Tyler County Public Records / Tyler County Arrest Records

Tyler County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Tyler County in 2026

TylerRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Tyler County, Texas. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, criminal charge details, and inmate roster entries. All information is subject to applicable legal restrictions and may not reflect the most current case status.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Tyler County Sheriff's Office, the Tyler County District Clerk, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and online public access terminals maintained by county and state agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Tyler County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster that members of the public may access to review individuals currently held in the county jail. The roster is updated regularly and includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond information. Members of the public may visit the Tyler County Sheriff's Office official website to access available inmate information.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Woodville Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Tyler County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information may be obtained by contacting the department directly. The department processes public records requests in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Tyler County District Clerk maintains criminal case records associated with arrests processed through the county court system. Members of the public may search case records by defendant name to locate court cases linked to specific arrests. The Tyler County District Clerk office provides access to case index information at the courthouse.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains the Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC) and provides criminal history record searches through its Crime Records Service. A name-based criminal history search is available to the public for a fee of $3.00 per search when submitted online. Fingerprint-based searches, which provide a more complete record, are available for $15.00. The state repository includes arrests from all jurisdictions within Texas.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Tyler County Sheriff's Office
1002 W. Bluff St.
Woodville, TX 75979
Phone: (409) 283-2172
Tyler County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public requesting records in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Standard copy fees apply per page as established under Texas law.

Police Departments:

Woodville Police Department
301 N. Charlton St.
Woodville, TX 75979
Phone: (409) 283-2101

Records requests submitted to the Woodville Police Department must comply with the procedures established under Texas Government Code § 552. Requestors should submit written requests identifying the specific records sought.

Clerk of Court:

Tyler County District Clerk
100 W. Bluff St., Suite 300
Woodville, TX 75979
Phone: (409) 283-2162
Tyler County District Clerk

The District Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Criminal case files are available for inspection during regular business hours. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act.

By Mail:

Written requests submitted by mail to the Tyler County Sheriff's Office should be addressed to 1002 W. Bluff St., Woodville, TX 75979. Each request should include the full legal name of the subject, the date of arrest if known, the booking number if available, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time varies based on the volume of requests received.

By Phone:

The Tyler County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (409) 283-2172 for general inquiries regarding inmate status. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not provided by phone and requestors may be directed to submit a written public records request or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record in pending criminal matters may obtain records through the discovery process. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and protective orders.

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)
Location of arrest (which jurisdiction)

Are Arrest Records Public in Tyler County

Arrest records in Tyler County are public records under Texas law. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.001, government information is presumed to be available to the public, and each governmental body shall make its information available for public inspection and copying. Arrest records serve the purposes of government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and legal proceedings.

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 including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Texas Family Code)
Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
Active investigation information that would interfere with law enforcement
Undercover officer identities
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
Witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Texas Constitution and the Texas Public Information Act establish the 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 privacy interests require that access to certain categories of information be restricted, particularly where disclosure could harm individuals who were arrested but not convicted.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

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

Restrictions on Use:

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check companies must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. An important distinction exists between arrest records and conviction records: an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and reliance on arrest records alone in employment decisions may give rise to legal liability under applicable state and federal law.

What's in Tyler County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in disclosure)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, or other)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Texas Penal Code statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification as felony or misdemeanor with applicable degree or class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Release date and time if released
Release conditions if made public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

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

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Tyler County is governed by the Texas Public Information Act and applicable county fee schedules. Under current law, standard copy fees apply to records provided in paper format, and agencies may charge for the labor and overhead costs associated with producing records.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.10 per page (standard rate under Texas law)
Certified copies	$1.00 per page (certification fee may apply)
Electronic records	May be provided at no charge or at reduced cost
State criminal history search (name-based)	$3.00 per search (Texas DPS)
State criminal history search (fingerprint-based)	$15.00 per search (Texas DPS)
Inspection of records (in person)	No charge for inspection only

Accepted payment methods at the Tyler County Sheriff's Office and District Clerk's office include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective agency.
Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests determined to primarily benefit the public interest, as provided under the Texas Public Information Act.
Fees may vary depending on the office processing the request and the format in which records are provided.
The Texas Attorney General's Office provides guidance on permissible charges for public information.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Tyler County

In Texas, the legal mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access are expunction (legal erasure) and nondisclosure (sealing from public access but not destroyed). These two remedies are distinct in their effect and eligibility requirements.

