Uvalde County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Uvalde County in 2026
UvaldeRecords.us provides publicly available data related to arrest records, booking information, and associated court activity in Uvalde County, Texas. Members of the public may find records that include charges filed, custody status, booking photographs, bond information, and case numbers. Available record categories may encompass misdemeanor arrests, felony bookings, warrant-related detentions, and court case filings. Access and completeness vary by agency and record type.
Arrest records in Uvalde County may be searched through official county offices, law enforcement agencies, public access terminals at the courthouse, and authorized online tools. The following resources are available to members of the public seeking arrest-related information.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Uvalde County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the county detention facility. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current custody status and recent bookings. The jail roster reflects individuals currently held in the Uvalde County Jail and is updated on a regular basis. Information available through this office includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond status.
Uvalde County Sheriff's Office
100 N. Getty St., Uvalde, TX 78801
Phone: (830) 278-2311
Uvalde County official website
2. Local Police Departments
The Uvalde Police Department serves the City of Uvalde and maintains arrest logs and press releases that may include arrest information for incidents occurring within city limits. The department periodically publishes community safety updates, including information related to sex offender registry compliance checks and other enforcement operations. Members of the public seeking arrest information for city-level incidents may contact the department directly.
Uvalde Police Department
600 N. Getty St., Uvalde, TX 78801
Phone: (830) 278-2511
Uvalde Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Uvalde County Clerk's Office maintains official county court records, including misdemeanor criminal case filings that are linked to arrests processed through the county system. Members of the public may search by an individual's name to locate associated court cases. The Uvalde County Clerk is located at Courthouse Square #20, 100 N. Getty St., Uvalde, TX 78801, and may be reached at (830) 278-3216. Felony case records are maintained separately by the 38th Judicial District Clerk, also located at the Uvalde County Courthouse.
Uvalde County Clerk
100 N. Getty St., Courthouse Square #20, Uvalde, TX 78801
Phone: (830) 278-3216
County Clerk – Uvalde County
Uvalde County 38th Judicial District Clerk
100 N. Getty St., Uvalde, TX 78801
Phone: (830) 278-3216
District Clerk – Uvalde County
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains a statewide criminal history repository through its Crime Records Division, which acts as the Texas State Control Terminal for criminal justice programs. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history search through the DPS. The standard fee for a public criminal history search is $3.00 per request when submitted online through the DPS Secure Website. The search returns conviction history and, in some cases, arrest information maintained in the state repository. Certified criminal history reports are available for an additional fee.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: 100 N. Getty St., Uvalde, TX 78801
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Phone: (830) 278-2311
- Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, if known, the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date
- Copy fees apply per page as established under Texas law
Police Department:
- Address: 600 N. Getty St., Uvalde, TX 78801
- Phone: (830) 278-2511
- Records requests are processed through the department's administrative division
- Fees for copies are assessed in accordance with Texas Government Code provisions
Clerk of Court:
- Address: 100 N. Getty St., Courthouse Square #20, Uvalde, TX 78801
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Phone: (830) 278-3216
- Members of the public may inspect criminal case files at the clerk's office during regular business hours
- Copy fees are assessed per page
By Mail:
- Mailing Address: Uvalde County Sheriff's Office, 100 N. Getty St., Uvalde, TX 78801
- Written requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest (if known), booking number (if known), and the requestor's full contact information
- Payment for copies must be included with the request
- Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (830) 278-2311
- Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Detailed record information is not released by phone; requestors may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated case files through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through standard public access channels. In active legal proceedings, records may be obtained through the court's discovery process as governed by the Texas Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Uvalde Police Department, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Uvalde County
Arrest records in Uvalde County are public records under Texas law. The Texas Public Information Act, codified at § 552.001 of the Texas Government Code, establishes that government records are presumed open to the public unless a specific exception applies. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government action — the exercise of law enforcement authority — and their public availability serves the interests of government transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, and legal proceedings.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking number
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information, including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Texas Family Code provisions
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access by court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information related to active investigations may be withheld
- Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants are protected
- Victim-identifying information is restricted in certain offense categories
- Records pertaining to participants in witness protection programs are not publicly accessible
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Texas Constitution and the Texas Public Information Act together establish the legal framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. At the same time, due process considerations and statutory privacy protections create boundaries on what information may be disclosed, particularly where disclosure could harm individuals who were arrested but not convicted.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Occupational licensing agencies
- Authorized background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when those records are obtained through consumer reporting agencies. Employers and landlords must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Texas does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain jurisdictions have adopted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record: an arrest does not establish guilt, and the use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions may give rise to legal liability under applicable anti-discrimination statutes.
