Howard County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Howard County in 2026
HowardCountyRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Howard County, Texas. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge classifications, and inmate roster entries. Information presented reflects what has been made available through official sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.
Arrest records in Howard County may be searched through official resources including the Howard County Sheriff's Office, the Howard County District Clerk, public access terminals at the courthouse, and state-level online tools. The following sections detail each available method.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Howard County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement and detention authority in Howard County. The Sheriff's Office maintains booking records for individuals processed through the Howard County Jail Facility. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmate status and recent arrest activity. The office has implemented updated procedures for document submission to the jail facility, and requestors are advised to confirm current protocols before submitting records requests. Booking information is updated as individuals are processed through the facility.
2. Local Police Departments
The Big Spring Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Howard County. The department issues press releases and public notifications regarding significant arrests. Members of the public seeking arrest logs or incident-based arrest information from the Big Spring Police Department may submit a written public information request pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act.
Big Spring Police Department
307 E. 3rd Street
Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2530
City of Big Spring
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court cases filed in Howard County. The Howard County District Clerk and County Clerk maintain case records that may be searched by the name of the arrested individual. Court case records reflect charges formally filed following an arrest and provide information on case disposition, scheduled hearings, and judgment entries. Members of the public may access the Texas Judicial Branch's online case search portal to locate Howard County criminal cases.
Howard County District Clerk
300 Main Street, Suite 201
Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2223
Howard County, Texas
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division maintains the state's criminal history repository and acts as the Texas State Control Terminal for multiple state and national criminal justice programs. Members of the public may conduct a criminal history name search through the TxDPS secure portal. The standard fee for a public criminal history name-based search is $3.00 per name searched, payable online. Results include arrests, dispositions, and conviction data reported by Texas law enforcement agencies and courts.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Howard County Sheriff's Office
315 S. Main Street
Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2392
Sheriff – Howard County, Texas
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification
- Provide the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest if known, and booking number if available
- Copy fees apply per page as established under Texas law
Clerk of Court:
Howard County District Clerk
300 Main Street
Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2223
Howard County, Texas
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Criminal case files are available for inspection during regular business hours
- Certified copy fees are set at $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee under Texas Government Code
By Mail:
Written public information requests may be submitted by mail to the Howard County Sheriff's Office at 315 S. Main Street, Big Spring, TX 79720. The written request should include:
- Full legal name of the subject of the record
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
Processing time for mailed requests varies and is subject to the ten-business-day response requirement established under Texas Government Code § 552.228.
By Phone:
- Howard County Sheriff's Office: (432) 264-2392
- Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Phone inquiries provide limited information; requestors may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records compel production of documents not otherwise available through routine public access. In active criminal proceedings, discovery is governed by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Big Spring Police Department, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Howard County
Arrest records in Howard County are public records subject to disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code § 552.001 et seq. The Act establishes that government information is presumed to be available to the public, and that each person is entitled to complete information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees. Arrest records serve the public interest by promoting government transparency, enabling public safety awareness, supporting journalism and academic research, facilitating background screening, and providing information relevant to legal proceedings.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking number
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted and subject to sealing under Texas Family Code
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access by court order
- Records sealed pursuant to an order of nondisclosure are withheld from public release
- Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld
- Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants are protected
- Victim identifying information is restricted in certain offense categories
- Participants in witness protection programs are excluded from disclosure
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Texas Constitution, Article I, Section 8, protects freedom of speech and press, which courts have recognized as supporting public access to government records including arrest information. The Public Information Act balances transparency with individual privacy interests. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction, as an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Occupational licensing agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when a consumer reporting agency is involved. Employers subject to FCRA must follow adverse action procedures before taking employment action based on arrest records. Texas does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities have adopted local ordinances. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest record does not establish criminal liability.
