Austin County, Texas Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Austin County, Texas?
Warrant records in Austin County, Texas are considered public records under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that governmental records are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act upholds the principle that government information is presumed to be available to the public, including warrant information maintained by county offices.
Members of the public may access warrant information that typically includes details about the issuance, nature, and status of warrants. This access supports governmental transparency and accountability within the judicial system. The Austin County District Clerk's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duties pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303.
Law enforcement agencies in Austin County, including the Sheriff's Office, maintain warrant databases that may be accessed by authorized personnel and, in many cases, by members of the public seeking to determine if warrants exist. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.26, peace officers are required to execute warrants of arrest, making the public availability of warrant information an important component of the criminal justice system.
What Is Contents in Warrant Records in Austin County?
Warrant records maintained by Austin County authorities contain specific information as required by Texas law. These records typically include:
• The full legal name of the subject of the warrant • Date of birth and other identifying information • The specific offense or violation alleged • The date of issuance of the warrant • The name of the issuing judge or magistrate • The court from which the warrant originated • The bond amount, if applicable • The current status of the warrant (active, served, or recalled)
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.02, arrest warrants must specify the name of the person whose arrest is ordered, if known; otherwise, the warrant must include a reasonably definite description of the person. The warrant must also state that the person is accused of an offense against the laws of the State, naming the offense. Additionally, the warrant must be signed by the magistrate, with their office named in the body of the warrant or in connection with the signature.
The Austin County District Clerk's Office maintains these records in accordance with Texas Government Code § 51.303, which outlines the duties of the district clerk regarding court records.
How to Check For Warrants in Austin County For Free
Austin County residents and interested parties may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established by county authorities. The following options are available for conducting free warrant searches:
• In-person inquiries at the Austin County Sheriff's Office located at 417 N. Chesley Street, Bellville, TX 77418 • Telephone verification by calling the Sheriff's Office at (979) 865-3111 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) • Visiting the Austin County District Clerk's Office at 1 East Main Street, Bellville, TX 77418 • Utilizing public access terminals available at the courthouse during regular business hours
Individuals seeking warrant information should be prepared to provide proper identification and specific information about the person for whom they are searching. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.023, a person has a special right of access to records held by a governmental body that contain information relating to the person.
The Austin County Sheriff's Office maintains records of all active warrants issued within the county jurisdiction and provides public access to this information in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act.
Austin County Sheriff Warrants
The Austin County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants issued within the county jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants are official documents issued by a judge or magistrate that authorize law enforcement officers to take specific actions, including:
• Arrest of individuals charged with criminal offenses • Search of specified premises or property • Seizure of evidence or contraband • Execution of court orders
The Sheriff's Office, located at 417 N. Chesley Street, Bellville, TX 77418, maintains a comprehensive database of active warrants. Deputies are dispatched to execute these warrants in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.16, which requires that the arrested person be taken before a magistrate without unnecessary delay.
Warrant execution is conducted by trained deputies who follow established protocols to ensure both officer safety and the protection of individual rights. The Sheriff's Office coordinates with other law enforcement agencies when necessary to locate individuals with outstanding warrants who may have left the county jurisdiction.
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.26, the officer executing an arrest warrant must take the person before the magistrate who issued the warrant or before the magistrate named in the warrant, without unnecessary delay.
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Austin County in 2025
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Austin County in 2025 may utilize several official channels established by county authorities. The following methods are available for warrant verification:
• Contact the Austin County Sheriff's Office directly at (979) 865-3111 or visit in person at 417 N. Chesley Street, Bellville, TX 77418 • Visit the Austin County District Clerk's Office at 1 East Main Street, Bellville, TX 77418, during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM) • Submit a written request to the Records Division of the Sheriff's Office, including proper identification • Consult with a licensed attorney who can access court records on your behalf
When making inquiries, individuals should be prepared to provide their full legal name, date of birth, and other identifying information to ensure accurate results. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.023, individuals have a right to access records that contain information about themselves.
The Austin County Justice of the Peace courts also maintain warrant information for cases within their jurisdiction. These courts are located at:
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1 1 East Main Street, Room 210 Bellville, TX 77418 (979) 865-5926
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2 25 South Front Street Sealy, TX 77474 (979) 885-2435
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3 8624 Highway 36 South Wallis, TX 77485 (979) 478-6434
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 550 Dogwood Trail Industry, TX 78944 (979) 357-2693
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Austin County
Austin County maintains systems for public access to outstanding warrant information in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act. Individuals seeking to verify the existence of outstanding warrants may utilize the following methods:
• Visit the Austin County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 417 N. Chesley Street, Bellville, TX 77418, during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) • Call the Sheriff's Office warrant division at (979) 865-3111 • Submit a written request for warrant information to the Sheriff's Office, including proper identification • Check with the Austin County District Clerk's Office at 1 East Main Street, Bellville, TX 77418
For traffic warrants and Class C misdemeanors, individuals should contact the appropriate Justice of the Peace court based on the precinct where the alleged violation occurred. Each Justice of the Peace maintains records of outstanding warrants issued by their court.
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.16, individuals with outstanding warrants may voluntarily surrender themselves to law enforcement authorities. This approach often allows for a more controlled process than being arrested unexpectedly.
The Austin County Sheriff's Office processes warrant information in accordance with Texas Local Government Code § 351.041, which establishes the sheriff as the conservator of the peace in the county.
Search Warrant Records in Austin County
• Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search • Texas Judicial Branch - Court Case Information • Texas Department of Criminal Justice Offender Information Search • Texas Office of Court Administration - Public Court Records
