Bastrop County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Bastrop County
Arrest records in Bastrop County are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act, codified in Texas Government Code § 552. This statute establishes the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with certain exceptions. Law enforcement agencies in Bastrop County maintain arrest records as part of their official duties, and these records are generally accessible to members of the public upon proper request.
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 public, though arrest records that did not lead to conviction may be eligible for expunction or non-disclosure under certain circumstances.
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains the state's central repository for criminal history information, including arrests and dispositions reported by local law enforcement agencies throughout Texas, including those in Bastrop County. While most arrest records are public, certain exceptions exist for juvenile records, records that have been expunged or sealed by court order, and records subject to specific confidentiality provisions under state or federal law.
What's in Bastrop County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Bastrop County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records serve as official documentation of arrests and contain the following standard 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, or other distinguishing features)
- Home address at time of arrest
- Driver's license or state ID number
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal offense(s) charged
- Statute or ordinance citation
- Classification of offense (felony or misdemeanor)
- Degree/level of offense
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
- Fingerprints
- Mugshot photograph
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted or not)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Name of assigned judge
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained (if applicable)
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history
- Risk assessment scores
- Medical screening information
- Property inventory
- Emergency contact information
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency's policies and the circumstances of the arrest. These records are maintained in accordance with Texas Local Government Code § 203.042, which establishes records retention requirements for local government entities.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Bastrop County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Bastrop County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
- Contact the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office directly to request arrest records. Individuals may submit requests in person, by mail, or via email.
Bastrop County Sheriff's Office
200 Jackson Street
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 549-5100
Bastrop County Sheriff's Office
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Submit a Public Information Request pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act. Requests should be directed to the records custodian of the relevant law enforcement agency and should include:
- Requestor's contact information
- Specific information being requested
- Date range of records sought
- Subject individual's identifying information (full name, date of birth)
- Preferred format for receiving records
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Visit the Bastrop County District Clerk's Office to access court records related to arrests that have proceeded to prosecution.
Bastrop County District Clerk
804 Pecan Street
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 332-7244
Bastrop County District Clerk
- Request Criminal History Information from the Texas Department of Public Safety, which maintains a statewide database of arrest records reported by local law enforcement agencies.
Texas Department of Public Safety - Crime Records Service
PO Box 4143
Austin, TX 78765
(512) 424-2000
Texas DPS Crime Records
- Utilize the Bastrop County Jail Inmate Search for information about individuals currently in custody or recently released.
Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees for record searches and copies as permitted under Texas Government Code § 552.261. Fees typically include charges for staff time, copies, and any required redaction of confidential information.
How To Find Bastrop County Arrest Records Online
Bastrop County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. The following online methods are available to the public:
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Bastrop County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search - The Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that allows users to search for individuals currently in custody or recently released from the Bastrop County Jail. This resource provides basic information including name, booking date, charges, and bond amounts.
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Bastrop County District Clerk's Online Records Portal - Court records related to criminal cases can be accessed through the District Clerk's online portal. Users can search by name, case number, or filing date to locate information about criminal proceedings stemming from arrests.
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Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search - The Texas DPS Crime Records Division offers an online criminal history search service for authorized users. This service provides access to the statewide criminal history database, which includes arrest records from Bastrop County and other jurisdictions throughout Texas.
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Texas Department of Criminal Justice Offender Information Search - For individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state jail or prison, the TDCJ offender information search provides custody status, location, and other details.
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Judicial Branch Court Case Information - The Texas Judicial Branch maintains a statewide case search portal that includes criminal cases from Bastrop County.
When using online resources to access arrest records, users should note that:
- Some online systems may require registration or payment of fees
- Not all arrest records are available online, particularly older records
- Information available online may be limited compared to complete records available through in-person requests
- Online records may not reflect the most current status of a case
- Some sensitive information may be redacted from online records
For comprehensive arrest record information, individuals may need to supplement online searches with formal records requests through the methods described in the previous section.
How To Search Bastrop County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Bastrop County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods are currently available for free searches:
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Bastrop County Jail Current Inmate Roster - The Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible list of individuals currently in custody. This information is available at no cost through the Sheriff's Office website or by calling the jail directly.