What's in Howard County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" designations
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest by street address or general area
- Arresting agency (Howard County Sheriff's Office, Big Spring Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, or other)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges as filed
- Texas Penal Code statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification by 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 (Howard County Jail, 315 S. Main Street, Big Spring, TX 79720)
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount as set by the court or magistrate
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time, if the individual has been released
- Release conditions, to the extent they are part of the public record
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following formal charging
- Court jurisdiction (County Court at Law or District Court)
- Scheduled arraignment or initial appearance date
- Court location
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques and methods
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted by law)
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not routinely disclosed
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, including hearings, motions, and judgments
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions, sentences, and final case dispositions
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Howard County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Howard County is governed by Texas Government Code and applicable local fee schedules. The following fee structure applies under current law:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.10 per page |
| Certified copy | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee |
| TxDPS criminal history name search | $3.00 per name |
| Inspection of records | No charge |
- Inspection of public records at the Sheriff's Office or District Clerk's office is available at no charge during regular business hours
- Copies of standard documents are assessed at $0.10 per page pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261
- Certified copies from the District Clerk carry a $1.00 per page fee plus a $5.00 certification charge
- The TxDPS online criminal history name search is available for $3.00 per name searched, payable by credit or debit card through the secure portal
- Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order; the TxDPS portal accepts major credit and debit cards
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made on behalf of a governmental body; requestors should inquire directly with the custodial office
- Fees may vary between the Sheriff's Office, the District Clerk, and the County Clerk depending on the type of record requested
Members of the public may inspect arrest records and booking logs at no cost during regular business hours without incurring copy fees.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Howard County
Under Texas law, the removal of arrest records from public access is accomplished through either expunction (legal erasure of the record) or an order of nondisclosure (sealing the record from public view while allowing law enforcement access). These are distinct legal remedies with different eligibility requirements and effects.
Expunction results in the physical destruction or return of all records and files relating to an arrest. Following a successful expunction under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, the arrested person is legally entitled to deny that the arrest occurred. Expunction is available in the following circumstances:
- The arrest did not result in charges being filed
- Charges were filed but subsequently dismissed
- The person was acquitted at trial
- The person was convicted but later pardoned
- The person completed a pretrial diversion program and charges were dismissed
- The statute of limitations has expired and no charges were filed
An order of nondisclosure seals the record from public disclosure but does not destroy it. Law enforcement agencies, criminal justice agencies, and certain licensing boards retain access. Nondisclosure is available to individuals who successfully completed deferred adjudication community supervision for eligible offenses.
Steps to Pursue Expunction or Nondisclosure in Howard County:
- Determine eligibility based on the outcome of the case and applicable waiting periods
- Obtain the cause number and case information from the Howard County District Clerk
- File a Petition for Expunction or Motion for Order of Nondisclosure in the court of original jurisdiction
- Serve all relevant agencies named in the petition, including the Howard County Sheriff's Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety
- Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will grant or deny the petition
- If granted, the court issues an order directing all named agencies to destroy or seal the records
- Submit a certified copy of the order to the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division for update of the state criminal history repository
Howard County District Clerk
300 Main Street
Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2223
Howard County, Texas
Howard County District Attorney's Office
300 Main Street
Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2223
Howard County, Texas
Individuals seeking expunction or nondisclosure are advised to consult a licensed Texas attorney, as procedural requirements are strictly enforced and errors in the petition may result in denial.
What Happens After Arrest in Howard County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Howard County, the arrested individual is transported to the Howard County Jail Facility located at 315 S. Main Street, Big Spring, TX 79720, operated by the Howard County Sheriff's Office. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Howard County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process includes the following steps:
- Personal identification information is recorded
- Miranda rights are administered if not previously given
- A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
- Fingerprints are collected and submitted to state and federal databases
- A criminal history check is conducted
- Outstanding warrants are verified
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Clothing is exchanged for jail-issued attire
- Medical and brief mental health screenings are conducted
- Housing classification is assigned
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 magistrate hearing:
- The individual is formally advised of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond is set or denied
- Rights are explained
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the Howard County Sheriff's Office. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount. The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which in Texas is set at a rate approved by the Texas Department of Insurance.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, 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 may take one to eight hours depending on facility volume. A court date is provided in writing, and conditions of release are explained. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant.
If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail procedures including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Howard County Public Defender / Appointed Counsel:
300 Main Street
Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2223
Howard County, Texas
Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and may visit the jail for confidential consultations.
Charging Decision:
The Howard County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.
