Wichita County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Wichita County
Arrest records in Wichita County are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act, codified in Texas Government Code § 552. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest records, are available to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant in Wichita County. Arrest records document the apprehension and booking of individuals suspected of criminal activity, while conviction records indicate that a court has found an individual guilty of a criminal offense. Under Texas law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.01, individuals who were arrested but never charged, had charges dismissed, or were acquitted may be eligible to have their arrest records expunged under specific circumstances. Additionally, certain juvenile records and records related to deferred adjudication may have restricted access.
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains the state's criminal history record information and establishes policies governing access to these records in accordance with state and federal regulations.
What's in Wichita County Arrest Records
Wichita 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 categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Residential address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge severity (class A, B, C, etc.)
- Texas Penal Code citation
- Description of alleged offense
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing officer
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted or not)
- Bonding company (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court assignment
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility location
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Custody level classification
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Immigration holds
- Protective orders
- Gang affiliation (if documented)
- Vehicle information related to arrest
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. All information is maintained in accordance with the Texas Local Government Records Act § 201.003, which establishes requirements for the creation, maintenance, and retention of local government records.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Wichita County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Wichita County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains current systems for record retrieval that accommodate both in-person and remote requests.
In-Person Requests:
Individuals may visit the Wichita County Sheriff's Office to request arrest records:
Wichita County Sheriff's Office
900 7th Street, Room 100
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 766-8170
Wichita County Sheriff's Office
The public counter is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays. Requesters should:
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Complete the required records request form
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Pay applicable fees (currently $10 per record search, with additional fees for copies)
Alternatively, records may be requested from the Wichita County District Clerk's Office for cases that have been filed with the court:
Wichita County District Clerk
900 7th Street, Room 303
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 766-8100
Wichita County District Clerk
Written Requests:
Written requests may be submitted by mail to either office listed above. Requests must include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information about the record being sought
- Copy of requestor's identification
- Check or money order for applicable fees
Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act § 552.221, agencies must promptly produce public information in response to proper requests. The law defines "promptly" as "as soon as possible under the circumstances, that is, within a reasonable time, without delay."
How To Find Wichita County Arrest Records Online
Wichita County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests.
The primary online resource for Wichita County arrest records is the county's inmate search portal:
Wichita County Inmate Search:
- Navigate to the Wichita County Sheriff's Office website
- Locate and select the "Inmate Search" or "Current Inmates" link
- Enter search criteria (name, booking number, or date of birth)
- Review the results, which typically include booking information, charges, and custody status
For court case information related to arrests:
Wichita County Court Records:
- Visit the Wichita County District Clerk's website
- Select "Case Records Search" or similar option
- Create a user account if required
- Enter search parameters (name, case number, date range)
- Review case information, which may include arrest details, charges, and case disposition
Additionally, the Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a statewide criminal history database that includes Wichita County arrests:
Texas DPS Criminal History Search:
- Access the Texas DPS Crime Records Service
- Select "Criminal History Search"
- Create an account and pay the required fee
- Submit the search request with the subject's name and date of birth
- Receive results that include arrest records from participating agencies
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete arrest information, particularly for recent arrests or sealed records. The most comprehensive information is typically available through direct requests to the Sheriff's Office or District Clerk.
How To Search Wichita County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Wichita County arrest records without incurring fees. These free resources provide basic information, though they may not offer the comprehensive detail available through paid services.
Wichita County Jail Roster: The Wichita County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible jail roster that is updated regularly:
- Visit the Wichita County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Current Inmates" or "Jail Roster" section
- Browse the alphabetical listing or use the search function
- View basic information about currently incarcerated individuals
Public Access Terminals: Free public access terminals are available at the following locations:
Wichita County Law Library
900 7th Street, Room 300
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 766-8120
Wichita County Law Library
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Wichita Falls Public Library
600 11th Street
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 767-0868
Wichita Falls Public Library
These terminals provide access to public court records that may contain arrest information. Library staff cannot provide legal advice but can assist with basic navigation of the systems.
Local News Sources: Local media outlets often report on significant arrests and maintain searchable online archives:
- Times Record News - Wichita Falls' primary newspaper
- KFDX News - Local television news website
While these free resources provide valuable information, they typically do not include comprehensive arrest details. For complete records, individuals may need to submit formal requests to the appropriate agencies, which may involve fees as prescribed by the Texas Administrative Code § 70.12 regarding charges for public information.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Wichita County
Texas law provides specific mechanisms for the removal (expungement) or restriction (sealing) of arrest records under certain circumstances. These processes are governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
Expungement (Legal Erasure):
Expungement completely removes arrest records from public and official databases. In Wichita County, individuals may qualify for expungement if:
- They were arrested but never charged with a crime
- Charges were dismissed
- They were acquitted at trial
- They were convicted but subsequently pardoned
- They completed certain pretrial diversion programs
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a Petition for Expunction with the Wichita County District Court
- Paying the filing fee (approximately $300)
- Attending a court hearing (if scheduled by the judge)
- Obtaining a signed Order of Expunction
- Distributing the order to all agencies holding records
Record Sealing (Order of Nondisclosure):
Record sealing restricts public access to records but maintains them for law enforcement purposes. This option is available to individuals who:
- Successfully completed deferred adjudication for certain offenses
- Meet waiting period requirements (typically 2-5 years depending on the offense)
- Have no disqualifying criminal history
The sealing process involves:
- Filing a Petition for Nondisclosure with the court that handled the original case
- Paying the filing fee (approximately $280)
- Demonstrating eligibility under Texas Government Code § 411.081
- Obtaining a signed Order of Nondisclosure
- Distributing the order to relevant agencies
Legal representation is strongly recommended for both processes. The Wichita County District Attorney's Office does not provide legal advice to individuals seeking expungement or record sealing.
