Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), warrants are considered public records in Briscoe County, Texas. This legislation ensures transparency in government operations by granting citizens access to various official documents, including warrant information. The statute specifically designates most government-held information as available for public inspection.
Warrant records maintained by the Briscoe County Sheriff's Office and the County Clerk's office are subject to public disclosure under state law. These records document official law enforcement actions authorized by judicial authorities. Members of the public may access these records during regular business hours at the designated county facilities.
The Texas Public Information Act establishes that government records should be accessible with reasonable promptness. However, certain exceptions may apply to warrant information that is part of an ongoing investigation or contains sensitive personal data as outlined in § 552.108 and § 552.101 of the Texas Government Code.
Warrant records maintained by Briscoe County authorities typically contain comprehensive documentation related to the issuance and execution of judicial orders. Standard information found in these records includes:
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.02 establishes the required elements for arrest warrants, which must "command any peace officer of the State of Texas to take the body of the accused."
Individuals seeking to verify warrant status in Briscoe County may utilize several no-cost methods established by county authorities. The following official channels provide public access to warrant information:
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, while access to records is free, reproduction fees may apply for copies of warrant documentation according to the county's established fee schedule.
The Briscoe County Sheriff's Office maintains and executes various types of warrants issued by judicial authorities within the jurisdiction. These legal instruments are categorized according to their purpose and statutory authority:
Arrest warrants authorize peace officers to take individuals into custody based on probable cause that they have committed a criminal offense. These warrants are issued pursuant to Article 15.01 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
Bench warrants are judicial directives ordering the immediate apprehension of individuals who have failed to appear for scheduled court proceedings or have violated court orders. These are issued under the court's inherent authority to enforce its orders.
Search warrants permit law enforcement to examine specified locations for evidence of criminal activity. These must meet the requirements established in Article 18.01 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, including a showing of probable cause.
The Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated warrants division responsible for processing and executing these judicial orders. This unit operates from the main office located at:
Briscoe County Sheriff's Office
203 E Bryant St
Silverton, TX 79257
(806) 823-2135
Briscoe County Sheriff's Office
Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in Briscoe County have multiple verification methods available through official channels. The county maintains several systems for warrant verification:
The Briscoe County Justice Information System provides authorized public access to warrant status information. This database is updated regularly to reflect current active warrants within the jurisdiction.
Direct verification is available through the following official channels:
For individuals unable to appear in person, limited information may be provided via telephone by contacting the Sheriff's Office at (806) 823-2135. However, official documentation requires in-person verification with proper identification pursuant to county policy.
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a statewide citation database that may include warrant information for violations processed through state agencies.
Briscoe County provides established procedures for verifying outstanding warrant status through designated governmental offices. Individuals may utilize the following official channels:
The Records Division of the Briscoe County Sheriff's Office processes public information requests regarding warrant status. Requests may be submitted in person at 203 E Bryant St, Silverton, TX 79257 during regular business hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday).
Written requests for warrant verification must include:
The Briscoe County Clerk's Office maintains court records that include warrant information for cases within their jurisdiction. This office is located at the Briscoe County Courthouse, 415 Main St, Silverton, TX 79257, and operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information for inspection or duplication. Responses to warrant status inquiries are typically processed within 10 business days as required by statute.