Expunction results in the physical destruction or return of arrest records held by all agencies involved in the arrest, prosecution, and related proceedings. Following a successful expunction under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, the individual may legally deny that the arrest occurred. Expunction is available in circumstances including:

Arrest for a felony or misdemeanor where charges were never filed
Charges that were filed but subsequently dismissed
Acquittal at trial (not guilty verdict)
Conviction that was later overturned on appeal
Certain juvenile offenses
Completion of a deferred adjudication for a Class C misdemeanor

Nondisclosure seals records from public view but does not destroy them. Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records. Nondisclosure is available to individuals who successfully completed deferred adjudication community supervision for certain offenses and who meet applicable waiting periods.

Steps to Pursue Expunction or Nondisclosure:

Determine eligibility based on the outcome of the case and applicable waiting periods
Obtain a copy of the criminal history record from the Texas Department of Public Safety to confirm the charges and disposition
File a Petition for Expunction or a Petition for Nondisclosure in the district court of the county where the arrest occurred
Serve all relevant agencies named in the petition
Attend the court hearing and obtain a signed order from the judge
Provide certified copies of the court order to all agencies listed in the order

Tyler County District Clerk (for filing petitions):

Tyler County District Clerk
100 W. Bluff St., Suite 300
Woodville, TX 75979
Phone: (409) 283-2162
Tyler County District Clerk

Filing fees for expunction petitions vary and are set by the court. Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may seek assistance from the Texas Legal Services Center or contact the State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service for a referral to a licensed attorney.

What Happens After Arrest in Tyler County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Tyler County, the arrested individual is transported to the Tyler County Jail located at 1002 W. Bluff St., Woodville, TX 75979. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Tyler County Jail, the booking process begins. This process typically takes between one and four hours depending on the volume of individuals being processed. The booking process includes:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted for criminal history check
Outstanding warrants check through state and federal databases
Personal property inventoried and stored
Medical and mental health screening
Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Texas law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 48 hours after arrest. At the initial appearance, the magistrate:

Formally notifies the individual of the charges
Advises the individual of the right to appointed counsel if indigent
Sets bond or bail
Issues any applicable magistrate's orders

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the Tyler County Sheriff's Office or the court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus any applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: The defendant engages a licensed bail bondsman who posts the full bond amount. The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which in Texas is set at 10% of the bond amount. The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear without payment of money. Eligibility is based on ties to the community, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.

No Bond: The court may deny bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violations of probation or parole, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted: Processing for release following bond payment typically takes between one and eight hours. Upon release, the individual receives personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any required court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.

If Bond Not Posted: The individual remains in custody at the Tyler County Jail, receives a housing assignment, and is informed of jail rules, commissary account procedures, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender: Tyler County provides appointed counsel to indigent defendants through the court appointment process. Eligibility is determined based on financial information provided at the initial appearance.

Tyler County District Attorney's Office
100 W. Bluff St.
Woodville, TX 75979
Phone: (409) 283-2162

Private Attorney: Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys practicing in criminal defense.

Charging Decision:

The Tyler County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may file charges by information (for misdemeanors) or seek a grand jury indictment (for felonies). The prosecutor may also decline to prosecute, request additional investigation, or file different charges than those listed at booking.