What's in Uvalde County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Uvalde County law enforcement agencies contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and during the processing of a criminal case.
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (subject to redaction in certain circumstances)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and, in some cases, the name and badge number of the arresting officer
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Texas Penal Code statute numbers alleged to have been violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Name and location of the booking facility
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
- Release date and time, if the individual has been released
- Release conditions, to the extent they are part of the public record
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following arrest
- Court jurisdiction (county court or district court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location and judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
- Witness statements and victim information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques and methods
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted under Texas law)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in the booking record
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources, including arrest records, court records, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Uvalde County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Uvalde County is governed by the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Government Code. Under § 552.261 of the Texas Government Code, governmental bodies are authorized to charge for the actual cost of producing public records, subject to rates established by the Texas Office of the Attorney General.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.10 per page |
| Certified copies | $1.00 per page (plus copy fee) |
| Electronic records (CD/DVD) | $1.00 per disc |
| Labor charge (if search exceeds 1 hour) | $15.00 per hour (or actual cost) |
| Overhead charge | 20% of labor cost |
| Postage and shipping | Actual cost |
- Inspection of public records at the office is free of charge; fees apply only when copies are requested
- Certification fees are assessed when an official seal or attestation is required
- Search fees may apply when retrieval requires more than one hour of staff time
- Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order; some offices accept credit or debit cards
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or when disclosure is determined to be primarily in the public interest, as provided under Texas Government Code provisions
- The Texas DPS charges a separate $3.00 fee for public criminal history searches conducted through the state repository
How To Delete Arrest Records in Uvalde County
Texas law provides two primary legal mechanisms for removing or restricting access to arrest records: expunction (also referred to as expungement) and nondisclosure. These are distinct legal remedies with different eligibility requirements and effects.
Expunction results in the physical destruction or return of arrest records held by law enforcement agencies, courts, and the state repository. Following a successful expunction, the arrested individual may legally deny that the arrest occurred. Under § 55.01 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, a person may be eligible for expunction if:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction or deferred adjudication
- The charge was dismissed and the applicable waiting period has elapsed
- The person was acquitted at trial
- The person was convicted but subsequently pardoned by the Governor or the President
- The arrest was the result of identity theft or mistaken identity
Nondisclosure seals records from public access without destroying them. Law enforcement retains access to sealed records. Eligibility for nondisclosure is available to individuals who successfully completed deferred adjudication community supervision for certain offenses, as governed by Texas Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter E.
Steps to Pursue Expunction or Nondisclosure:
- Determine eligibility based on the outcome of the case and the applicable waiting period
- Obtain the case number and cause number from the District Clerk's office
- File a Petition for Expunction or a Petition for Nondisclosure in the court of original jurisdiction
- Serve all relevant agencies named in the petition
- Attend the scheduled hearing
- If the court grants the order, provide certified copies to each named agency for compliance
Members of the public seeking to pursue expunction or nondisclosure are advised to consult with a licensed Texas attorney. The 38th Judicial District Clerk's office can provide case information necessary to initiate the process.
Uvalde County 38th Judicial District Clerk
100 N. Getty St., Uvalde, TX 78801
Phone: (830) 278-3216
District Clerk – Uvalde County
What Happens After Arrest in Uvalde County?
The post-arrest process in Uvalde County follows a structured sequence governed by Texas law and local court procedures.
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Uvalde County Jail for processing. Transport time varies depending on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in custody of the arresting officer during transport.
Uvalde County Jail
100 N. Getty St., Uvalde, TX 78801
Phone: (830) 278-2311
Uvalde County official website
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:
- Recording of personal identifying information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Collection of fingerprints
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
- Inventory and storage of personal property
- Medical and mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Texas law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, and no later than 48 hours after arrest in most circumstances. At the initial appearance:
- The magistrate formally advises the individual of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond is set or denied
- Rights are formally explained
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the jail or court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by the Texas Department of Insurance at 10% of the bond amount.
Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: The individual is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.
No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, release processing takes approximately one to eight hours. The individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and a return of personal property. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender / Court-Appointed Counsel:
Uvalde County, 100 N. Getty St., Uvalde, TX 78801
Phone: (830) 278-3216 (District Clerk for referral)
State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service:
texasbar.com — (800) 252-9690
Charging Decision:
The 38th Judicial District Attorney's Office reviews felony arrests and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or present the case to a grand jury. Misdemeanor charges are reviewed by the County Attorney's Office. The timeframe for a charging decision varies based on the complexity of the case and the availability of evidence.
Uvalde County District Attorney's Office
100 N. Getty St., Uvalde, TX 78801
Phone: (830) 278-2916
Court Process Overview:
Following formal charging, the case proceeds through arraignment, pretrial motions, discovery, and either a negotiated resolution or trial. At arraignment, the defendant enters a plea. Most defendants enter an initial plea of not guilty. Pretrial proceedings may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense may engage in plea negotiations at any stage prior to verdict.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may complete pretrial intervention, drug court, or mental health court programs in exchange for dismissal
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges
- Trial: The case proceeds to a jury or bench trial; if convicted, a sentencing hearing is scheduled
Sentencing options upon conviction include incarceration, probation (community supervision), fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination thereof. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to magistrate appearance: Within 48 hours
- Arraignment: Days to weeks following charging
- Misdemeanor resolution: Weeks to several months
- Felony resolution: Several months to over one year
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, § 10 of the Texas Constitution
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Invoke the right to remain silent clearly and politely
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
- Contact family or a bondsman for assistance with bail
- Appear at all scheduled court dates
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Uvalde County?
Arrest record retention in Uvalde County is governed by state law, local agency policy, and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission records retention schedules applicable to local government entities.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, District Clerk, and the Texas DPS state criminal history repository
- Accessible through the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) indefinitely
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently in most databases
- Local law enforcement and court records are maintained in accordance with the Texas Local Government Records Act
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum period established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission
- Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged by court order
- Records remain accessible in public databases unless the subject obtains an expunction order
Acquittals:
- Court records are retained; local law enforcement records are subject to applicable retention schedules
- Records may be eligible for expunction under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.01
Charges Not Filed / No-Information:
- Booking records are subject to local retention schedules
- These arrests are among the most readily eligible for expunction under Texas law
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained in accordance with the Texas Local Government Records Retention Schedule
- Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification
Digital Records:
- Records management systems and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained per applicable schedules, with many categories retained permanently
- Electronic court records are maintained indefinitely in most jurisdictions
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely
- These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expunction
- The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate records, but enforcement is the responsibility of the Federal Trade Commission
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records and arrest reports: Retained per Texas Local Government Records Retention Schedule (minimum 2 years for most categories; longer for serious offenses)
- Contact: (830) 278-2311
Clerk of Court:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Retained for a minimum of 10 years following final disposition
- Electronic records: Permanent in most categories
Texas DPS State Repository:
- The Crime Records Division maintains criminal history records for all arrests reported by Texas law enforcement agencies
- Retention is permanent for conviction records; non-conviction records may be updated or removed following a court-ordered expunction
FBI Database:
- NCIC and III records are retained permanently and are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
- Federal background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and licensing draw from these databases
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
| Disposition | Local Records | State Repository | Third-Party Databases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conviction | Permanent | Permanent | May report indefinitely |
| Dismissal | Per retention schedule | Retained unless expunged | May retain unless updated |
| Expunction | Destroyed or returned | Updated per court order | May not update |
| No charges filed | Per retention schedule | May be purged | May retain |
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most consumer reporting agencies limit reporting of non-conviction arrest records to seven years. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Texas does not currently impose a statewide statutory limit on the reporting period for convictions in employment background checks. Arrests without conviction are not considered proof of criminal conduct, and their use in employment or housing decisions is subject to legal scrutiny under applicable anti-discrimination frameworks.
How to Check Retention Status:
- Contact the Uvalde County Sheriff's Records Division at (830) 278-2311
- Submit a written public information request to the relevant agency
- Contact the District Clerk's office at (830) 278-3216 for court record status
- Fees may apply for copies of records retrieved in response to a public information request