Williamson County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Williamson County
Arrest records in Williamson County are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act, codified in Texas Government Code § 552. This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, are presumed to be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under Texas law. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.021, both types of records are generally available to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.
The Williamson County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties and makes certain information available through public access systems. However, some information within arrest records may be redacted or restricted if it falls under statutory exemptions, such as information that would compromise an ongoing investigation or information protected by privacy laws.
Members of the public should note that the Texas Department of Public Safety establishes policies governing the dissemination of criminal history record information throughout the state, including Williamson County. These policies ensure compliance with both state and federal regulations regarding public access to criminal justice information.
What's in Williamson County Arrest Records
Williamson County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars (when documented)
- State identification number (SID) and/or FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest (e.g., observed criminal activity, warrant service)
Charge Information:
- Criminal offense(s) charged
- Statute citation(s)
- Offense classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Offense level (e.g., Class A, B, C misdemeanor; first, second, third-degree felony)
- Case number assigned by law enforcement
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Booking facility
- Booking officer
- Fingerprint information
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Bonding company (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearances
- Case disposition (if resolved)
Custody Status:
- Current detention status (in custody, released)
- Release date (if applicable)
- Release conditions (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Immigration holds
- Medical alerts
- Behavioral alerts
- Special housing requirements
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's protocols and the circumstances of the arrest. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108, certain information may be withheld if its release would interfere with the detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Williamson County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Williamson County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains systems for public access to these records in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act. Individuals may pursue the following options:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Williamson County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.
Williamson County Sheriff's Office
508 S. Rock Street
Georgetown, TX 78626
(512) 943-1300
Williamson County Sheriff's Office
- Complete a public information request form, providing specific details about the record being sought, including the individual's full name and date of birth if available.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying (fees are established pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 1, § 70.3).
- Allow for processing time, which typically ranges from 5-10 business days for standard requests.
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request via postal mail to the Records Division address listed above.
- Include specific information about the record being sought, requestor contact information, and preferred delivery method.
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees, or request fee information prior to payment.
- Allow 10 business days for processing, as required by Texas Government Code § 552.221.
Electronic Requests:
- Access the Williamson County Records Inquiry system.
- Navigate to the inmate search function.
- Enter search criteria such as the individual's name or booking number.
- Review the publicly available information displayed in the search results.
- For more comprehensive records, submit a formal public information request through the county's online portal.
For arrest records related to court proceedings, individuals may also consult the Williamson County Court Records system, which provides information on criminal cases processed through the county court system.
How To Find Williamson County Arrest Records Online
Williamson County provides digital access to certain arrest record information through official online platforms. Members of the public may utilize these resources to locate arrest records without visiting county offices in person. The following procedure outlines the process for accessing these records online:
- Access the Williamson County Records Inquiry portal through the official county website.
- Select the appropriate search option:
- Inmate search (for currently incarcerated individuals)
- Jail records search (for historical booking information)
- Jail bond records (for information on bond amounts and status)
- Enter the required search parameters:
- Last name (required)
- First name (recommended for more precise results)
- Booking number (if known)
- Review the search results, which typically include:
- Name of the individual
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Current custody status
- For court-related information stemming from arrests, navigate to the Williamson County Court Lookup system.
- Select the appropriate case type:
- Criminal case records
- Civil, family, and probate case records
- Enter search criteria such as the defendant's name, case number, or filing date range.
- Review the case information, which may include court dates, charges, and case disposition.
For more comprehensive criminal history information, the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service maintains the state's central repository of criminal history information. This resource requires additional verification and fees for access to complete criminal history records.
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete arrest record information, particularly for older records that have not been digitized or records subject to specific access restrictions under Texas law.
How To Search Williamson County Arrest Records for Free?
Williamson County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic arrest record information. These free resources are available to the public in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act, though they may contain limited information compared to complete records obtained through formal requests. The following methods allow for free access to arrest records:
Online Public Access Systems:
- The Williamson County Inmate Information portal provides free access to current and recent booking information.
- Users can search by name or booking number without creating an account or paying fees.
- This system displays basic information including name, booking date, charges, and custody status.
- The Williamson County Court Lookup system offers free access to criminal case information resulting from arrests.
Public Access Terminals:
- Visit the Williamson County Justice Center during regular business hours.
Williamson County Justice Center
405 Martin Luther King Street
Georgetown, TX 78626
(512) 943-1100
Williamson County Courts
- Use the public access terminals located in the lobby area to search court records related to arrests.
