Texas County Public Records / Texas County Arrest Records

Texas County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Texas County in 2026

TexasRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Texas County, Missouri. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through official county and state resources. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, criminal case filings, and sex offender registry entries. The completeness of any search result depends on the jurisdiction, the date of arrest, and whether records have been sealed or expunged.

Records may be searched through the Texas County Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and several online tools maintained by Missouri state agencies. The following sections detail each available method.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Texas County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and related law enforcement data for individuals arrested within county jurisdiction. Members of the public may access the Sheriff's Resources page for information on current inmates, sex offender registry entries, and other publicly available law enforcement data. The Sheriff's Office updates custody records on a rolling basis as bookings and releases occur. Available information includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking number, and custody status.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Houston, Missouri — the county seat of Texas County — maintains a municipal police department that handles arrests within city limits. Arrest information originating from city police may appear in court case records accessible through the Missouri Courts online system. Press releases and public notices from local law enforcement agencies periodically include arrest information for matters of public interest.

Houston Police Department
115 W. Walnut St.
Houston, MO 65483
Phone: (417) 967-3348

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Missouri Courts case management system allows members of the public to search criminal case records by defendant name. Court cases linked to arrests in Texas County are filed in the 25th Judicial Circuit. Searching by an individual's name returns associated case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and disposition information.

Texas County Circuit Clerk
210 N. Grand Ave.
Houston, MO 65483
Phone: (417) 967-2112

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division, which processes requests for Missouri criminal history records. Individuals and authorized entities may submit a request for a name-based or fingerprint-based criminal history check. The MODOC Offender Search tool provides information on individuals currently or previously supervised by the Missouri Department of Corrections, including offense history and supervision status. A fee applies for official criminal history record requests submitted to the Missouri State Highway Patrol; at present, the standard fee for a name-based search is $14.00, payable by check or money order to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Texas County Sheriff's Office
210 N. Grand Ave., Suite 1
Houston, MO 65483
Phone: (417) 967-3348
Texas County Sheriff's Office

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Members of the public requesting records in person should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any known details about the arrest, including the full name of the subject and the approximate date of arrest.
Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Missouri's Sunshine Law.

Clerk of Court:

Texas County Circuit Clerk
210 N. Grand Ave.
Houston, MO 65483
Phone: (417) 967-2112

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Criminal case files are available for inspection at the clerk's office. Copies are available at the standard per-page rate established under § 610.026 RSMo, which governs fees for public records in Missouri.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Texas County Sheriff's Office at 210 N. Grand Ave., Suite 1, Houston, MO 65483. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, the date of arrest if known, the booking number if available, and the requester's full name and return mailing address. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time varies but is subject to the response deadlines established under Missouri's Sunshine Law.

By Phone:

Texas County Sheriff's Office: (417) 967-3348
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.
Phone inquiries provide limited information; staff may direct callers to the online system or an in-person visit for detailed records.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Detailed police reports and investigative files are not part of the standard public arrest record and require legal process to obtain.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Houston PD, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Texas County

Arrest records in Texas County are public records under Missouri law. Pursuant to § 610.100 RSMo, arrest reports, incident reports, and related law enforcement records are open to inspection by members of the public, subject to specific statutory exceptions. Missouri's Sunshine Law, codified at Chapter 610 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, establishes the general framework for public access to government records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies.

As the Missouri Attorney General's Office has stated, "The Sunshine Law reflects the public policy of this state that meetings, records, votes, actions, and deliberations of public governmental bodies be open to the public unless otherwise provided by law."

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Missouri law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is exempt
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Missouri's commitment to open government is reflected in Article I, Section 2 of the Missouri Constitution, which affirms the rights of the people to access government information. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press access to arrest records as a matter of public accountability. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the outcome of criminal proceedings, including dismissals and acquittals.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Arrests that did not result in conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment actions in certain circumstances. Missouri does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though individual municipalities may have adopted local ordinances. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest record does not establish guilt.

What's in Texas County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and race
Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

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, time, and booking number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges and statute numbers violated
Charge classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence or gang-related designations, if applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of the booking facility
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status
Bond amount and bond type (cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond)
Release date and time, if applicable
Release conditions, if made public

Court Information:

Court case number
Jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment, if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected or investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not included in the public arrest record
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources, including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Texas County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Texas County is governed by Missouri's Sunshine Law. Under § 610.026 RSMo, public governmental bodies may charge fees for providing copies of public records, provided those fees do not exceed the actual cost of document search, duplication, and research.

Record Type	Fee
Inspection of records (in person)	No charge
Paper copies	$0.10 per page (standard)
Certified copies	Varies by office
Electronic records	Actual cost of duplication
Missouri criminal history (MSHP name-based)	$14.00 per request
Missouri criminal history (fingerprint-based)	$20.00 per request

Accepted payment methods at the Texas County Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order. The Circuit Clerk may also accept credit or debit card payments; members of the public should confirm accepted methods prior to submitting a request.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or for requests made in the public interest, at the discretion of the custodial agency. Inspection of records at a public access terminal does not incur a fee. Certified copies of court records carry an additional certification fee set by the clerk's office.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Texas County

