McLennan County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in McLennan County
Arrest records in McLennan County are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act, codified in Texas Government Code § 552. This statute establishes the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with certain exceptions. Pursuant to this law, members of the public may access arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies within McLennan County.
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. Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations or individual privacy in specific circumstances.
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains the state's criminal history record information and establishes policies governing access to such records. Law enforcement agencies in McLennan County, including the McLennan County Sheriff's Office, adhere to these policies while also maintaining their own procedures for public access to arrest records.
What's in McLennan County Arrest Records
McLennan 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
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Home address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal offense(s) charged
- Statute citation(s)
- Offense classification (felony or misdemeanor)
- Offense level (e.g., first degree, second degree)
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing officer
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted or not)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Immigration holds
- Protective orders
- Risk assessment scores
- Special custody considerations
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest, as outlined in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 15.26 and § 15.27.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in McLennan County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in McLennan County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains systems for both in-person and remote access to these public records.
To request arrest records in person:
- Visit the McLennan County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.
McLennan County Sheriff's Office
901 Washington Avenue
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-5000
McLennan County Sheriff's Office
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Complete a public information request form, providing specific details about the record being sought, including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if known)
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Present valid government-issued photo identification.
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Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying. Fees are established pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261 and may include:
- Standard paper copies: $0.10 per page
- Certified copies: additional $1.00 per document
- Electronic copies: variable rates based on media type
To request arrest records by mail:
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Submit a written request to the McLennan County Sheriff's Office Records Division at the address listed above.
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Include all relevant identifying information as noted for in-person requests.
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Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for applicable fees.
To request arrest records electronically:
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Visit the McLennan County Request portal.
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Complete the online public information request form.
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Provide all necessary identifying information.
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Submit payment for applicable fees through the secure online payment system.
Processing times for arrest record requests typically range from 5 to 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.
How To Find McLennan County Arrest Records Online
McLennan County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests.
The primary online resources for McLennan County arrest records include:
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McLennan County Case Index Search
- Navigate to the McLennan County Case Index Search portal.
- This searchable database includes criminal cases from 2001 to present, with some general case information dating back to the early 1980s.
- Enter search criteria such as name, case number, or date range.
- Review search results to identify relevant cases.
- Note that while basic case information is available, complete arrest records may require a formal request.
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McLennan County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
- Visit the McLennan County Sheriff's Office website.
- Select the "Inmate Search" function.
- Enter the individual's name or booking number.
- View current custody status and basic arrest information for individuals currently in county custody.
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Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search
- Access the Texas Department of Public Safety website.
- Navigate to the Criminal History Record Information section.
- Create a user account if required.
- Pay the required fee for a criminal history search.
- Submit the search request with the individual's name and date of birth.
- Receive results electronically, typically within 24-48 hours.
When using online search tools, users should be aware that:
- Information may be limited compared to complete arrest records
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases
- Name-based searches may return multiple results for common names
- Some information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws
- Online searches may incur fees depending on the platform used
How To Search McLennan County Arrest Records for Free?
McLennan County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without cost through several public resources. These free options provide basic information, though they may not include the comprehensive details available through formal record requests.
Free resources for McLennan County arrest records include:
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McLennan County Jail Population Report
- Visit the McLennan County Sheriff's Office website.
- Locate the daily jail population report, which lists individuals currently in custody.
- This report typically includes name, booking date, and charges.
- This information is updated daily and is available at no cost.
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Public Access Terminals
- Visit the McLennan County Courthouse during regular business hours.
McLennan County Courthouse
501 Washington Avenue
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-5000
McLennan County- Use the public access computer terminals located in the Clerk's Office.
- Search for criminal cases by name or case number.
- View basic case information at no charge.
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McLennan County District Clerk Records
- Visit the District Clerk's Office in person.
McLennan County District Clerk
501 Washington Avenue, Room 300
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-5057
McLennan County District Clerk- Request to view publicly available court records related to criminal cases.
- While viewing records is free, copying fees may apply if printed copies are requested.
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Online Court Records
- Access the McLennan County Case Index Search.
- Search by name to locate criminal cases.
- Basic case information is available at no cost, though detailed documents may require fees.
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Public Records Request
- Submit a public information request to the appropriate county agency.
- Specify that you are requesting only information that can be provided without charge.
- Note that while the request itself is free, copying fees may apply if the volume of records exceeds certain thresholds established in Texas Government Code § 552.261.
When utilizing free resources, requestors should be aware that:
- Information may be limited in scope
- Records may not include complete arrest details
- Recent arrests may not be immediately available
- Some information may be redacted pursuant to privacy laws
- Staff assistance may be limited compared to formal requests
How To Delete Arrest Records in McLennan County
Under Texas law, individuals may have options to limit public access to their arrest records through processes known as expunction (legal erasure) or order of nondisclosure (sealing). These remedies are governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure for expunctions and Chapter 411 of the Texas Government Code for orders of nondisclosure.
Expunction (Erasure)
Expunction is the complete removal of arrest records from all official files and indexes. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.01, individuals may qualify for expunction if:
- They were arrested but never charged with a crime
- Their case was dismissed
- They were acquitted (found "not guilty") at trial
- They were convicted but subsequently pardoned
- They completed certain pretrial diversion programs
The expunction process in McLennan County involves:
- Filing a Petition for Expunction with the McLennan County District Court
- Paying the required filing fee (approximately $300)
- Attending a court hearing if required
- Obtaining a signed Order of Expunction from the judge
- Distributing the order to all agencies holding records
Order of Nondisclosure (Sealing)
An order of nondisclosure seals arrest and court records from public view but maintains them for access by law enforcement and certain government agencies. Under Texas Government Code § 411.081, individuals may qualify if:
- They successfully completed deferred adjudication community supervision
- They meet waiting period requirements (varies by offense type)
- They have no disqualifying criminal history
- Their offense is eligible for nondisclosure
The nondisclosure process in McLennan County involves:
- Filing a Petition for Nondisclosure with the court that handled the original case
- Paying the required filing fee (approximately $280)
- Attending a court hearing
- Obtaining a signed Order of Nondisclosure
- Ensuring distribution to relevant agencies
Individuals seeking expunction or nondisclosure should be aware that:
- Not all arrests qualify for these remedies
- Waiting periods may apply depending on the offense
- Certain offenses (particularly violent or sexual offenses) are ineligible
- The process can take several months to complete
- Legal assistance is strongly recommended due to the complexity of these proceedings
Legal assistance for expunction or nondisclosure may be available through:
McLennan County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
P.O. Box 7635
Waco, TX 76714
McLennan County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
What Happens After Arrest in McLennan County?
Following an arrest in McLennan County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Texas law. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:
1. Booking and Initial Detention
Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the McLennan County Jail for booking, which includes:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Collection of personal information
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Initial criminal history check
2. Magistration
Within 48 hours of arrest (typically 24 hours for misdemeanors), arrestees appear before a magistrate judge who:
- Informs them of charges
- Advises them of constitutional rights
- Sets initial bail amount
- Determines eligibility for court-appointed counsel
- Issues emergency protective orders if applicable
3. Bail Determination
Bail may be set according to several methods:
- Standard bail schedule based on offense type
- Individualized determination by magistrate
- Subsequent bail hearing if requested
- Pretrial services assessment for release recommendation
4. Formal Charging
Prosecutors must file formal charges within specific timeframes:
- Misdemeanors: typically within 30 days of arrest
- Felonies: typically within 90 days if in custody, longer if released on bail
- Grand jury indictment required for felony prosecutions
5. Arraignment
At arraignment, defendants:
- Are formally informed of charges
- Enter an initial plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Have counsel appointed if eligible and not already assigned
- Receive notice of future court dates
6. Pretrial Proceedings
The pretrial phase may include:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions (e.g., suppression of evidence, dismissal)
- Plea negotiations
- Pretrial hearings
- Case status conferences
7. Trial or Plea Resolution
Cases are resolved through:
- Guilty/no contest plea agreements
- Bench trials (judge decides)
- Jury trials (guaranteed under Texas Constitution Article 1, § 10)
- Dismissal of charges
8. Sentencing
If convicted, sentencing may include:
- Incarceration (state jail, prison, or county jail)
- Probation/community supervision
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution to victims
- Treatment programs
- Community service
9. Post-Conviction
Following conviction, individuals may pursue:
- Direct appeal of conviction
- Post-conviction writs
- Probation modification
- Early termination of probation
- Parole (for eligible prison sentences)
Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, the right to a speedy trial, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in McLennan County?
Arrest records in McLennan 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 issue records retention schedules for local governments. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various types of records, including those related to arrests and criminal cases.
Under the Local Schedule PS (Records of Public Safety Agencies), arrest records are subject to the following retention requirements:
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Arrest Reports/Offense Reports: Maintained for at least 5 years for misdemeanors and 10 years for felonies from the date of arrest or offense report.
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Arrest Warrants: Retained for 5 years after execution, dismissal, expiration, or return.
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Booking Records: Preserved for 5 years for misdemeanors and 10 years for felonies from the date of booking.
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Jail Records/Custody Records: Maintained for 5 years after release or transfer of inmate.
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Fingerprint Cards and Photographs (Mugshots): Retained permanently by the arresting agency unless expunged by court order.
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Investigation Records: Kept for at least 5 years for misdemeanors and 10 years for felonies from the date the case is closed or adjudicated.
Different agencies within McLennan County may maintain arrest records for varying periods:
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McLennan County Sheriff's Office: Typically maintains records according to minimum state requirements, though some records may be kept longer for administrative purposes.
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McLennan County District Clerk: Maintains court records related to criminal cases permanently, including information about arrests that led to formal charges.
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McLennan County Clerk: Preserves misdemeanor court records permanently, which may contain arrest information.
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Texas Department of Public Safety: Maintains criminal history information, including arrest data, permanently at the state level unless expunged by court order.
The 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 crimes
- Provides documentation for background checks authorized by law
- Ensures accountability in the criminal justice system
- Maintains statistical data for crime analysis and reporting
Individuals seeking to limit access to their arrest records before the expiration of retention periods must pursue legal remedies such as expunction or orders of nondisclosure as described in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55 and Texas Government Code § 411.081, respectively.
How to Find Mugshots in McLennan County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken by law enforcement agencies during the booking process following an arrest. In McLennan County, these photographs serve as visual identification records of arrested individuals and typically include front-facing and profile (side) views. Mugshots are considered part of the official arrest record under Texas law.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In McLennan County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:
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McLennan County Sheriff's Office
901 Washington Avenue
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-5000
McLennan County Sheriff's Office -
Waco Police Department
3115 Pine Avenue
Waco, TX 76708
(254) 750-7500
Waco Police Department -
Texas Department of Public Safety
Criminal History Record Information
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshots in McLennan County may utilize several methods:
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Submit a Public Information Request:
- File a formal request with the McLennan County Sheriff's Office or the arresting agency.
- Complete the public information request form specifying the booking photograph is sought.
- Provide identifying information including full name and date of birth of the subject.
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction of the photograph.
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Visit the Records Division in Person:
- Go to the McLennan County Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours.
- Complete a records request form specifically requesting booking photographs.
- Present identification and pay applicable fees.
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Submit a Request Online:
- Use the McLennan County Request portal.
- Specify that a booking photograph is being requested.
- Provide all necessary identifying information.
- Submit payment for applicable fees.
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
While some counties maintain online databases of mugshots, McLennan County does not currently operate a public-facing mugshot database. However, booking photographs may be available through:
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Inmate Search Function: The McLennan County Jail inmate search may display booking photographs of currently incarcerated individuals.
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Third-Party Websites: Commercial websites may aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records. These sites are not officially affiliated with McLennan County government agencies and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
The most reliable method to obtain an official booking photograph is through a formal public information request to the arresting agency. Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code § 552), these agencies must respond to requests within 10 business days.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to booking photographs may be restricted under certain circumstances:
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Juvenile Records: Mugshots of juveniles (under 17) are generally confidential under Texas Family Code § 58.008.
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Expunged Records: If an arrest record has been expunged pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55, the associated mugshot is no longer available to the public.
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Orders of Nondisclosure: If a court has issued an order of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code § 411.081, the booking photograph may not be publicly accessible.
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Ongoing Investigations: Mugshots related to active investigations may be temporarily withheld if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime.
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Privacy Concerns: In limited circumstances, agencies may withhold mugshots if release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy that outweighs the public interest in disclosure.
Lookup Arrest Records in McLennan County
Sheriff's Office Open Records Request
McLennan County Case Index Search