX 76196
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In-Person Requests: Visit the Records Division of the Sheriff's Office to request specific arrest records. Records Division: 200 Taylor St., Suite 2060, Fort Worth, TX 76196
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Written Requests: Submit a formal public information request for specific arrest records.
How To Find Tarrant County Arrest Records Online
Finding Tarrant County arrest records online is straightforward through these official channels:
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Tarrant County Inmate Search: Visit the official inmate search portal to find information about currently incarcerated individuals and recent arrests.
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Daily Booked-In Reports: Access PDF reports of recent bookings through the Sheriff's Office website. These reports are updated daily and maintained for 14 days.
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Criminal Court Records: Search the Criminal Docket database by name or case number to find information about cases that have entered the court system. Tarrant County Criminal Courts: 401 W. Belknap St., Fort Worth, TX 76196
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Public Records Request: Submit an online request through the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office website for specific arrest records not readily available through other means.
These online resources are regularly updated and provide the most current information available to the public.
Can You Search Tarrant County Arrest Records for Free?
Yes, most Tarrant County arrest record searches are available free of charge. The county provides several no-cost options:
- The online Inmate Search portal is completely free to use
- Daily Booked-In Reports can be viewed and downloaded at no cost
- Basic Criminal Docket searches are free for public access
However, there may be fees associated with:
- Obtaining certified copies of records
- Extensive record searches requiring staff time
- Printed copies of documents (typically $0.10-$0.25 per page)
- Background checks for employment or licensing purposes
Tarrant County Public Records: 100 E. Weatherford St., Fort Worth, TX 76196
How To Delete Arrest Records in Tarrant County
Completely deleting arrest records in Tarrant County is not typically possible, but there are legal remedies to limit their accessibility:
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Expunction: If you were arrested but never convicted, or if your case was dismissed, you may qualify for expunction, which removes records from public view.
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Order of Nondisclosure: For certain completed deferred adjudication cases, you can petition for an order of nondisclosure, which seals records from public access.
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Record Sealing: Juvenile records may qualify for sealing under specific circumstances.
To pursue these options:
- Consult with an attorney specializing in record clearing
- File a petition with the appropriate Tarrant County court
- Attend any required hearings
- If granted, ensure all agencies comply with the order
Tarrant County District Attorney's Office: 401 W. Belknap St., Fort Worth, TX 76196
What Happens After Arrest in Tarrant County?
After an arrest in Tarrant County, individuals typically go through the following process:
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Booking: The arrested person is transported to a Tarrant County jail facility where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and their personal information is recorded. Tarrant County Jail: 100 N. Lamar St., Fort Worth, TX 76196
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Magistration: Within 48 hours, the arrested person appears before a magistrate who:
- Informs them of their charges
- Sets bail (if applicable)
- Advises them of their rights
- Determines if probable cause exists for the arrest
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Bail Determination: The magistrate sets bail based on factors including the severity of charges, criminal history, and flight risk.
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Formal Charges: The District Attorney's Office reviews the case and decides whether to file formal charges.
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Arraignment: If formal charges are filed, the defendant appears in court to enter a plea. Tarrant County Criminal Courts Building: 401 W. Belknap St., Fort Worth, TX 76196
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Case Disposition: The case proceeds through the court system toward resolution through trial, plea agreement, dismissal, or other means.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Tarrant County?
Arrest records in Tarrant County are typically maintained indefinitely unless legally expunged or sealed. The retention policies include:
- Digital Records: Modern arrest records are stored in electronic databases permanently.
- Physical Records: Paper records may be archived after a certain period but are generally preserved.
- Online Access: Recent arrests are most easily accessible, while older records may require more specific requests.
Even if a case results in dismissal or acquittal, the arrest record itself remains unless:
- A court orders expunction
- The record qualifies for automatic expunction under specific circumstances
- A nondisclosure order is granted
Tarrant County Records Management: 200 Taylor St., Suite 2070, Fort Worth, TX 76196
How to Find Mugshots in Tarrant County
Mugshots (booking photographs) in Tarrant County can be accessed through several channels:
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Daily Booked-In Reports: These PDF reports often include mugshots of recently arrested individuals.
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Inmate Search Portal: The county's online inmate search system may display mugshots of currently incarcerated individuals.
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Public Records Request: Submit a formal request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division for specific mugshots not available online. Sheriff's Office Records Division: 200 Taylor St., Suite 2060, Fort Worth, TX 76196
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Media Sources: Local news outlets and third-party websites sometimes publish mugshots, though these sources may not be comprehensive or current.
It's important to note that while mugshots are generally considered public records, their use is subject to ethical considerations, and some third-party websites may charge fees for removal.
Lookup Arrest Records in Tarrant County
For comprehensive access to Tarrant County arrest records, utilize these official resources:
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Criminal Docket Search - Search court records by person or court for cases in the Tarrant County criminal justice system.
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Daily Booked-in Reports - Access reports of individuals booked into custody within the last 14 days.
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Public Records Request Information - Learn how to formally request criminal history and arrest records from the Sheriff's Office.
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Inmate Search Portal - Find information about currently incarcerated individuals, including charges and custody status.
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Most Recent Daily Booking Report - View the latest PDF report of individuals recently booked into Tarrant County custody.