Jones County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Jones County in 2026
JonesRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records, booking logs, and associated court filings in Jones County, Texas. Members of the public may find records that include arrest dates, charges, custody status, bond information, and case numbers. The following categories of records may be accessible through official channels:
- Arrest and booking records
- Criminal court case filings
- Jail roster and inmate information
- Mugshots and booking photographs
- Bond and release information
Records may be searched through the Jones County Sheriff's Office, the County Clerk, the District Clerk, public access terminals at the courthouse, and state-level online tools maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Jones County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining booking records and jail rosters for individuals arrested within the county. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmates or recent arrests. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status. Records are updated as bookings occur.
Jones County Sheriff's Office
P.O. Box 821, Anson, TX 79501
Phone: (325) 823-3201
Sheriff – Jones County, Texas
2. Local Police Departments
Jones County is a rural county with Anson as its county seat. Law enforcement activity is handled primarily by the Jones County Sheriff's Office and the Anson Police Department. Arrest information from municipal police departments may be obtained by contacting those agencies directly. Press releases and public arrest logs, when issued, are made available through the respective agency's public information officer.
Anson Police Department
1100 Commercial Ave, Anson, TX 79501
Phone: (325) 823-3231
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Jones County Clerk maintains records of county court proceedings, including misdemeanor criminal cases linked to arrests. Members of the public may search case records by the arrestee's name to identify associated court filings. The County Clerk's office notes that it is in the best interest of the county to refrain from performing records searches that fall outside its official scope, and requestors are encouraged to submit specific, well-documented requests.
Jones County Clerk
Jones County Courthouse, 1 courthouse Square, Anson, TX 79501
Phone: (325) 823-3762
County Clerk – Jones County, Texas
The Jones County District Clerk, currently Lacey Hansen, maintains felony criminal case records. Members of the public may search district court case files by name to locate records associated with felony arrests.
Jones County District Clerk
Jones County Courthouse, Anson, TX 79501
Phone: (325) 823-3731
Fax: (325) 823-3289
District Clerk – Jones County, Texas
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) maintains a statewide criminal history repository through its Crime Records Division, which acts as the Texas State Control Terminal for eight state and national criminal justice programs. Members of the public may conduct a criminal history name search through the TxDPS secure portal. The search returns conviction history and, in some cases, arrest information reported by law enforcement agencies statewide. A fee of $3.00 per name search is assessed for public requests submitted through the online portal.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: Jones County Sheriff's Office, P.O. Box 821 / 1 Courthouse Square, Anson, TX 79501
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Phone: (325) 823-3201
- Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where possible, the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate arrest date
- Copy fees apply per page as established under Texas law
Clerk of Court:
- Address: Jones County Courthouse, Anson, TX 79501
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Phone (County Clerk): (325) 823-3762
- Phone (District Clerk): (325) 823-3731
- Case files are available for inspection; certified copies carry a per-page fee
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Jones County Sheriff's Office at P.O. Box 821, Anson, TX 79501. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's contact information. Payment for copies must accompany the request. Processing time varies based on volume and record availability.
By Phone:
The Sheriff's Office may be reached at (325) 823-3201 during business hours. Staff can confirm whether an individual is currently in custody and provide limited booking information. Detailed records requests are referred to in-person or written submission processes.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may request records through formal discovery processes or by subpoena. Records obtained through legal proceedings may include materials not available to the general public, such as detailed police reports and investigative files.
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)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Anson PD, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Jones County
Arrest records in Jones County are public records under Texas law. Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code § 552.001, members of the public have the right to access government records, including arrest and booking information maintained by law enforcement agencies. The Act establishes a presumption of openness, meaning records are public unless a specific statutory exception applies.
Arrest records serve several recognized public interests:
- Government transparency and accountability
- Public safety awareness
- Community notification
- Journalism and investigative research
- Employment and tenant background screening
- Legal proceedings and due process
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known 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
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Texas Family Code provisions
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access by court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information related to active investigations may be withheld
- Undercover officer identities are protected
- Confidential informant information is exempt
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain offense categories
- Participants in witness protection programs are excluded
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Texas Public Information Act reflects the state's constitutional commitment to open government. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through specific statutory exemptions. The First Amendment protects press access to arrest information, and due process principles require that arrest records accurately reflect the outcome of criminal proceedings, including dismissals and acquittals.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers (subject to Fair Credit Reporting Act restrictions)
- Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Employers and landlords who use arrest records for screening purposes must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681, which governs the use of consumer reports, including criminal background checks. Texas does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law for private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction: an arrest does not establish guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions carries legal risk under applicable anti-discrimination frameworks.