Arraignment: At arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest). Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment to preserve time for case review and negotiation.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase: The pretrial phase includes discovery, during which the prosecution and defense exchange evidence including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may be filed to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address other legal issues.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, or mental health court programs that result in dismissal upon successful completion
Plea Agreement: Defendant accepts a negotiated plea to agreed charges with a recommended sentence
Trial: Jury trial or bench trial resulting in a verdict of guilty or not guilty

Sentencing (if convicted): The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to magistrate appearance: Within 48 hours
Arraignment: Days to weeks following charging
Misdemeanor resolution: Typically weeks to several months
Felony resolution: Typically several months to over one year
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 10 of the Texas Constitution

Rights Throughout Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy and public trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Tyler County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
1002 W. Bluff St.
Woodville, TX 75979
Phone: (409) 283-2172
Tyler County Sheriff's Office

Tyler County District Clerk
100 W. Bluff St., Suite 300
Woodville, TX 75979
Phone: (409) 283-2162
Tyler County District Clerk

Tyler County District Attorney's Office
100 W. Bluff St.
Woodville, TX 75979
Phone: (409) 283-2162

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 applicable
Attend all required court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of bond or release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Tyler County?

Records Retention Overview:

The retention of arrest records in Tyler County is governed by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission records retention schedules and applicable state law. Under current law, local government records retention schedules establish minimum periods for which records must be maintained before authorized destruction.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions: Arrest and booking records associated with felony convictions are retained permanently by the Tyler County Sheriff's Office, the Tyler County District Clerk, the Texas Department of Public Safety criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). These records form part of the individual's permanent criminal history.

Misdemeanor Convictions: Records associated with misdemeanor convictions are retained permanently at the state repository level. Local law enforcement and court records are retained in accordance with the applicable Texas State Library and Archives Commission retention schedule, which for many misdemeanor case files requires retention for a minimum of ten years following case closure.

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges: Arrest records associated with dismissed charges may remain in local law enforcement databases and the state repository unless the subject obtains an expunction order. Court records for dismissed cases are retained in accordance with the applicable retention schedule and may remain accessible unless sealed or expunged.

Acquittals (Not Guilty): Records of arrests resulting in acquittal at trial remain in court records, which are often retained permanently. The subject may be eligible to petition for expunction of these records under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55.

Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests where no charges were filed are subject to shorter retention periods at the local level. Individuals in this category are among those most clearly eligible for expunction under Texas law.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained in accordance with the applicable records retention schedule. Physical evidence retention varies based on case outcome and the nature of the offense.

Digital Records: Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records, records management system entries, and electronic court records are often retained for longer periods than their physical counterparts. Electronic court records are frequently maintained permanently.

Third-Party Databases: Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and destruction requirements as government agencies. These entities are required to maintain accuracy under the Fair Credit Reporting Act but may not update records promptly following expunction or dismissal.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office: The Tyler County Sheriff's Office retains booking records, arrest reports, and investigative files in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission Local Schedule PS (Public Safety Records).

Tyler County Sheriff's Office
1002 W. Bluff St.
Woodville, TX 75979
Phone: (409) 283-2172
Tyler County Sheriff's Office

Clerk of Court: Criminal case files for felony matters are retained permanently by the Tyler County District Clerk. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum period established by the applicable retention schedule. Electronic records are maintained permanently in most instances.

State Repository: The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains criminal history records for all arrests reported by Texas law enforcement agencies. The Texas DPS Crime Records Service retains records in accordance with state law and updates records to reflect expunctions and nondisclosure orders when certified copies of court orders are received.

FBI Database: The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records that are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide. Federal retention is typically permanent. These records are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal security clearances and in firearms purchase background checks conducted through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expunction. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks but the arrest record itself may appear.

Expungement: Following a valid expunction order, local agencies are required to destroy or return records. The Texas DPS updates the state repository. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expunction. The timeframe for removal from all systems varies.

No Charges Filed: These records have the shortest typical retention period and are among the most clearly eligible for expunction under Texas law.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, most consumer reporting agencies limit employment background check reporting to seven years for arrests not resulting in conviction. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Texas law does not currently impose a statewide "ban the box" requirement on private employers, though certain jurisdictions and employers have adopted fair chance hiring policies.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Tyler County Sheriff's Records Division at (409) 283-2172 or submit a written public records request to the Tyler County District Clerk at 100 W. Bluff St., Suite 300, Woodville, TX 75979. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests.