Guadalupe County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Guadalupe County
Arrest records in Guadalupe County are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act, specifically pursuant to § 552.021 of the Texas Government Code. This statute establishes that public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body. The Texas Public Information Act defines public information as information that is collected, assembled, or maintained under a law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by a governmental body or for a governmental body.
It is important for members of the public to understand the distinction 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 criminal offense 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 the state's criminal history record information and establishes policies governing access to these records. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office, maintain their own arrest records in accordance with state regulations and departmental policies.
What's in Guadalupe County Arrest Records
Guadalupe 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
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Residential address
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
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
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge severity (class A, B, C, etc.)
- Statute or ordinance violated
- Charge description
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
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted or not)
- Bonding company (if applicable)
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 arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Immigration holds
- Medical alerts
- Special custody requirements
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's protocols and the circumstances of the arrest, as outlined in § 411.135 of the Texas Government Code regarding the confidentiality of certain criminal history records.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Guadalupe County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Guadalupe County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains systems for public access to these records in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act.
To obtain arrest records in person:
- Visit the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office records division during regular business hours.
Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office
2617 N. Guadalupe Street
Seguin, TX 78155
(830) 379-1224
Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office
- Complete a public information request form, which is available at the front desk.
- Provide specific information about the record being requested, including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay any applicable fees for record retrieval and copying.
To request arrest records by mail:
- Prepare a written request clearly stating the information being sought.
- Include your contact information for response purposes.
- Mail the request to:
Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
2617 N. Guadalupe Street
Seguin, TX 78155
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence.
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees (contact the records division in advance to confirm the amount).
Pursuant to § 552.221 of the Texas Government Code, the county must promptly produce public information in response to an application. "Promptly" means as soon as possible under the circumstances, within a reasonable time, without delay.
How To Find Guadalupe County Arrest Records Online
Guadalupe County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official online platforms. The following steps outline the process for accessing these records electronically:
-
Visit the Guadalupe County official website and navigate to the "Public Records" or "Jail Records Search" section.
-
Access the county's online judicial records search system, which includes information about arrests and subsequent court proceedings.
-
Create a user account if required by the system (some basic search functions may be available without registration).
-
Enter search criteria to locate specific arrest records:
- Full name (last name, first name)
- Date of birth
- Case number
- Date range of arrest
- Booking number
-
Review the search results, which typically display basic information about arrests and cases.
-
Select specific records to view more detailed information, noting that some details may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws.
-
Follow the online instructions for requesting copies of complete records, which may involve additional fees.
For more comprehensive criminal history information, the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service maintains a statewide database that includes Guadalupe County arrests. This service requires registration and payment of statutory fees for record searches.
Users should be aware that online records may not include the most recent arrests, as there is typically a processing delay between an arrest and its appearance in public databases. Additionally, certain arrest records may be restricted from online access due to ongoing investigations or court orders.
How To Search Guadalupe County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Guadalupe County arrest records without incurring fees. These free search methods are provided in accordance with the public's right to information under the Texas Public Information Act.
The following free resources are available:
-
Guadalupe County Jail Inmate Search - The county maintains a free online inmate lookup tool that provides information about currently incarcerated individuals, including their arrest charges. This resource is accessible through the Guadalupe County website.
-
Public Access Terminals - Computer terminals are available for public use at the Guadalupe County Courthouse. These terminals provide access to basic arrest record information at no cost.
Guadalupe County Courthouse
101 East Court Street
Seguin, TX 78155
(830) 303-8861
Guadalupe County
-
Court Docket Review - Members of the public may attend court proceedings, which are generally open to the public, and review the daily court dockets that contain information about recent arrests and scheduled hearings.
-
Local Newspaper Records - Many local publications report on arrests, particularly for serious offenses. These publications often maintain searchable online archives.
-
Public Information Requests - Under § 552.261 of the Texas Government Code, if a request is for 50 or fewer pages of information and does not require programming or manipulation of data, the information may be provided without charge for labor, though copy costs may still apply.
When utilizing these free resources, requestors should note that the information provided may be limited in scope compared to official record searches. Additionally, while basic searches may be free, obtaining certified copies or more detailed reports typically involves payment of statutory fees.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Guadalupe County
In Guadalupe County, as throughout Texas, arrest records generally cannot be deleted in the conventional sense, but they may be eligible for expunction (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access) under specific circumstances defined by state law.
Expunction vs. Sealing:
Expunction (governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure) completely removes arrest records from public and official databases. In contrast, record sealing (known as "non-disclosure" in Texas and governed by § 411.081 of the Texas Government Code) restricts public access to records but maintains them for access by law enforcement and certain government agencies.
Eligibility for Expunction:
Arrest records may qualify for expunction in Guadalupe County under the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not lead to a conviction or deferred adjudication
- The case was dismissed
- The individual was acquitted (found "not guilty")
- The individual was pardoned
- The statute of limitations has expired for an offense where charges were never filed
- The individual completed certain pretrial diversion programs
Eligibility for Non-Disclosure (Sealing):
If expunction is not available, non-disclosure may be an option when:
- The individual successfully completed deferred adjudication for certain offenses
- The individual meets waiting period requirements (varies by offense type)
- The offense is eligible under state law (certain violent and sexual offenses are ineligible)
Process for Expunction or Non-Disclosure:
- Determine eligibility by reviewing the relevant statutes or consulting with an attorney.