What's in Jones County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and 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 partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, or other)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
- 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 (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not 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: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance (PR bond), or no bond
- Bail bondsman information, if applicable
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, if made public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction (county court or district court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Substance abuse information
- Social Security number (redacted by law)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Police Report | Detailed incident narrative; not always public |
| Court Records | Legal proceedings following arrest; maintained by clerks |
| Criminal Record | Convictions and sentences; maintained by TxDPS |
| Background Check | Comprehensive screening from multiple sources |
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Jones County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Jones County depends on the requesting office and the format of the records. Under Texas Government Code, agencies are authorized to charge for the actual cost of producing public records.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.10 per page (standard rate) |
| Certified copies | $1.00 per page (certification fee may apply) |
| Electronic records | Varies; may be provided at no charge if already in electronic format |
| TxDPS criminal history name search | $3.00 per name (online portal) |
| Oversize documents | Actual cost of reproduction |
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse is available at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
- Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order; the TxDPS online portal accepts credit and debit cards.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, subject to agency discretion under Texas Government Code § 552.267.
- Fees may vary between the Sheriff's Office, County Clerk, and District Clerk based on the type of record and the volume of the request.
- Certified copies of court records carry additional certification fees set by the District Clerk's office.
Members of the public may inspect records at the Jones County Courthouse without charge during regular business hours. The Jones County official website provides contact information for each office to confirm current fee schedules prior to submitting a request.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Jones County
Under Texas law, the legal mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access are expunction (legal erasure) and nondisclosure (sealing from public view). These are distinct remedies with different eligibility requirements and legal effects.
Expunction results in the physical destruction or return of arrest records held by law enforcement agencies, courts, and the state criminal history repository. Following a successful expunction, the individual may legally deny that the arrest occurred. Nondisclosure seals records from public access but does not destroy them; law enforcement agencies retain access, and the records may be used in subsequent criminal proceedings.
Eligibility for Expunction in Texas:
Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, an individual may be eligible for expunction of an arrest record in the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not result in charges being filed
- Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The individual was convicted but later pardoned
- The prosecution was barred by the statute of limitations
- Certain Class C misdemeanor deferred adjudications
Eligibility for Nondisclosure:
An order of nondisclosure may be available to individuals who successfully completed deferred adjudication community supervision for certain offenses. Eligibility depends on the offense type, the waiting period following discharge, and the absence of subsequent criminal conduct. Violent offenses, sex offenses, and certain other categories are ineligible.
Steps to Pursue Expunction or Nondisclosure:
- Determine eligibility based on the offense type and case outcome
- Obtain the case number and arrest information from the Jones County District Clerk or County Clerk
- File a petition for expunction or nondisclosure in the court of original jurisdiction (Jones County District Court for felonies; County Court for misdemeanors)
- Serve all named agencies, including the Sheriff's Office, TxDPS, and any other custodians of the records
- Attend the court hearing; the judge will grant or deny the petition
- If granted, the court order is served on all agencies, which must comply within the timeframe specified
Contact Information for Expunction Proceedings:
Jones County District Clerk
Jones County Courthouse, Anson, TX 79501
Phone: (325) 823-3731
District Clerk – Jones County, Texas
Texas Department of Public Safety – Crime Records Division
P.O. Box 4143, Austin, TX 78765
Criminal History Records – TxDPS
Individuals seeking expunction or nondisclosure are advised to consult a licensed Texas attorney, as the petition process involves specific procedural requirements and legal deadlines.
What Happens After Arrest in Jones County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Jones County, the arrested individual is transported to the Jones County Jail, located at the Jones County Sheriff's Office facility in Anson. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.
Jones County Jail (Sheriff's Office)
P.O. Box 821, Anson, TX 79501
Phone: (325) 823-3201
Jones County Sheriff's Office
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the jail, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process, which includes:
- Recording of personal information
- Advisement of Miranda rights (if not previously given)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint collection
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
- Personal property inventory and storage
- Medical and mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
The booking process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume.
