Bexar County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Bexar County
Arrest records in Bexar 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 Texas Public Information Act operates under the principle that citizens are entitled to complete information about governmental affairs and official acts of public officials and employees.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. Arrest records document the apprehension and booking of an individual suspected of committing a crime, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of the charged offense. Under Texas law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.
The Bexar County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes certain information available through various means, including online portals and in-person requests. However, pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.01, individuals may be eligible to have arrest records expunged or sealed under specific circumstances, which would remove them from public access.
Law enforcement agencies in Texas, including those in Bexar County, follow the Texas Department of Public Safety's records policies when determining what information to release and what may be withheld from public disclosure.
What's in Bexar County Arrest Records
Bexar 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
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Home address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
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 charges filed
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge severity (Class A, B, C misdemeanor; first, second, third-degree felony, etc.)
- Statute citation for alleged violation
- Case number assigned
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date warrant was issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Fingerprint identification number
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court assignment
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned to case
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Facility where detained
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Immigration holds
- Medical alerts
- Special housing requirements
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 permitted by Texas Government Code § 552.108.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Bexar County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Bexar County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple systems for record retrieval, each serving different needs and purposes.
To obtain arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Bexar County Sheriff's Office Records Division
200 N. Comal Street
San Antonio, TX 78207
(210) 335-6010
Bexar County Sheriff's Office
Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
The process for requesting arrest records in person typically involves:
- Completing a public information request form, available at the Records Division counter
- Providing the full name and date of birth of the subject of the record search
- Presenting valid government-issued photo identification
- Paying applicable fees (currently $10.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page)
- Waiting for records staff to process the request (simple requests may be fulfilled while you wait; more complex requests may take longer)
For written requests, individuals may submit a Public Information Act request by mail to:
Bexar County Sheriff's Office
Attn: Open Records
200 N. Comal Street
San Antonio, TX 78207
Written requests should include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific information being requested
- Subject's full name and date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Date range for the search
- Preferred method of receiving records (mail, email, in-person pickup)
Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, the Sheriff's Office must respond to requests within 10 business days, either by providing the requested information or explaining why additional time is needed.
How To Find Bexar County Arrest Records Online
Bexar County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests and are available 24 hours a day.
The primary online resources for arrest record searches include:
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Bexar County Adult Detention Center Inmate Search This database provides information on currently incarcerated individuals and is updated regularly. Users can search by name, booking number, or date of birth. The system displays custody status, charges, bond amounts, and scheduled court dates. Access this resource through the Bexar County Sheriff's Office website.
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Bexar County Jail Activity Reports The Sheriff's Office publishes daily jail activity reports showing recent bookings and releases. These reports include names, charges, and basic demographic information for individuals processed through the detention facility within the past seven days.
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Bexar County Criminal Case Search The Bexar County District Clerk's Office maintains an online case search system that allows users to look up criminal cases filed in county courts. While not specifically an arrest records database, this system provides information on charges filed and case progression following an arrest.
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Bexar County Justice Information System (CJIS) Law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and authorized personnel can access more detailed criminal justice information through this secure portal. Public access is limited to basic case information.
When conducting online searches, users should note:
- Information may be limited compared to official records obtained directly from the Sheriff's Office
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
- Some personal identifying information is redacted from public online records
- Technical issues may occasionally affect system availability
For the most comprehensive and current arrest record information, the Bexar County Sheriff's Records Division remains the authoritative source.
How To Search Bexar County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Bexar County arrest records without incurring fees. These free resources provide basic information about arrests and criminal cases, though they may offer less detail than official records obtained through formal requests.
The following free resources are currently available:
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Bexar County Sheriff's Office Jail Activity Reports The Sheriff's Office publishes daily reports showing recent bookings and releases from the county detention facility. These reports are freely accessible on the county website and include names, charges, and basic demographic information for individuals processed within the past seven days.
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Bexar County Adult Detention Center Current Inmate Search This free online database allows searches for individuals currently in custody at Bexar County detention facilities. The search function is available through the Sheriff's Office website and provides information on charges, bond amounts, and next court dates.