- These terminals provide access to the same information available through the online court lookup system but may be helpful for those without internet access.
Public Libraries:
- Williamson County public libraries offer free internet access that can be used to search the county's online records systems.
- Library staff may provide assistance with navigating to the appropriate county websites, though they cannot provide legal advice regarding records.
Limitations of Free Record Searches:
While free options provide basic arrest information, they typically do not include:
- Complete arrest reports
- Officer narratives
- Witness statements
- Evidence documentation
- Historical records that have not been digitized
For comprehensive arrest records, individuals may need to submit formal public information requests, which may involve processing fees as authorized under Texas Administrative Code Title 1, § 70.3.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Williamson County
The process of removing arrest records from public access in Williamson County involves either expunction (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) of records. These remedies are governed by specific provisions of Texas law and require formal legal procedures.
Expunction vs. Sealing: Legal Distinction
Expunction, as defined in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, provides for the complete removal and destruction of all records and files relating to an arrest. When granted, the arrest is treated as if it never occurred. In contrast, record sealing (non-disclosure) under Texas Government Code Chapter 411 restricts public access to records but maintains them for access by criminal justice agencies and certain authorized entities.
Eligibility for Expunction
Individuals may qualify for expunction in Williamson County under the following circumstances:
- The case was dismissed
- The individual was acquitted (found "not guilty")
- The individual was arrested but never charged
- The individual was convicted but subsequently pardoned
- The individual completed certain pretrial diversion programs
- The statute of limitations has expired on an unadjudicated case
Eligibility for Record Sealing (Non-Disclosure)
Record sealing may be available when:
- The individual successfully completed deferred adjudication for certain offenses
- The individual meets waiting period requirements after completion of deferred adjudication
- The offense qualifies under statutory provisions for non-disclosure
- The individual has no disqualifying criminal history
Process for Expunction or Sealing in Williamson County
- File a petition with the Williamson County District Court:
Williamson County District Clerk
405 Martin Luther King Street, Box 15
Georgetown, TX 78626
(512) 943-1212
Williamson County District Clerk
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The petition must include:
- Personal identifying information
- Case information
- Grounds for expunction or non-disclosure
- Statutory basis for the request
- Required filing fees
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Serve notice to all agencies holding records related to the arrest, including:
- Williamson County Sheriff's Office
- Arresting agency
- Texas Department of Public Safety
- District Attorney's Office
- County Clerk's Office
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Attend the scheduled court hearing (if required)
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If granted, obtain the signed order and ensure distribution to all relevant agencies
Due to the complex legal requirements and procedural rules governing expunction and record sealing, individuals seeking these remedies are strongly advised to consult with an attorney experienced in criminal record clearing procedures. The Williamson County Law Library provides reference materials on these procedures for self-represented individuals.
What Happens After Arrest in Williamson County?
Following an arrest in Williamson County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Texas law. This process includes several distinct phases from initial custody through case disposition:
1. Booking and Processing
Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Williamson County Jail for booking, which includes:
- Documentation of personal information
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Property inventory
- Medical screening
- Criminal history check
- Assignment of booking number
2. Magistration
Within 48 hours of arrest (typically within 24 hours), the arrestee appears before a magistrate who:
- Informs the individual of charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Sets initial bail amount
- Determines probable cause for warrantless arrests
- Appoints counsel for indigent defendants
3. Bail Determination
The magistrate sets bail based on factors including:
- Nature and circumstances of the offense
- Safety risk to the community
- Flight risk assessment
- Criminal history
- Ability to pay
Individuals may secure release through:
- Cash bail (full payment to court)
- Surety bond (through a licensed bondsman)
- Personal recognizance bond (for qualifying low-risk cases)
4. Formal Charging
For misdemeanors, the County Attorney files an "information" document. For felonies, cases proceed to the grand jury, which determines whether sufficient evidence exists to issue an indictment. This process must occur within:
- 30 days for defendants in custody on felony charges
- 90 days for defendants released on bond for felony charges
5. Arraignment
At arraignment, defendants:
- Are formally informed of charges
- Enter an initial plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Have counsel status confirmed
- Receive future court dates
6. Pretrial Proceedings
This phase may include:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions (e.g., suppression of evidence, dismissal requests)
- Plea negotiations
- Pretrial hearings
- Case management conferences
7. Case Disposition
Cases may be resolved through:
- Plea agreement
- Trial (bench or jury)
- Dismissal
- Diversion program completion
8. Sentencing (if convicted)
Sentencing options may include:
- Incarceration (county jail or state prison)
- Probation
- Deferred adjudication
- Fines and court costs
- Community service
- Treatment programs
- Restitution to victims
9. Post-Conviction
Following conviction, individuals may pursue:
- Direct appeal
- Post-conviction writs
- Probation modification
- Early termination of probation
- Record sealing or expunction (if eligible)
Throughout this process, the Williamson County District Attorney's Office represents the state, while defendants may be represented by private counsel, appointed attorneys, or the Williamson County Public Defender's Office for qualifying indigent defendants.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Williamson County?