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Texas law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, and no later than 48 hours after arrest. At the initial appearance:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond is set or denied
- Rights are explained
The hearing may be conducted in person or via video conference.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the jail or court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by state law at ten percent of the bond amount.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear, without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which takes approximately one to eight hours. A court date is provided in writing, and conditions of release are explained. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.
If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is informed of jail rules, commissary access, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender: Indigent defendants may apply for appointed counsel through the court at the initial appearance. Eligibility is based on financial circumstances.
Private Attorney: Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar of Texas provides attorney referral services.
Charging Decision:
The Jones County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. Options include filing an information or seeking a grand jury indictment (for felonies), requesting additional investigation, declining to prosecute, or filing different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury determines whether probable cause exists to proceed.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery (exchange of evidence), pretrial motions (suppression, dismissal), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs (such as drug court or pretrial intervention), a plea agreement, or trial. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice oversees individuals sentenced to state incarceration following conviction.
Sentencing options upon conviction include imprisonment, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention.
Timeline Overview:
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Arrest to magistrate appearance | Within 48 hours |
| First appearance to arraignment | Days to weeks |
| Arraignment to resolution | Months (varies by complexity) |
| Misdemeanor cases | Typically resolved within 3–6 months |
| Felony cases | Typically resolved within 6–18 months |
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to an attorney
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with others
- Contact family or friends regarding bail assistance
- Attend all scheduled court dates
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Jones County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Jones County is governed by Texas state law and the records retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Under the Texas Local Government Records Act, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for minimum periods based on record type and case disposition.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, District Clerk, and TxDPS criminal history repository
- Accessible to law enforcement nationwide through the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III)
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the County Clerk and TxDPS
- Local law enforcement records retained per agency policy, with a minimum retention period established by state schedule
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum period per the state retention schedule and may remain accessible unless expunged
- Court records are often retained permanently in electronic systems
- TxDPS retains the arrest entry unless an expunction order is received
Acquittals:
- Court records are retained permanently
- Law enforcement booking records are retained per agency schedule
- Eligible for expunction under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55
Charges Not Filed / No-Information:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum period per state schedule
- May be eligible for expunction; in some cases, immediate eligibility applies
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained per the applicable state retention schedule. Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification.
Digital Records: Records management systems and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained per agency policy, with electronic court records often maintained permanently. Mugshot databases may retain images beyond the minimum retention period.
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and third-party websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same update requirements as law enforcement agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expunction. Individuals who obtain an expunction order should notify known third-party publishers directly.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum retention per Texas Local Government Records Act schedule
- Arrest reports: Retained per offense classification
- Investigative files: Retained based on case outcome and offense type
- Contact: (325) 823-3201
District Clerk:
- Felony criminal case files: Permanent retention
- Electronic records: Permanent
- Contact: (325) 823-3731
County Clerk:
- Misdemeanor criminal case files: Retained per state schedule; electronic records often permanent
- Contact: (325) 823-3762
State Repository: The TxDPS Crime Records Division maintains the statewide criminal history repository, which includes arrest and disposition data reported by all Texas law enforcement agencies. Retention at the state level is governed by state policy and federal reporting requirements.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
| Disposition | Retention Outcome |
|---|---|
| Conviction | Permanent in all databases |
| Dismissal | Remains unless expunged |
| Acquittal | Remains unless expunged |
| Expungement granted | Records destroyed or returned; state repository updated |
| No charges filed | Shortest retention; may be purged or expunged |
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for seven years for positions paying under $75,000 annually; convictions may be reported indefinitely for higher-paying positions. Texas does not currently impose a shorter reporting period by state law. Arrests without conviction may appear on background checks but cannot be used as the sole basis for adverse employment action in many contexts.
How to Check Retention Status:
- Contact the Jones County Sheriff's Records Division at (325) 823-3201
- Submit a written public records request specifying the arrest date and subject name
- Fees may apply for copies of responsive records
Lookup Arrest Records in Jones County
- Jones County Sheriff's Office – Arrest & Booking Records
- Jones County Clerk – Criminal Court Records
- Jones County District Clerk – Felony Case Search
- Jones County, Texas – Official County Website
- Texas DPS Crime Records Division – Statewide Criminal History
- TxDPS Criminal History Name Search – Online Portal
- Criminal History Records – Texas Department of Public Safety
- TxDPS Crime Records Division – Home
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Offender Information