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Public Access Terminals at the Bexar County Courthouse
Bexar County Courthouse
100 Dolorosa
San Antonio, TX 78205Computer terminals in public areas of the courthouse provide free access to basic case information, including arrests that have resulted in criminal charges. These terminals are available during normal courthouse hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
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Bexar County Law Library
Bexar County Law Library
101 W. Nueva, 4th Floor
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 335-3971The law library offers free public access to legal research tools that may include criminal case information. Library staff can provide guidance on using these resources but cannot conduct searches on behalf of patrons.
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Public Records Request Under the Texas Public Information Act, individuals may request to inspect records in person without charge. While copies of records typically incur fees, viewing records at the Sheriff's Office Records Division is free. Appointments may be required for extensive record reviews.
When using free resources, requestors should be aware of certain limitations:
- Information may be less comprehensive than official records
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in public databases
- Some personal identifying information is redacted from public records
- Free resources typically do not include copies of arrest reports or booking photographs
For more detailed information or certified copies of records, fees will apply according to the Bexar County fee schedule.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Bexar County
Under Texas law, individuals may be eligible to have arrest records removed from public access through two primary legal mechanisms: expunction (complete erasure) or order of nondisclosure (sealing). These processes differ significantly in their requirements and effects.
Expunction (Erasure)
Expunction, governed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.01, provides for the complete removal and destruction of arrest records. When an expunction is granted, all records and files relating to the arrest are deleted from government databases and physical storage. Agencies must destroy all documentation of the arrest, and the individual may legally deny that the arrest ever occurred.
Eligibility for expunction generally requires one of the following:
- The person was arrested but never charged
- Charges were dismissed
- The person was acquitted at trial
- The person was convicted but subsequently pardoned
- The person completed certain pretrial diversion programs
- The statute of limitations has expired (for cases where charges were never filed)
Order of Nondisclosure (Sealing)
An order of nondisclosure, authorized under Texas Government Code § 411.081, seals arrest and court records from public view but maintains them for access by law enforcement and certain government agencies. This process is typically available to individuals who have successfully completed deferred adjudication community supervision for certain offenses.
The process for removing arrest records in Bexar County involves:
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Determining eligibility (consulting with an attorney is strongly recommended)
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Filing a petition with the appropriate court:
Bexar County District Clerk's Office
101 W. Nueva, Suite 217
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 335-2113 -
Paying required filing fees (currently $255 for expunction petitions)
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Attending a court hearing (if scheduled by the judge)
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If granted, ensuring the order is distributed to all agencies holding records
Certain offenses are ineligible for expunction or nondisclosure, including most violent crimes, sexual offenses, and offenses requiring registration as a sex offender. Additionally, there are waiting periods that must be observed before filing for relief, depending on the nature and disposition of the case.
Individuals seeking to delete arrest records should be aware that private data aggregators and commercial background check companies may have already collected and stored this information. Additional steps may be necessary to request removal from these non-governmental databases.
What Happens After Arrest in Bexar County?
Following an arrest in Bexar County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process with several distinct phases. Understanding this sequence helps contextualize how arrest records are created and utilized throughout the system.
Booking and Initial Detention
After physical arrest, individuals are transported to the Bexar County Adult Detention Center for booking. This process includes:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Collection of personal information
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Criminal history check
- Assignment to appropriate housing unit
Magistration
Within 48 hours of arrest, individuals appear before a magistrate judge who:
- Informs the arrestee of charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Sets initial bail amount
- Determines if probable cause exists to continue detention
- Appoints counsel for indigent defendants
Bail Determination
Bail may be set during magistration or at a subsequent hearing. Options include:
- Cash bail (full amount paid to court)
- Surety bond (percentage paid to bondsman)
- Personal recognizance (release without payment based on promise to appear)
- Pretrial release with conditions (supervision, electronic monitoring, etc.)
Formal Charging
For misdemeanors, the Bexar County District Attorney's Office files an "information" with the court. For felonies, prosecutors present evidence to a grand jury, which determines whether to issue an indictment. The District Attorney may also decline to prosecute, resulting in case dismissal.
Arraignment
At arraignment, the formal charges are read in open court, and the defendant enters a plea:
- Not guilty
- Guilty
- No contest (nolo contendere)
Pretrial Proceedings
This phase may include:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Pretrial motions (to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, etc.)