Arrest records in Williamson 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 mandate minimum retention periods for various categories of records, including those related to arrests and criminal investigations.
Standard Retention Periods
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission Records Retention Schedule prescribes the following retention periods for law enforcement records in Williamson County:
- Arrest records (adults): Minimum of 75 years from date of arrest
- Arrest records (juveniles): Until the individual reaches age 21, plus 75 years
- Offense reports: 10 years after case closure for Class A and B misdemeanors and felonies; 2 years for Class C misdemeanors
- Booking records: 5 years after release or discharge
- Jail registers: 5 years
- Fingerprint cards: 75 years
- Mug shots: 75 years
Agency-Specific Retention Requirements
Different agencies within Williamson County may maintain arrest records for varying periods:
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The Williamson County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to the minimum state requirements, but may retain them permanently in digital format.
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Municipal police departments within Williamson County follow the same state retention schedules but may have department-specific policies for longer retention.
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The Williamson County District Clerk's Office maintains felony case records permanently and misdemeanor case records for 20 years after case disposition.
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The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains criminal history information in the statewide repository permanently, including arrest data from Williamson County.
Purpose of Extended Retention
The extended retention of arrest records serves several important public functions:
- Preserves evidence that may be needed for future legal proceedings
- Supports law enforcement investigations of related or pattern crimes
- Provides documentation for background checks authorized by law
- Maintains historical records for statistical and research purposes
- Ensures accountability in the criminal justice system
- Facilitates identification of repeat offenders
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies may submit inquiries to the records custodian of the relevant agency. Those seeking to limit public access to arrest records may pursue expunction or non-disclosure remedies as provided by Texas law if they meet statutory eligibility requirements.
How to Find Mugshots in Williamson County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and typically include front-view (frontal) and side-view (profile) images of the arrested individual. In Williamson County, these photographs are created as part of the standard booking procedure at the Williamson County Jail.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots in Williamson County are primarily maintained by:
- The Williamson County Sheriff's Office as part of booking records
- The Texas Department of Public Safety in the statewide criminal history repository
- Local municipal police departments that conduct arrests within the county
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking access to mugshots in Williamson County have several potential avenues:
- Public Information Requests: Submit a formal request under the Texas Public Information Act to:
Williamson County Sheriff's Office Records Division
508 S. Rock Street
Georgetown, TX 78626
(512) 943-1300
Williamson County Sheriff's Office
- Texas Department of Public Safety: For mugshots maintained in the state criminal history repository, submit a request to:
Texas Department of Public Safety
Crime Records Service
PO Box 4143
Austin, TX 78765
(512) 424-2000
Texas DPS Public Information Requests
Can Mugshots Be Found Online?
Williamson County does not currently publish mugshots on its official inmate information portal, though basic booking information is available. This policy aligns with growing concerns about the potential misuse of mugshots and their impact on individuals' privacy and reputation, particularly for those not ultimately convicted of crimes.
Some third-party websites may publish mugshots obtained through public information requests, but these sources:
- May not maintain current or accurate information
- Often charge fees for removal of images
- Are not officially affiliated with Williamson County
- May not remove images even after cases are dismissed or expunged
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
To officially request a mugshot from Williamson County:
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Submit a written public information request specifying:
- The full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Specific request for booking photograph
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Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
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Pay applicable fees:
- Standard photocopy: $0.10 per page
- CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc
- Certified copies: $1.00 per certification plus copy costs
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrest records (under age 17) are generally confidential under Texas Family Code § 58.008
- Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order
- Records related to ongoing investigations
- Records where release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Individuals concerned about mugshots in public records may consult with an attorney regarding eligibility for expunction or non-disclosure orders under Texas law.
Lookup Arrest Records in Williamson County
Williamson County inmate information and jail records
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