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  1. El Paso County Court
  2. El Paso County Arrest Records

El Paso County, Texas Arrest Records

In El Paso County, Texas, law enforcement agencies (such as the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office or the El Paso Police Department) create arrest records whenever they detain and book an individual, following established procedures. These records document the details of the incident and generally include the inmate’s identifying information, booking details, and custodial status.

The Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552) presumes arrest records are open to the public unless a statutory exception applies, supporting transparency, accountability, and informed oversight of law enforcement operations.

While basic arrest records are public, statewide criminal history (CHRI) is governed by Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which restricts access. CHRI is confidential and accessible to authorized entities, such as law enforcement and courts. Unauthorized access or disclosure is a criminal offense under Section 411.085.

Are Arrest Records Public Information in El Paso, Texas?

Yes, arrest records in El Paso County are generally considered public under the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), as outlined in Texas Government Code, Chapter 552. The TPIA grants public access to government records, including arrest records, while establishing rules for disclosure. Section 552.108, the "Law Enforcement Exception," allows police to withhold sensitive investigative details but requires the release of basic information (or "front-page" information) about an arrest. 

While the fact of an arrest is public, certain details may be redacted, such as:

  • Pending Investigations: Under Section 552.108(a)(1), law enforcement can withhold records if their release would interfere with an active investigation or prosecution, including internal memos, witness statements, and evidence.
  • Information Protected by Privacy Laws: Section 552.101 protects highly personal or sensitive information, such as medical records or details of sexual assault, and requires redacting personal identifiers like Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and home addresses to prevent identity theft or harassment.
  • Informant Identity: The "informer's privilege" permits the concealment of the identities of individuals who provide information about legal violations.
  • Sealed and Expunged Records: Records that are expunged or sealed are not public and are either destroyed or legally unavailable for release.
  • Juvenile Records: These are generally not public due to additional privacy protections under Texas Family Code, Section 58.007, covering arrests of individuals under 17.

El Paso County Arrest Search

Accessing arrest information in El Paso County involves different methods, depending on the type of offense and the individual's status. For records beyond the county level, such as statewide convictions, the TxDPS Criminal History Search is the primary resource, covering arrests and convictions from all 254 Texas counties. The public site allows name-based searches for most Class B misdemeanors and felonies, incurring around $1.00 per search, and requires users to create an account to access results.

Federal arrests, including those for crimes on federal land or immigration offenses, are not included in state or local databases. To find federal criminal cases in El Paso, use PACER, which charges $0.10 per page (with fees waived for usage under $30.00 per quarter). Additionally, the FBI Identity History Summary, or "Rap Sheet," is a fingerprint-based check costing $18.00 and provides a comprehensive report on federal and many state-level arrests.

El Paso County Inmate Locator

The fastest way to find someone currently in custody or recently arrested is through the El Paso County Case Records Search Portal. Use the “Jail Records” or “Jail Bond Records” section to view booking numbers and dates, charges, bond amounts, and status, and the facility location (Downtown Jail or Jail Annex).

For arrests that resulted in court proceedings, use the Criminal Case Records search on the same portal. Search by the defendant's name,  case number, citation number, or attorney's name to view case outcomes, including convictions, dismissals, or pending status.

Individuals may also reach out to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office by phone or by visiting in person at:

3850 Justice Drive,

El Paso, 

TX 79938

Phone: (915) 538-2292.

For inmate information or general jail-related inquiries in El Paso County, the public may contact the Downtown Detention Facility at (915) 546-2212 or, if applicable, the Annex Detention Facility at (915) 856-4802.

Active Warrant Search in El Paso County

An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate authorizing law enforcement to take a person into custody. In El Paso County, a judge or magistrate issues a warrant after reviewing a sworn affidavit from law enforcement or a prosecutor that establishes probable cause. 

Under Article 15.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, a valid arrest warrant must:

  • Be issued in the name of “The State of Texas.”
  • Specify the person to be arrested (or describe them if unknown).
  • State that the person is accused of an offense and name the offense.
  • Be signed by the magistrate, with the magistrate’s office identified.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO) Warrants Unit oversees the processing and service of warrants. Individuals can check for an active warrant in El Paso County by going in person to the Sheriff’s Office or by contacting the courthouse that issued the warrant. However, appearing in person may result in immediate arrest if a warrant is active. Alternatively, a criminal defense attorney can verify whether a warrant exists, confirm its current status, and may be able to coordinate a voluntary surrender, which could help secure a lower bond.

How to Find Arrest Records for Free in El Paso County

In El Paso County, arrest records are generally public under the Texas Public Information Act, though access may involve redactions, delays, or copy fees. The main free resource is the El Paso County Case Records Search, which provides jail records (current and past bookings, charges, bond amounts, case status) and criminal case dispositions for District and County courts. 