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Public Access Terminals - The Bastrop County District Clerk's Office provides public access computer terminals at the courthouse where visitors can search court records related to criminal cases at no charge. These terminals are available during regular business hours:
Bastrop County District Clerk's Office
804 Pecan Street
Bastrop, TX 78602
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(512) 332-7244
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Texas Department of Criminal Justice Offender Information - The TDCJ maintains a free online database of individuals who are or have been in state custody. This resource provides information about conviction, sentence, and custody status.
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Public Information Act Requests - Under the Texas Public Information Act, the first 50 pages of standard-sized copies are provided at no charge for requests that require less than one hour of staff time for governmental bodies with fewer than 16 full-time employees.
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Bastrop County Court Records Online - Basic case information for criminal proceedings is available through the county's online court records portal at no cost, though detailed documents may require payment.
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Local Newspaper Archives - The Bastrop Advertiser and other local publications often report on significant arrests and may be accessed for free through the Bastrop Public Library.
Bastrop Public Library
1100 Church Street
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 332-8880
Bastrop Public Library
While these free resources provide access to basic arrest information, users should be aware that:
- Free resources may not provide complete or comprehensive records
- Some information may be limited or outdated
- More detailed records may require formal requests and associated fees
- Records that have been sealed or expunged will not appear in public searches
For individuals with limited financial resources who require official arrest records, fee waivers may be available upon demonstration of financial hardship, as provided under Texas Government Code § 552.267.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Bastrop County
Texas law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expunction (complete removal) and non-disclosure (sealing). These remedies are governed by specific statutory provisions and are available only under certain circumstances.
Expunction (Complete Removal)
Expunction is the legal process of completely erasing arrest records from public and law enforcement databases. In Bastrop County, individuals may petition for expunction under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 if they meet one of the following criteria:
- The person was arrested but never charged with a crime
- Charges were filed but later dismissed
- The person was acquitted (found "not guilty") at trial
- The person was convicted but later pardoned or otherwise proven innocent
- The person completed certain deferred adjudication programs for Class C misdemeanors
The expunction process involves:
- Filing a Petition for Expunction with the Bastrop County District Court
- Paying the required filing fee (approximately $300)
- Attending a court hearing (if required)
- Obtaining a signed Order of Expunction from the judge
- Distributing the order to all agencies holding records
Non-Disclosure (Sealing)
Non-disclosure orders seal arrest and court records from public view but maintain them for law enforcement purposes. This remedy is available under Texas Government Code Chapter 411 for individuals who:
- Successfully completed deferred adjudication for certain offenses
- Were convicted of certain misdemeanors and have completed all terms of the sentence
- Meet waiting period requirements (typically 2-5 years depending on the offense)
Non-disclosure is not available for certain offenses, including:
- Family violence offenses
- Sexual offenses
- Serious violent crimes
- Offenses requiring sex offender registration
The Texas State Law Library provides detailed guidance on expunction and non-disclosure procedures, including required forms and eligibility criteria.
Individuals seeking to delete or seal arrest records should consult with a qualified attorney, as the legal requirements are complex and mistakes in the process can result in denial of the petition. The Bastrop County Law Library offers resources for self-represented litigants:
Bastrop County Law Library
804 Pecan Street, 2nd Floor
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 332-7234
What Happens After Arrest in Bastrop County?
Following an arrest in Bastrop County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several key stages:
1. Booking and Initial Detention
After physical arrest, individuals are transported to the Bastrop County Jail for booking, which includes:
- Photographing (mugshot)
- Fingerprinting
- Personal information collection
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Initial criminal history check
2. Magistration (Initial Appearance)
Within 48 hours of arrest (typically 24 hours for misdemeanors), arrestees appear before a magistrate who:
- Informs them of charges
- Advises them of constitutional rights
- Sets bail or bond conditions
- Determines if probable cause exists for warrantless arrests
- Appoints counsel for indigent defendants
3. Bail Determination
The magistrate sets bail based on:
- Nature and circumstances of the offense
- Ability to pay
- Prior criminal history
- Community ties
- Public safety considerations
Defendants may be released on:
- Cash bond (full payment to court)
- Surety bond (payment to bondsman)
- Personal recognizance (promise to appear)
4. 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 must occur within:
- 30 days for defendants in custody on felony charges
- 90 days for defendants released on bond for felony charges
- 15-30 days for misdemeanor cases
5. Arraignment
At arraignment, defendants:
- Are formally informed of charges
- Enter an initial plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Have trial rights explained
- May have counsel appointed if indigent
6. Pre-Trial Proceedings
This phase includes:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Pre-trial motions
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
- Evidence suppression hearings
7. Trial or Plea Resolution
Cases resolve through:
- Plea agreements (approximately 90% of cases)
- Bench trials (judge decides)
- Jury trials (guaranteed under Texas Constitution Article 1, Section 10)
8. Sentencing
If convicted, sentencing may include:
- Incarceration (state prison, state jail, or county jail)
- Probation/community supervision
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution to victims
- Community service
- Treatment programs
9. Post-Conviction
Following conviction, defendants may:
- Appeal the conviction or sentence
- File post-conviction writs
- Seek parole (for eligible prison sentences)
- Apply for record sealing or expunction (if eligible)
Throughout this process, arrest records are created and maintained by various agencies, including the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office, the District and County Clerk's offices, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Bastrop County?
Arrest records in Bastrop County are subject to retention requirements established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under authority granted by Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These retention schedules establish minimum periods for maintaining various types of law enforcement records.
Standard Retention Periods for Arrest Records:
- Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Minimum of 5 years from date of arrest
- Offense Reports: 10 years for misdemeanors; 75 years for felonies
- Investigation Records: 10 years for misdemeanors; permanent for felonies
- Fingerprint Cards: 75 years from date of arrest
- Mugshot Photographs: 75 years from date of arrest
- Jail Records: 5 years after release or transfer of inmate
- Warrant Records: 5 years after execution or expiration
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains criminal history information in the statewide database permanently, unless records are expunged by court order. This centralized repository contains arrest data reported by Bastrop County law enforcement agencies.
Different agencies within Bastrop County may maintain arrest records for different periods:
- The Bastrop County Sheriff's Office retains arrest records according to the minimum state requirements, but may keep them longer for administrative purposes
- The Bastrop County District Clerk maintains court records related to criminal cases permanently
- The Bastrop County Attorney and District Attorney offices maintain case files for varying periods depending on case type and disposition
Records retention serves several important public purposes:
- Preserves evidence for ongoing and future investigations
- Supports background checks for employment and licensing
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis and prevention
- Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Maintains historical documentation of criminal justice activities
It is important to note that even after physical records reach the end of their retention period, information about arrests may persist in various databases and may be available through background check services unless formally expunged through court order.
How to Find Mugshots in Bastrop County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots 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 Bastrop County, mugshots are created as part of the standard booking procedure at the Bastrop County Jail.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots taken in Bastrop County are primarily maintained by:
- The Bastrop County Sheriff's Office as part of booking records
- The Texas Department of Public Safety in the statewide criminal history database
- The Texas Department of Criminal Justice for individuals sentenced to state custody
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshots from Bastrop County arrests have several options:
- Submit a Public Information Request to the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office:
Bastrop County Sheriff's Office - Records Division
200 Jackson Street
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 549-5100
Bastrop County Sheriff's Office
Requests should include:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Requestor's contact information
- Purpose of request (optional)
- Request Criminal History Information from the Texas Department of Public Safety, which may include mugshots for arrests reported to the state database.
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
While some counties in Texas publish current inmate rosters with mugshots online, Bastrop County currently limits online access to basic inmate information without photographs. Mugshots from Bastrop County may appear on:
- Third-party websites that aggregate booking photos
- News media websites reporting on significant arrests
- Commercial background check services
It should be noted that online mugshot publications may be outdated or inaccurate, and many commercial mugshot websites charge fees for removal.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method to obtain an official mugshot is through a formal public information request to the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office. Requestors should be prepared to:
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
- Provide proper identification
- Submit requests in writing
- Allow time for processing (typically 10 business days)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrest records are generally confidential
- Expunged or sealed records are not available to the public
- Records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Privacy protections may apply in certain sensitive cases
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice inmate information search provides photographs of individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities, which may include persons arrested in Bastrop County who received state prison sentences.
Lookup Arrest Records in Bastrop County
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Inmate Information
Expunction and Non-disclosure Resources