Grayson County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Grayson County
Arrest records in Grayson County are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code § 552). This statute establishes that government records, including those related to arrests, are presumed to be open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act operates under the principle that citizens are entitled to complete information about governmental affairs and official acts of public officials and employees.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. 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 crime through the judicial process. Under Texas law, both arrest and conviction records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains policies regarding the dissemination of criminal history record information in accordance with Texas Government Code § 411.083, which governs the dissemination of criminal history record information. While some states restrict access to arrest records that did not result in conviction, Texas generally allows access to complete criminal history information, including arrests that did not lead to conviction.
What's in Grayson County Arrest Records
Arrest records in Grayson County contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies. 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
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, infraction)
- Charge severity (degree/level)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
- Warrant status
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing facility
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Facility where detained
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history
- Probation/parole status at time of arrest
- Immigration status or holds
- Protective orders
- Risk assessment scores
- Special custody requirements
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency, the nature of the offense, and the information systems used by Grayson County law enforcement agencies.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Grayson County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Grayson County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains systems that allow for both in-person and remote access to these public records.
To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Grayson County Sheriff's Office
200 S. Crockett Street
Sherman, TX 75090
(903) 813-4200
Grayson County Sheriff's Office
The following steps are recommended for obtaining arrest records:
- Complete a public information request form, which is available at the Sheriff's Office or can be downloaded from the county website.
- Provide specific information about the record being sought, including the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay any applicable fees for record searches and copies. Fees are established pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, which allows governmental bodies to charge reasonable fees for providing public information.
- Allow processing time, which typically ranges from 5-10 business days depending on the complexity of the request and current workload.
Written requests may also be submitted by mail to the Sheriff's Office address listed above. Requests should include the requestor's contact information, specific details about the records being sought, and a check or money order for applicable fees.
For expedited service, the Grayson County District Clerk's Office provides access to court records related to arrests:
Grayson County District Clerk
100 W. Houston Street
Sherman, TX 75090
(903) 813-4300
Grayson County District Clerk
The District Clerk's office maintains records of criminal cases filed in the district courts, which may include information about arrests that led to formal charges.
How To Find Grayson County Arrest Records Online
Grayson County provides digital access to certain arrest records through several online platforms. These electronic resources offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests.
The primary online resource for Grayson County arrest records is the county's inmate search portal, accessible through the Sheriff's Office website. This database is updated regularly and allows searches by name, booking number, or other identifiers.
To search for arrest records online:
- Visit the Grayson County Sheriff's Office website.
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Records" section.
- Enter the required search criteria (typically name and/or date of birth).
- Review the results, which generally include basic arrest information and current custody status.
For more comprehensive criminal history information, the Texas Department of Public Safety offers a statewide criminal history search through its Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) system. This service requires payment of a fee and is available at the Texas DPS Crime Records Service website.
Additionally, the Grayson County District Clerk's Office provides online access to court records through its case search portal. While this system focuses on court proceedings rather than arrests specifically, it contains information about criminal cases that originated from arrests within the county.
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete arrest records, particularly for recent arrests or sealed/expunged records. For the most comprehensive and current information, direct contact with the Sheriff's Office or District Clerk is recommended.
How To Search Grayson County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Grayson County arrest records without incurring fees. These free resources provide basic information about arrests and inmate status.
The Grayson County Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate lookup tool on its website. This resource allows the public to search for currently incarcerated individuals and those recently released from custody. The information provided typically includes:
- Arrestee name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond amount
- Next court date
- Current custody status
To access this free resource:
- Visit the Grayson County Sheriff's Office website
- Locate the "Inmate Search" function
- Enter the individual's name in the search field
- Review the results displayed
Another free option is to visit the Grayson County District Clerk's Office in person to review public terminals that provide access to court records. These terminals are available during regular business hours at:
Grayson County District Clerk
100 W. Houston Street
Sherman, TX 75090
(903) 813-4300
Grayson County District Clerk
The Texas Judicial Branch website also offers a free public court case search that includes criminal cases from participating counties, including some information from Grayson County.
While these free resources provide basic arrest information, they may not include complete arrest records or historical data. For comprehensive criminal history information, fee-based services through the Texas Department of Public Safety may be necessary.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Grayson County
In Texas, including Grayson County, individuals may have options to remove arrest records from public access through processes known as expunction (complete removal) or non-disclosure (sealing). These legal remedies are governed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 for expunctions and Texas Government Code Chapter 411 for non-disclosure orders.
Expunction completely removes arrest records from all government databases and allows individuals to legally deny the arrest ever occurred. Non-disclosure, by contrast, seals records from public view but maintains them for access by law enforcement and certain government agencies.