If online results are insufficient, record seekers can use free public access terminals at the El Paso County District Clerk's Office or El Paso County Clerk's Office during business hours, located within the main county courthouse complex at: 

500 E. San Antonio Avenue,

El Paso, 

TX 79901 

Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

City-level offenses, including Class C misdemeanors and traffic warrants, may not appear there and instead must be searched through the El Paso Municipal Court Public Access Portal, where records before January 1, 2006, are purged. Individuals may also submit written public information requests to the appropriate agency, which typically responds within approximately 10 business days. However, the agency may redact exempt information and charge reasonable copy fees. 

Even when access is free, results are often summary-only. Supporting documents may cost extra or take time; some records (such as juvenile or active investigations) are withheld, and older files may require an in-person request.

El Paso County Arrest Report

Arrest records and arrest reports are often used interchangeably, but are distinct. An arrest record is an administrative, data-focused entry maintained by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and District/County Clerks. It lists key details, such as the inmate's name, mugshot, arrest info, charges, bond, and case number (with minimal or no narrative). These records are generally public and appear in background checks.

An arrest report is the detailed, first-hand account of the arrest written by the officer. Maintained by the arresting agency, it includes probable cause, officer observations, witness statements, evidence, and the reasoning for the arrest. It is highly narrative and typically restricted from public access while the case is active. To access an arrest report, individuals should submit a Public Information Act (PIA) request to the arresting agency. The public should be aware that sensitive details may be redacted.

How to Get an Arrest Record Expunged in El Paso County

In El Paso County, arrest records can be addressed through Expunction (permanent deletion) or Nondisclosure (sealing). Eligibility depends on the outcome of the case and statutory time requirements.

Expunction (Permanent Deletion)

Individuals may qualify for expunction if they:

  • Were acquitted
  • Had charges dismissed without probation (except most Class C misdemeanors)
  • Were not indicted by a grand jury
  • Were arrested without charges
  • Completed a Class C deferred disposition
  • Received a pardon or qualify under an identity-theft exemption.

Unless waived by the District Attorney, eligible persons must wait before filing for expunction: 180 days for Class C misdemeanors, 1 year for Class A or B misdemeanors, and 3 years for felonies.

Expunction Process:

  • Draft a Petition for Expunction in compliance with Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, including all required statutory elements.
  • File the petition with the El Paso District Clerk.
  • Pay applicable filing fees.
  • Attend a court hearing where the judge reviews the petition.
  • If granted, the judge signs the Order for Expunction, which must be sent to all relevant agencies (police, sheriff, DPS) to destroy the records.

Order of Nondisclosure (Sealing Records)

If expunction is unavailable, commonly due to deferred adjudication for Class A/B misdemeanors or felonies, an individual may request a nondisclosure order. Nondisclosure seals the record from the public but remains visible to law enforcement and licensing authorities. Most offenses qualify after successful completion of probation, except certain violent crimes. Waiting periods are typically immediate or 2 years for some misdemeanors, and 5 years for felonies.

Nondisclosure Process:

  • File a Petition for Nondisclosure in the court that handled the original case (County Court for misdemeanors, District Court for felonies). Include arrest details (from the Texas Department of Public Safety) and court disposition documents (from the El Paso County Clerk) to show completion of your sentence.
  • Pay applicable filing fees.
  • Unlike expunctions, the clerk notifies the State, and the prosecutor has 45 days to request a hearing if they wish to contest the petition.
  • The court must determine that sealing the record serves the interests of justice.

How Do You Remove El Paso County Arrest Records From the Internet?

Removing El Paso County arrest records from the internet begins with obtaining an expunction or nondisclosure order from the court. Once the order is granted, it must be sent to all agencies that maintain the records, including the police, sheriff, and Texas DPS, so they can destroy or seal them. Texas law requires private background check companies and certain data brokers to remove the individual’s information from their databases once they receive notice. 

However, some mugshot websites or search engines may still display the record, requiring the individual or their attorney to send a certified copy of the order, which many sites will remove to comply with Texas privacy laws.

What Do Public El Paso County Arrest Records Contain?

The Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) makes certain basic arrest details public unless a specific legal exemption applies. A public arrest record typically includes:

  • The Subject's identification:
    • full name
    • Age
    • Gender
    • Date of birth
    • Physical description
    • Mugshot  
  •  Arrest and Booking Details: 
    • Booking number 
    • Arrest date and time 
    • Arresting agency 
  • Charge and Legal Status
    • Offense(s) charged
    • Bond/Bail amount
    • Warrant Information (whether the arrest resulted from an existing warrant or a probable cause on-site arrest) 
  • Custody Status:
    • Detention facility 
    • Release date (if applicable)
  • Case Status: 
    • Court case number 
    • Current status (pending, dismissed, or resolved)
    • Scheduled court dates.