Hood County Public Records / Hood County Arrest Records

Hood County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hood County

Arrest records in Hood County, Texas are generally considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code § 552). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including arrest records, are available to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The Texas Public Information Act operates under the principle that the public has a right to information about governmental affairs. Pursuant to this legislation, records of arrests made by the Hood County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the county are accessible to members of the public upon proper request.

It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. These records exist regardless of whether charges were filed or the individual was convicted.
Conviction records document that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through a court proceeding.

Under Texas law, both types of records are generally public, though certain exceptions may apply. The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division maintains the state's criminal history record information and establishes policies for access to these records in accordance with Texas Government Code § 411.083.

What's in Hood County Arrest Records

Hood 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 components:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Home address
Driver's license number
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Reason for arrest
Use of force information (if applicable)

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance violated
Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
Charge severity (Class A, B, C misdemeanor or first, second, third-degree felony)
Case number

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date issued
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking facility
Booking officer
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status
Information on bail bonds and fines

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Scheduled court appearances
Court case number

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Expected release date (if applicable)
Facility housing the individual

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation/parole status
Immigration holds
Medical alerts
Special housing requirements

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Records maintained by the Hood County Jail contain information pertinent to the detention and processing of individuals following arrest.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Hood County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Hood County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:

Submit an Open Records Request to the Hood County Sheriff's Office
- Complete the official open records request form available through the Hood County Sheriff's Open Records Request portal
- Provide specific information about the record being requested (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Submit the request via email, mail, or in person
Hood County Sheriff's Office
400 Deputy Larry Miller Dr.
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3307
Hood County Sheriff's Office
Visit the Hood County Courthouse
- Request arrest records in person at the County Clerk's Office
- Provide identification and complete the necessary request forms
- Pay applicable fees for record searches and copies
Hood County Clerk's Office
100 E. Pearl St., Room 202
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3290
Hood County Clerk
Contact the Hood County District Clerk
- For arrest records related to felony cases or district court proceedings
- Submit a written request specifying the information needed
Hood County District Clerk
100 E. Pearl St., Room 204
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3233
Hood County District Clerk
Request Records from the Texas Department of Public Safety
- For statewide criminal history information that includes Hood County arrests
- Submit requests through the Texas DPS Criminal History Search
- Pay the required fee for record searches

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information in response to proper requests. The standard timeframe for response is within 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time.

How To Find Hood County Arrest Records Online

Hood County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. The following methods allow for electronic retrieval of arrest information:

Hood County Sheriff's Office Website
- Visit the Hood County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Jail" section
- Access current inmate information and recent arrest data
- View bond information for individuals currently in custody
Hood County Court Records Portal
- Access the Hood County District Clerk's Records Portal
- Search by name, case number, or other identifiers
- View case information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings
- Note that this system primarily contains court records rather than initial arrest information
Texas Department of Public Safety Online Services
- Utilize the Texas DPS Criminal History Name Search
- Create an account or log in as a guest user
- Pay the required fee for each search
- Receive information about arrests and dispositions reported to the state repository
Third-Party Websites
- Various commercial websites aggregate public record information
- These sites may charge fees for access
- Information may not be as current or complete as official government sources
- Exercise caution when using third-party services, as they are not officially affiliated with Hood County government

When searching for arrest records online, users should be prepared to provide specific identifying information about the subject of the search, such as full name and date of birth. Many online systems require the creation of user accounts and payment of fees for comprehensive record searches.

How To Search Hood County Arrest Records for Free?