Missouri law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement results in the destruction or closure of the record, while sealing restricts public access without destroying the underlying file. Under § 610.140 RSMo, Missouri's expungement statute, eligible individuals may petition the circuit court to expunge arrest records, charges, and certain convictions.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Arrests that did not result in conviction
Charges that were dismissed or nolle prossed
Acquittals at trial
Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions, subject to waiting periods and offense-type restrictions
The petitioner must not have subsequent disqualifying offenses

Offenses Not Eligible for Expungement:

Class A felonies
Dangerous felonies as defined by Missouri law
Offenses requiring sex offender registration
Offenses involving victims under 18 years of age in certain categories
Driving while intoxicated offenses (subject to separate provisions)

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record or court case from the Texas County Circuit Clerk.
Confirm eligibility under § 610.140 RSMo, including applicable waiting periods (three years for misdemeanors; seven years for felonies following completion of sentence).
File a Petition for Expungement in the 25th Judicial Circuit Court in Texas County.
Serve the petition on all relevant agencies, including the arresting law enforcement agency, the prosecuting attorney, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Attend the expungement hearing; the court will grant the petition if the statutory requirements are met and no objection is sustained.
Upon entry of the expungement order, the court directs all named agencies to close or destroy the records.

Texas County Circuit Court
210 N. Grand Ave.
Houston, MO 65483
Phone: (417) 967-2112
Missouri Courts

Texas County Prosecuting Attorney
210 N. Grand Ave.
Houston, MO 65483
Phone: (417) 967-3742

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to review the Missouri Courts self-help resources or consult with a licensed Missouri attorney. The Missouri State Public Defender System may provide assistance to eligible individuals in certain circumstances.

What Happens After Arrest in Texas County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Texas County, the arrested individual is transported to the Texas County Jail, located at the Texas County Sheriff's Office complex. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

Texas County Jail
210 N. Grand Ave., Suite 1
Houston, MO 65483
Phone: (417) 967-3348
Texas County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. This process includes recording personal information, photographing the individual, collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventorying personal property, and completing medical and mental health screenings. The booking process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Missouri law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or associate circuit judge without unnecessary delay, and at present this occurs within 24 hours for most arrests. At the initial appearance, the court formally notifies the defendant of the charges, determines bond or bail, and advises the defendant of the right to counsel. Hearings may be conducted via video conference.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash and 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, at present set at 10% of the bond amount under Missouri law.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear, based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.

No Bond: The court may order the defendant held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, or active immigration holds.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the release process typically takes one to eight hours. The defendant receives a court date and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant. If bond is not posted, the defendant remains in custody pending further court proceedings.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel under the Sixth Amendment. The Missouri State Public Defender System provides representation to eligible individuals.

Missouri State Public Defender – South Central Regional Office
1514 Industrial Dr., Suite A
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Phone: (573) 751-3399
Missouri State Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Missouri Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation.

Charging Decision:

The Texas County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, or decline prosecution. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to issue an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. The majority of defendants enter an initial plea of not guilty. Trial dates and pretrial conference dates are set at this stage.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or mental health court, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. Missouri's Missouri Courts system provides online access to case status and scheduled hearing dates.

Sentencing (if convicted):

Upon conviction, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 24 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months
Felonies: May extend six months to over one year
Missouri's constitutional speedy trial provision requires that cases proceed without unreasonable delay

Rights Throughout Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement.
Do not physically resist arrest.
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions.
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right.
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney.
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed.
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception.
Comply with all conditions of release.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Texas County?

Records Retention Overview:

The retention of arrest records in Texas County is governed by Missouri state law and the records retention schedules established by the Missouri Secretary of State's office. Local law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records in accordance with these schedules, which specify minimum retention periods by record type and disposition.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, Missouri State Highway Patrol criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for a minimum of ten years at the local level, depending on the offense classification.
State repository retains records permanently.

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of three to five years.
Court records are retained permanently unless expunged by court order.
Records may remain in state and federal databases unless expungement is obtained.

Acquittals:

Court records are retained permanently.
Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of three years.
Eligible for expungement under § 610.140 RSMo.

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of two to three years.
Eligible for expungement in many circumstances.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Retained per Missouri Secretary of State retention schedules.
Photographs: Retained for the duration of the associated record.

Digital Records:

Records management system entries are often retained permanently.
Court electronic records are maintained indefinitely.
Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely.

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records beyond the retention periods applicable to government agencies. These entities are not required to update records when an expungement order is issued, though the FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information.

Retention by Agency:

Texas County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum three years for non-conviction arrests; permanent for felony convictions.
Arrest reports: Per Missouri Secretary of State retention schedule.
Contact: (417) 967-3348

Texas County Circuit Clerk:

Felony case files: Permanent.
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years.
Traffic cases: Minimum five years.
Electronic records: Permanent.

Missouri State Highway Patrol (State Repository):

Maintains criminal history records for all arrests reported by Missouri law enforcement agencies.
Retention is permanent for conviction records; non-conviction records may be updated or closed upon receipt of an expungement order.

FBI Database:

NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, at present on a permanent basis.
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms purchases, and other purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention across all databases.
Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; local retention varies.
Expungement: Local records are closed or destroyed; state repository updates the record; FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement.
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after two to three years at the local level.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for a period of seven years, though convictions may be reported indefinitely. Missouri does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for non-conviction arrest records at the state level. Arrests without conviction may not be used as the basis for adverse employment decisions in certain regulated industries.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Texas County Sheriff's Records Division at (417) 967-3348 or submit a written public records request to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.