Arraignment follows formal charging, at which the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution options include:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects
- Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a negotiated plea to agreed charges with a recommended sentence
- Trial: Jury or bench trial; if convicted, a sentencing hearing is scheduled
Sentencing options upon conviction include incarceration, community supervision (probation), fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.
Timeline Overview:
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Arrest to magistrate hearing | Within 48 hours |
| Magistrate hearing to arraignment | Days to weeks |
| Arraignment to resolution | Months (varies by complexity) |
| Misdemeanor cases | Typically 3–6 months |
| Felony cases | Typically 6–18 months or longer |
Texas Constitution, Article I, Section 11 guarantees the right to bail in most cases, and Article I, Section 10 guarantees the right to a speedy trial.
Important Contacts:
Howard County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
315 S. Main Street
Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2392
Sheriff – Howard County, Texas
Howard County District Clerk
300 Main Street
Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2223
Howard County, Texas
Howard County District Attorney's Office
300 Main Street
Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2223
Howard County, Texas
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely invoke the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
- Contact family or a bondsman for assistance with bail
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of bond or release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Howard County?
Records Retention Overview:
The retention of arrest records in Howard County is governed by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission records retention schedules, applicable provisions of the Texas Local Government Code, and policies of the individual custodial agencies. Under current law, local government records retention is addressed in Texas Local Government Code § 203.041, which authorizes the State Library and Archives Commission to establish minimum retention periods for local government records.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, District Clerk, and the Texas Department of Public Safety criminal history repository
- Maintained in the FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) indefinitely
- Appear on background checks without time limitation
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently in most databases
- Court records are maintained permanently by the District Clerk for Class A and Class B misdemeanors
- State repository retains conviction data indefinitely
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum period per the applicable retention schedule
- Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged by court order
- State repository retains the arrest entry unless an expunction order is received and processed
Acquittals:
- Court records are retained permanently
- Arrest records remain in law enforcement databases unless expunged
- Individuals acquitted at trial are eligible to petition for expunction
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum period per the retention schedule
- Individuals whose cases were not filed are among those eligible for expunction under Texas law
- Upon successful expunction, records are destroyed or returned to the petitioner
Digital vs. Physical Records:
- Physical booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained per the applicable schedule and may be destroyed after the retention period expires
- Digital records in records management systems and court electronic filing systems are retained permanently in most instances
- Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial websites are not controlled by law enforcement and may retain images indefinitely regardless of case outcome
Retention by Agency:
Howard County Sheriff's Office:
315 S. Main Street
Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2392
Sheriff – Howard County, Texas
- Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Texas State Library and Archives Commission schedule
- Investigative files are retained based on offense classification and case outcome
Howard County District Clerk:
300 Main Street
Big Spring, TX 79720
Phone: (432) 264-2223
Howard County, Texas
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Retained per applicable schedule, with electronic records maintained permanently
- Traffic cases: Retained per schedule
Texas Department of Public Safety – State Repository:
The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division maintains the state criminal history repository, which includes arrest and disposition data reported by all Texas law enforcement agencies and courts. Retention at the state level is permanent for conviction records. Arrest records without a reported disposition remain in the repository until updated or removed pursuant to a court order.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice:
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice maintains records on individuals sentenced to state incarceration. These records are retained permanently and are accessible through the TDCJ offender search portal.
FBI Database:
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records accessible to law enforcement nationwide. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are used for employment background checks, firearms purchase background checks, and law enforcement inquiries.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
| Disposition | Retention Outcome |
|---|---|
| Conviction | Permanent in all databases |
| Dismissal | Remains unless expunged |
| Acquittal | Remains unless expunged |
| Expungement granted | Destroyed or sealed at local and state level; FBI may retain with notation |
| No charges filed | Shortest retention; eligible for expunction |
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumer reporting agencies may report criminal convictions indefinitely. Non-conviction arrest records are subject to the seven-year reporting limitation for most employment background checks under FCRA. Texas does not currently impose a shorter reporting period by statute for private-sector background checks. Expunged records are not reportable by consumer reporting agencies following a valid expunction order.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Howard County Sheriff's Records Division at (432) 264-2392 or submit a written public information request to the Sheriff's Office at 315 S. Main Street, Big Spring, TX 79720. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.