- File a petition with the district court in Guadalupe County.
- Pay the required filing fees (approximately $200-$300).
- Attend any scheduled court hearings.
- If granted, ensure the order is distributed to all relevant agencies.
Guadalupe County District Clerk
101 East Court Street, Suite 206
Seguin, TX 78155
(830) 303-8852
Guadalupe County
Pursuant to § 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, the process requires strict adherence to procedural requirements. Individuals seeking expunction or non-disclosure are strongly advised to consult with legal counsel, as the process is complex and errors may result in denial of the petition.
What Happens After Arrest in Guadalupe County?
Following an arrest in Guadalupe County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several key stages:
1. Booking and Processing: After physical arrest, individuals are transported to the Guadalupe County Jail for booking. This process includes:
- Photographing (mugshot)
- Fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Initial charge documentation
2. Magistration: Within 48 hours of arrest, individuals appear before a magistrate judge who:
- Formally notifies the individual of charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Sets initial bail/bond amount
- Determines if probable cause exists for detention
- Appoints counsel for indigent defendants
3. Bail/Bond Determination: The individual may be released from custody by:
- Posting cash bail (full amount paid to court)
- Securing a surety bond (percentage paid to bondsman)
- Personal recognizance (release without payment based on promise to appear)
- Pretrial release program (supervised release)
4. Formal Charging:
- For misdemeanors: The County Attorney files an "information"
- For felonies: The District Attorney presents evidence to a grand jury, which may issue an indictment
- Charges must be filed within statutory time limits based on offense severity
5. Arraignment: The defendant appears in court to:
- Hear formal charges
- Enter an initial plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Address representation issues
- Receive future court dates
6. Pretrial Proceedings:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Pretrial motions (suppress evidence, dismiss charges, etc.)
- Plea negotiations
- Pretrial hearings
7. Case Disposition: Cases may be resolved through:
- Plea agreement
- Trial (bench or jury)
- Dismissal of charges
- Diversion programs
8. Sentencing (if convicted): Sentencing options may include:
- Incarceration (county jail or state prison)
- Probation
- Fines and court costs
- Community service
- Treatment programs
- Restitution to victims
9. Post-Conviction:
- Appeal rights
- Probation supervision
- Incarceration
- Payment of fines/restitution
Throughout this process, the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office maintains records of the arrest and subsequent proceedings, which become part of the individual's criminal history record.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Guadalupe County?
Arrest records in Guadalupe County are maintained according to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission retention schedules and relevant provisions of the Texas Local Government Code § 203.042, which establishes requirements for local government records retention.
Standard Retention Periods:
- Arrest records for Class C misdemeanors: Minimum 2 years after case closure
- Arrest records for Class A and B misdemeanors: Minimum 5 years after case closure
- Arrest records for felonies: Minimum 75 years after case closure
- Arrest records for capital felonies: Permanent retention
- Arrest records resulting in no charges filed: Minimum 5 years from date of arrest
- Juvenile arrest records: Until individual reaches age 21, then subject to specialized rules under Family Code
The Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in both physical and electronic formats. Electronic records management systems have enabled longer practical retention periods than the statutory minimums in many cases.
Different agencies within the county criminal justice system maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:
- Law enforcement arrest records (Sheriff's Office)
- Jail booking and custody records
- Court case records (maintained by County and District Clerks)
- Prosecutor case files
These retention periods serve several important public interests:
- Preservation of evidence for potential appeals or post-conviction proceedings
- Documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Statistical analysis of crime patterns
- Accountability of the criminal justice system
- Historical documentation
Records that have reached the end of their mandatory retention period may be destroyed in accordance with proper procedures outlined in the Local Government Records Act, though many records are maintained indefinitely due to their historical or administrative value.
How to Find Mugshots in Guadalupe County
Mugshots, the official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are maintained as part of arrest records in Guadalupe County. These photographs serve as visual identification of arrested individuals and become part of the official record.
What Mugshots Are: Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of an arrested individual, taken against a standardized background with identifying information. These photographs are created primarily for law enforcement identification purposes.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In Guadalupe County, mugshots are maintained by:
- The Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office as part of booking records
- The Guadalupe County Jail administration system
- The Texas Department of Public Safety in state criminal history files
Finding Mugshots: To obtain official copies of mugshots, members of the public may:
- Submit a public information request to the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office:
Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
2617 N. Guadalupe Street
Seguin, TX 78155
(830) 379-1224
Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office
- Specify the exact name and date of arrest (if known) in the request
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and reproduction
- Provide proper identification when picking up requested records
Can Mugshots Be Found Online: While some mugshots may be available through third-party websites that aggregate public records, Guadalupe County does not maintain an official public-facing database specifically for mugshot searches. The county's online inmate search may include booking photos for currently incarcerated individuals.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially: Official requests through the Sheriff's Office records division remain the most reliable method for obtaining accurate mugshot records. These requests are processed in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act.
Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrests (protected under Family Code)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Ongoing investigations
- Cases involving certain victims (domestic violence, sexual assault)
- Records subject to court-ordered non-disclosure
Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that commercial websites that publish mugshots may not remove them even if charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted.
Lookup Arrest Records in Guadalupe County
Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office
Guadalupe County Official Website