- Plea negotiations
- Pretrial hearings
Trial or Plea Resolution
Cases resolve through:
- Plea agreement (defendant pleads guilty, often to reduced charges or for sentencing recommendations)
- Bench trial (judge determines guilt and sentencing)
- Jury trial (peers determine guilt, judge typically determines sentence)
Sentencing
If convicted, sentencing options include:
- Incarceration (county jail or state prison)
- Probation/community supervision
- Deferred adjudication
- Fines and court costs
- Community service
- Treatment programs
Post-Conviction
Following conviction, individuals may pursue:
- Direct appeal
- Post-conviction writs
- Parole (for prison sentences)
- Early termination of probation
- Record sealing or expunction (if eligible)
Throughout this process, the Bexar County District Clerk maintains the official court record, while the Sheriff's Office maintains custody and arrest records. These records become part of the individual's criminal history, accessible through the methods previously described.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Bexar County?
Arrest records in Bexar County are maintained according to retention schedules established under Texas Local Government Code § 203.041, which authorizes the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to establish records retention schedules for local governments. These schedules specify minimum retention periods for various types of records, including those related to arrests and criminal investigations.
Under current retention requirements, arrest records are typically maintained as follows:
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Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Maintained permanently by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office unless expunged by court order.
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Investigation Records: For cases resulting in arrests, records must be kept for at least 75 years from the date of arrest or until the statute of limitations expires, whichever is longer.
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Misdemeanor Case Records: Maintained for a minimum of 5 years after case disposition or until the statute of limitations expires, whichever is longer.
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Felony Case Records: Maintained for a minimum of 75 years after case disposition.
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Juvenile Arrest Records: Subject to special confidentiality provisions and retention schedules under the Texas Family Code, typically maintained until the individual reaches age 21 unless sealed by court order.
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Fingerprint Cards and Identification Records: Maintained permanently in the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) unless expunged by court order.
Different agencies within Bexar County may maintain separate records systems with varying retention periods. For example:
- The Bexar County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and booking records
- The District Attorney's Office maintains prosecution files
- The District Clerk maintains court records
- The Adult Probation Department maintains supervision records
These retention periods ensure that records remain available for legitimate law enforcement purposes, including investigation of subsequent offenses, background checks for sensitive positions, and statistical analysis of crime patterns. The extended retention of these records also serves to document the actions of government agencies and preserve evidence that may be needed for future legal proceedings.
It is important to note that even after government records are destroyed pursuant to retention schedules, information about arrests may persist in private databases maintained by commercial background check companies, which are not subject to the same retention limitations.
How to Find Mugshots in Bexar County
Booking photographs, commonly known as "mugshots," are created during the arrest booking process and are considered part of the official arrest record in Bexar County. These photographs serve both administrative and identification purposes within the criminal justice system.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of arrested individuals, taken under standardized lighting and background conditions. These images document the appearance of the arrestee at the time of booking and become part of the official arrest record maintained by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
The primary custodian of booking photographs in Bexar County is:
Bexar County Sheriff's Office Records Division
200 N. Comal Street
San Antonio, TX 78207
(210) 335-6010
Bexar County Sheriff's Office
Finding Mugshots
Individuals seeking booking photographs may submit a public information request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division. Requests should include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or via email to the designated public information coordinator. Fees apply for copies of photographs, currently $10.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page.
Can They Be Found Online
The Bexar County Sheriff's Office does not maintain a public-facing database of booking photographs. Unlike some jurisdictions, Bexar County does not routinely publish mugshots online through official channels. However, the jail activity reports available on the county website do not typically include photographs.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method for obtaining official booking photographs is through a formal public information request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division. This ensures that the photographs provided are authentic, current, and legally obtained.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to booking photographs may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Photographs of juveniles (under age 17) are generally confidential under Texas Family Code
- Photographs related to expunged arrests are removed from public access
- Photographs related to cases subject to an order of nondisclosure are sealed from public view
- Photographs may be withheld if release would interfere with an active investigation
- Photographs of certain victims or witnesses may be redacted to protect privacy
It is important to note that while mugshots are generally considered public records in Texas, their publication and use by private entities has become controversial. Some commercial websites collect and publish mugshots, then charge fees for removal. The Texas Legislature has considered various measures to regulate this practice, though current law still permits access to these photographs through proper public information requests.