Eligibility for expunction in Grayson County typically requires one of the following conditions:
- The arrest did not lead to a formal charge
- The charge was dismissed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The individual was pardoned
- The individual completed certain deferred adjudication programs for specific misdemeanors
To pursue expunction or non-disclosure in Grayson County:
- Determine eligibility based on case outcome and statutory waiting periods
- File a petition with the appropriate court (typically the court where the case was handled)
- Pay the required filing fees
- Attend a hearing if scheduled by the court
- If granted, ensure the order is distributed to all agencies holding records
The petition must be filed with the Grayson County District Clerk:
Grayson County District Clerk
100 W. Houston Street
Sherman, TX 75090
(903) 813-4300
Grayson County District Clerk
Due to the complex legal requirements and potential consequences, individuals seeking expunction or non-disclosure are strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney familiar with Texas record clearing laws. The Grayson County Bar Association can provide referrals to qualified attorneys.
What Happens After Arrest in Grayson County?
Following an arrest in Grayson County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases. Understanding this process helps contextualize how arrest records are created and maintained.
The post-arrest process typically proceeds as follows:
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Booking and Processing: Upon arrival at the Grayson County Jail, arrestees undergo booking, which includes fingerprinting, photographing, personal property inventory, and basic health screening. This information becomes part of the arrest record.
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Magistration: Within 48 hours of arrest, individuals appear before a magistrate judge who informs them of charges, advises them of their rights, and sets bail if applicable. This hearing is documented in court records associated with the arrest.
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Bail Determination: The magistrate sets bail based on factors including charge severity, flight risk, and public safety considerations. Individuals may be released upon posting bail or on personal recognizance depending on circumstances.
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Case Filing: The arresting agency forwards case information to the Grayson County District Attorney's Office, which determines whether to file formal charges. The District Attorney may:
- File charges as presented by law enforcement
- File different charges based on evidence review
- Decline to prosecute (resulting in case dismissal)
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Arraignment: If charges are filed, defendants appear in court for formal notification of charges and enter an initial plea. This occurs in either Grayson County Court at Law for misdemeanors or District Court for felonies.
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Pre-trial Proceedings: This phase may include discovery, motion hearings, and plea negotiations. Cases may be resolved through dismissal, diversion programs, or plea agreements.
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Trial: If no resolution is reached, the case proceeds to trial, either before a judge (bench trial) or jury. The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Sentencing: Upon conviction, the court imposes penalties which may include incarceration, probation, fines, or alternative sanctions.
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Appeals: Convicted individuals have the right to appeal verdicts or sentences to higher courts within specified timeframes.
Throughout this process, records are generated and maintained by various agencies including the Sheriff's Office, District Attorney, and courts. These records collectively form the comprehensive arrest and case record accessible through the channels previously described.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Grayson County?
Arrest records in Grayson County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under authority granted by Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various types of records, including those related to arrests and criminal investigations.
Under current retention requirements, basic arrest records must be maintained for at least 5 years after the arrest date. However, several factors affect the actual retention period:
- Records related to felony arrests resulting in conviction or deferred adjudication must be maintained for 75 years from the date of disposition.
- Records for misdemeanor arrests resulting in conviction or deferred adjudication must be kept for 20 years from the date of disposition.
- Arrest records for cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal may be eligible for expunction upon petition, but are otherwise retained according to the standard schedule.
- Records involving juveniles are subject to different retention requirements and confidentiality provisions under the Texas Family Code.
Different agencies within Grayson County maintain separate record systems with potentially different retention practices:
- The Grayson County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.
- The District and County Clerks maintain court records related to criminal cases.
- The District Attorney's Office maintains prosecution files.
These retention periods ensure that records remain available for legitimate law enforcement purposes, including investigation of subsequent offenses, background checks for sensitive positions, and statistical analysis. The extended retention of conviction records reflects their ongoing relevance to public safety and criminal justice administration.
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies may contact:
Grayson County Records Management
100 W. Houston Street
Sherman, TX 75090
(903) 813-4311
Grayson County Records Management
How to Find Mugshots in Grayson County
Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered part of the arrest record in Grayson County. These images serve as visual identification of arrested individuals and become part of the official record maintained by law enforcement agencies.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of arrested individuals, taken against a standardized background with identifying information. These photographs are created primarily for law enforcement identification purposes but have historically been treated as public records in Texas.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Grayson County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
Grayson County Sheriff's Office
200 S. Crockett Street
Sherman, TX 75090
(903) 813-4200
Grayson County Sheriff's Office
As the agency responsible for operating the county jail and booking arrestees, the Sheriff's Office is the official custodian of mugshot records.
Finding Mugshots
To obtain official copies of mugshots, individuals may submit a public information request to the Grayson County Sheriff's Office. Requests should include:
- Full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Requestor's contact information
Can They Be Found Online
The Grayson County Sheriff's Office currently provides limited booking information through its online inmate search function, though the availability of mugshots through this system may vary. Third-party websites also aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records, though the accuracy and currency of such information cannot be guaranteed by county officials.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
For verified, official copies of mugshots, individuals should submit requests directly to the Sheriff's Office records division. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through the county's public information request process. Fees may apply for search and reproduction services in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.261.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
While mugshots are generally considered public records in Texas, access may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Records related to ongoing investigations
- Juvenile arrest records
- Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order
- Records subject to specific confidentiality provisions under state law
Recent legislative changes in Texas have also addressed concerns about commercial websites that publish mugshots and charge fees for removal. These reforms reflect evolving standards regarding the balance between public information access and individual privacy interests.