Hood County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without payment through several available channels:

Hood County Sheriff's Office Current Inmate Roster
- The Hood County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible list of current inmates
- This information is available at no cost and is updated regularly
- Provides basic information about individuals currently in custody, including charges and bond amounts
Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse
- Visit the Hood County Courthouse during regular business hours
- Use the public access computer terminals in the Clerk's Office
- Search basic case information related to arrests at no charge
- Note that printing documents may incur fees
Hood County Courthouse
100 E. Pearl St.
Granbury, TX 76048
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Attend Court Proceedings
- Court hearings in Hood County are generally open to the public
- Observe arraignments, preliminary hearings, and trials
- Obtain information about arrests and charges through direct observation
- Check the court docket posted at the courthouse for scheduled proceedings
Review Published Jail Logs
- Local newspapers and media outlets often publish recent arrest information
- These publications may be available at public libraries or online
- Provide basic information about recent arrests in Hood County
Public Information Requests for Specific Records
- Submit targeted requests for specific arrest records
- While copying fees may apply, narrowly defined requests for personal records may be fulfilled with minimal or no charges
- Cite Texas Government Code § 552.261 regarding charges for public information

It is important to note that while basic arrest information may be available at no cost, comprehensive criminal history reports typically require payment of statutory fees. Additionally, free resources may not provide complete historical arrest records or detailed case information.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Hood County

Under Texas law, individuals may have options for limiting public access to their arrest records through processes known as expunction (legal erasure) or record sealing (restricting public access). These remedies are governed by specific statutory provisions and require formal legal procedures.

Expunction (Complete Removal)

Expunction is authorized under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 and provides for the complete removal of arrest records from public and law enforcement databases. To qualify for expunction in Hood County:

The arrest did not result in a final conviction
The case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal
The statute of limitations has expired (for cases where charges were never filed)
The individual received a pardon

Steps to pursue expunction:

File a Petition for Expunction with the Hood County District Court
Pay the required filing fee (approximately $300)
Attend the scheduled court hearing
If granted, obtain the Order of Expunction and ensure distribution to all agencies

Record Sealing (Order of Nondisclosure)

Record sealing is governed by Texas Government Code Chapter 411 and allows certain records to remain available to law enforcement but restricts public access. This option may be available when:

The individual successfully completed deferred adjudication
The offense qualifies under statutory provisions
The waiting period (typically 2-5 years depending on offense) has elapsed
The individual has no disqualifying criminal history

Steps to pursue record sealing:

File a Petition for Order of Nondisclosure with the court that handled the original case
Pay the required filing fee
Provide notice to the prosecuting attorney
Attend the scheduled court hearing

Both processes require careful adherence to statutory requirements and procedural rules. Due to the legal complexities involved, many individuals seek assistance from attorneys specializing in criminal record remediation. The Hood County District Clerk's Office can provide the necessary forms and information about filing procedures, but cannot offer legal advice regarding eligibility or likelihood of success.

What Happens After Arrest in Hood County?

Following an arrest in Hood County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases:

Booking and Processing
- Upon arrival at the Hood County Jail, arrestees undergo booking
- This process includes fingerprinting, photographing, personal property inventory, and medical screening
- Basic identifying information and arrest details are entered into law enforcement databases
Magistration (Initial Appearance)
- Within 48 hours of arrest, individuals appear before a magistrate
- The magistrate informs the arrestee of charges, rights to counsel, and right to remain silent
- Bail is set according to Hood County bail schedules and individual case factors
- For some minor offenses, individuals may be released on personal recognizance
Bail Determination and Possible Release
- Bail amounts are established based on offense severity, flight risk, and public safety considerations
- Individuals may post bail through cash payment, property bonds, or commercial bail bond services
- Those unable to secure release remain in custody at the Hood County Jail
Formal Charging
- For misdemeanors: The County Attorney files information in County Court
- For felonies: The District Attorney presents evidence to a grand jury seeking indictment
- Charging decisions must typically be made within 30 days for misdemeanors and 90 days for felonies if the defendant remains in custody
Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges in the court of jurisdiction
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Court dates are established for subsequent proceedings
Pre-Trial Proceedings
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pre-trial motions addressing evidence, procedure, and constitutional issues
- Plea negotiations may occur throughout this phase
Trial or Plea Resolution
- Cases may be resolved through negotiated plea agreements
- Defendants have the right to trial by jury or bench trial (judge only)
- Trials follow Texas rules of evidence and criminal procedure
Sentencing (If Convicted)
- Sentences may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, or combinations thereof
- Sentencing hearings may be separate from the determination of guilt
- Victims may provide impact statements at sentencing
Post-Conviction Remedies
- Convicted individuals have the right to appeal within specified timeframes
- Post-conviction writs may be filed challenging the legality of conviction or sentence
- In appropriate cases, individuals may later seek record sealing or expunction

Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights to counsel, due process, and protection against self-incrimination. The Hood County courts, including the County Court at Law and the 355th District Court, administer these proceedings in accordance with Texas law and judicial procedures.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Hood County?

Arrest records in Hood County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the authority of Texas Local Government Code § 203. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various categories of records, including those related to arrests and criminal cases.

The primary retention requirements for arrest records in Hood County include:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Maintained for a minimum of 5 years after the arrest date
Investigation Records: Retained for at least 5 years for misdemeanors and 10 years for felonies
Fingerprint Cards and Photographs: Permanently maintained unless expunged by court order
Incident Reports: Kept for a minimum of 5 years from the report date
Jail Records: Maintained for 5 years after release or transfer of inmates

These retention periods represent minimum requirements. In practice, many law enforcement agencies in Hood County maintain records for longer periods, particularly for serious offenses. Digital records management systems have facilitated the indefinite retention of many categories of criminal justice records.

Different agencies within Hood County may have varying retention practices:

The Hood County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to law enforcement retention schedules
The Hood County Clerk maintains court records related to criminal cases according to judicial records retention schedules
The Hood County District Clerk preserves felony case records permanently

It is important to note that even after the official retention period expires, information about arrests may persist in various databases, background check systems, and third-party information services. The only definitive way to remove arrest records from all systems is through a court-ordered expunction pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.02.

How to Find Mugshots in Hood County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the criminal justice system. In Hood County, mugshots are captured as part of standard booking procedures at the Hood County Jail.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots taken in Hood County are primarily maintained by:

The Hood County Sheriff's Office as part of arrest and booking records
The Texas Department of Public Safety in the statewide criminal history repository
Electronic jail management systems used by Hood County correctional facilities

Finding Mugshots

Individuals seeking mugshots from Hood County arrests may utilize several methods:

Submit an Open Records Request
- File a formal request through the Hood County Sheriff's Open Records Request process
- Specify the individual's name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and reproduction
Visit the Hood County Sheriff's Office
- Request mugshots in person at the records division
- Provide identification and complete necessary request forms
- Pay established fees for document reproduction
Hood County Sheriff's Office
400 Deputy Larry Miller Dr.
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3307
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Request Criminal History Information
- Submit a request to the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service
- Complete the required forms and pay the statutory fee
- Receive comprehensive criminal history information that may include mugshots

Can They Be Found Online

The Hood County Sheriff's Office does not currently maintain a public-facing online database of mugshots. While some Texas counties publish current inmate rosters with photographs, Hood County has adopted a more restrictive approach to online mugshot publication. This policy aligns with growing concerns about the impact of online mugshot publication on privacy and presumption of innocence.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method for obtaining official mugshots is through formal public information requests submitted to the Hood County Sheriff's Office. These requests must:

Be submitted in writing (email, mail, or in person)
Clearly identify the specific records being requested
Include sufficient information to locate the relevant records

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:

If the arrest record has been expunged or sealed by court order
If the release would interfere with an ongoing investigation
If the individual was a juvenile at the time of arrest
If disclosure would violate federal law (such as HIPAA protections)

Additionally, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 62.005 places specific restrictions on the publication of mugshots for certain categories of offenders. Law enforcement agencies must balance public information requirements with privacy considerations when responding to mugshot requests.