Wichita County District Attorney's Office
900 7th Street, Suite 352
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 766-8113
Wichita County District Attorney
What Happens After Arrest in Wichita County?
Following an arrest in Wichita County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases:
Booking and Initial Detention: Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Wichita County Jail for booking, which includes:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Collection of personal information
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Initial criminal history check
Magistration: Within 48 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a magistrate judge who:
- Informs the arrestee of charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Sets bail or bond amount
- Determines if probable cause exists for continued detention
- Appoints counsel for indigent defendants
Bail/Bond Determination: The magistrate sets bail based on:
- Nature and circumstances of the offense
- Defendant's ability to pay
- Public safety considerations
- Flight risk assessment
Defendants may secure release by:
- Posting cash bail (full amount paid to court)
- Securing a surety bond (percentage paid to bondsman)
- Receiving a personal recognizance bond (no payment required)
Formal Charging: For misdemeanors, the County Attorney files an "Information." For felonies, the District Attorney presents evidence to a grand jury, which may issue an indictment. This process must occur within:
- 30 days for defendants in custody on misdemeanors
- 90 days for defendants in custody on felonies
- 180 days for defendants released on bond
Arraignment: At arraignment, the defendant:
- Is formally informed of charges
- Enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- May raise preliminary matters
Pretrial Proceedings: This phase includes:
- Discovery exchange
- Pretrial motions
- Plea negotiations
- Pretrial hearings
Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial:
- Misdemeanors are tried in County Court
- Felonies are tried in District Court
- Defendants may choose jury trial or bench trial
Sentencing: Upon conviction:
- The court imposes sentence based on statutory guidelines
- Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, or combinations
- Victim impact statements may be presented
Appeals: Defendants have the right to appeal convictions to:
- Court of Appeals (initial appeal)
- Court of Criminal Appeals (highest criminal court in Texas)
Throughout this process, records are created and maintained by various agencies in accordance with the Texas Local Government Records Act.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Wichita County?
Arrest records in Wichita County are subject to retention requirements established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under authority granted by the Texas Local Government Records Act § 201.001. These retention periods ensure proper documentation of law enforcement activities while maintaining accountability.
The standard retention periods for arrest records in Wichita County are:
- Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Minimum of 5 years from the date of arrest
- Arrest Warrants: 5 years after execution or expiration
- Incident Reports Related to Arrests: 5 years from report date
- Fingerprint Cards: 75 years from date of collection
- Mugshot Photographs: 75 years from date of collection
- Jail Records/Custody Documentation: 5 years after release from custody
- Felony Case Records: 75 years from final disposition
- Misdemeanor Case Records: 20 years from final disposition
- Capital Offense Records: Permanent retention
Different agencies within Wichita County maintain separate record systems with specific retention requirements:
- The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and booking records
- The District and County Clerks maintain court case records
- The District and County Attorneys maintain prosecution records
- The Adult Probation Department maintains supervision records
These retention periods apply unless records are subject to:
- A pending open records request
- Ongoing litigation (litigation hold)
- Court order specifying different retention
- Expungement or sealing order
The extended retention of criminal history information serves multiple purposes, including:
- Supporting subsequent investigations
- Providing complete criminal history for sentencing decisions
- Maintaining evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
- Enabling background checks for employment, licensing, and security clearances
- Facilitating statistical analysis of crime patterns
Records management practices in Wichita County comply with the Texas Administrative Code Title 13, Chapter 7, which establishes standards for electronic records storage and preservation.
How to Find Mugshots in Wichita County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records of arrested individuals and typically show the subject's face and upper shoulders from both frontal and profile (side) perspectives. In Wichita County, mugshots are created pursuant to standard law enforcement procedures and become part of the official arrest record.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Wichita County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
Wichita County Sheriff's Office
900 7th Street, Room 100
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
(940) 766-8170
Wichita County Sheriff's Office
As the operator of the county jail, the Sheriff's Office creates and maintains these records as part of the booking process. Additionally, municipal police departments may temporarily maintain copies of mugshots for individuals they arrest before transferring custody to the county.
Finding Mugshots
To obtain official copies of mugshots in Wichita County, individuals may:
-
Submit a Public Information Request to the Wichita County Sheriff's Office:
- Complete the request form available at the Sheriff's Office or on their website
- Provide specific identifying information about the subject (full name, date of birth, approximate arrest date)
- Submit the request in person, by mail, or via email
- Pay applicable fees (typically $1-5 per photograph)
-
Request records from the arresting agency if different from the Sheriff's Office:
- Wichita Falls Police Department
- Burkburnett Police Department
- Iowa Park Police Department
- Electra Police Department
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
The Wichita County Sheriff's Office does not currently maintain a public-facing database of mugshots. However, limited booking information may be available through the county's inmate search function on the Sheriff's Office website.
Third-party websites and publications may publish mugshots obtained through public records requests. These include:
- Local news media websites
- Commercial mugshot websites
- Social media accounts focused on local arrests
The accuracy and currency of information on these third-party sites cannot be verified by county officials.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method for obtaining accurate mugshot records is through direct request to the Wichita County Sheriff's Office. Requests must comply with the Texas Public Information Act and may require:
- Proper identification of the requestor
- Payment of statutory fees
- Reasonable specificity regarding the records sought
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- If the record has been expunged pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.01
- If the record has been sealed by court order
- If the subject is a juvenile (under 17 years of age)
- If release would interfere with an active investigation
- If the photograph is part of a case that resulted in acquittal or dismissal
Individuals concerned about their mugshots appearing online may have limited recourse under current Texas law, which generally treats these images as public records unless specifically exempted.