Collin County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Collin County
Arrest records in Collin County are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act, codified in Texas Government Code § 552. This statute establishes the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with certain exceptions. Law enforcement agencies in Collin County maintain arrest records as part of their official duties, and these records are generally accessible to members of the public upon proper request.
It is important to note 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 types of records are generally public, though arrest records that did not lead to conviction may be eligible for expungement or non-disclosure orders under certain circumstances as provided in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55.
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 in Collin County, including the Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments, follow these state guidelines while maintaining their own records systems.
What's in Collin County Arrest Records
Collin 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.)
- Texas Penal Code citation
- Narrative description of alleged offense
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 information
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond status (posted or not)
- Bonding company information (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court assignment
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Housing location within detention facility
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Employment information
- Immigration status
- Medical alerts or special needs
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. All information is maintained in accordance with the Texas Local Government Records Act, which establishes standards for records management by local government entities.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Collin County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Collin County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval, depending on the specific information needed and the requesting party's relationship to the case.
To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Collin County Sheriff's Office Records Division
4300 Community Avenue
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 547-5100
Collin County Sheriff's Office
The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays. Requestors should be prepared to:
- Complete an open records request form
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for record reproduction
For written requests, individuals may submit a Public Information Request form to:
Collin County Public Information Office
2300 Bloomdale Road, Suite 4192
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 548-4634
Collin County Public Information
Written requests must include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific description of records being sought
- Preferred method of delivery (mail, email, in-person pickup)
- Signature and date
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information in response to a request, generally within 10 business days. If records cannot be produced within this timeframe, the agency must notify the requestor in writing of the reasonable date and time when the information will be available.
How To Find Collin County Arrest Records Online
Collin County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests and may provide immediate access to certain types of information.
The primary online resource for current inmate information is the Collin County Sheriff's Office Inmate Information portal. This database allows users to search for individuals currently incarcerated in the Collin County Detention Facility or those released within a recent timeframe. To utilize this system:
- Navigate to the Collin County Sheriff's Office website
- Select the "Inmate Information" option
- Enter search criteria (last name, first name, or booking number)
- Review the results displayed
For more comprehensive criminal history information, the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search provides statewide records. This service requires:
- Creation of a user account
- Payment of applicable fees ($3.00 per name search)
- Acceptance of terms and conditions regarding proper use of information
Additionally, the Collin County District Clerk's Office maintains an online case records system that allows public access to court records related to criminal cases. To access these records:
- Visit the District Clerk's website
- Select "Case Records Search"
- Create a user account if required
- Enter search parameters (name, case number, date range)
- Review available documents
Users should note that certain information may be redacted from online records in accordance with privacy laws and court orders. For complete, unredacted records, an in-person request may be necessary.
How To Search Collin County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Collin County arrest records without incurring fees. While some comprehensive searches may require payment, the following resources provide free access to basic arrest information:
The Collin County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible inmate lookup system that provides information about individuals currently in custody or recently released. This free resource includes:
- Inmate name and identifying information
- Current charges
- Bond amounts
- Court dates
- Custody status
To access this information at no cost:
- Visit the Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the inmate information section
- Enter the individual's name in the search field
- Review the results displayed
The Collin County District Clerk's Office offers public access terminals at their physical location where individuals may search court records related to criminal cases without charge. These terminals are available during regular business hours at:
Collin County District Clerk
2100 Bloomdale Road, Suite 12132
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 548-4320
Local public libraries throughout Collin County also provide free internet access that can be used to search publicly available records through government websites. Major library locations include:
Plano Public Library - Haggard Library
2501 Coit Road
Plano, TX 75075
(972) 769-4250
McKinney Public Library - Roy & Helen Hall Memorial Library
101 E. Hunt Street
McKinney, TX 75069
(972) 547-7323
Allen Public Library
300 N. Allen Drive
Allen, TX 75013
(214) 509-4900
For individuals seeking to review their own criminal history records, the Texas Department of Public Safety allows one free personal record check per year as provided under Texas Government Code § 411.135.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Collin County
Under Texas law, individuals may petition for the removal or restriction of arrest records through two primary legal mechanisms: expunction (complete removal) and order of non-disclosure (sealing). These processes are governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and Chapter 411 of the Texas Government Code, respectively.
Expunction completely removes arrest records from all government databases and prohibits agencies from maintaining or releasing information about the arrest. This remedy is generally available when:
- An arrest did not lead to a formal charge
- Charges were dismissed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The individual was pardoned
- The statute of limitations expired without prosecution
To petition for expunction in Collin County:
- Determine eligibility under Article 55.01 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure
- File a Petition for Expunction with the Collin County District Court
- Pay the required filing fee (approximately $300)
- Attend the scheduled hearing if required
- If granted, ensure the expunction order is distributed to all relevant agencies
Collin County District Court
2100 Bloomdale Road
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 548-4570
Collin County Courts
An order of non-disclosure seals criminal records from public view but allows access by law enforcement and certain government agencies. This remedy is typically available for:
- Successfully completed deferred adjudication for certain offenses
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period
- First-time DWI offenses under specific circumstances
To petition for an order of non-disclosure:
- Verify eligibility under Texas Government Code § 411.0725-411.0735
- File a Petition for Non-Disclosure with the court that handled the original case
- Pay the required filing fee (approximately $280)
- Attend any scheduled hearings
- If granted, ensure the order is properly implemented
Due to the complex legal requirements and potential consequences, individuals seeking expunction or non-disclosure are strongly encouraged to consult with a licensed attorney specializing in criminal record clearing. The Collin County Bar Association maintains a referral service for qualified attorneys practicing in this area.
What Happens After Arrest in Collin County?
Following an arrest in Collin County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases. Understanding this sequence helps contextualize how arrest records are generated and maintained throughout the system.
The post-arrest process typically proceeds as follows:
-
Booking and Processing: Upon arrival at the Collin County Detention Facility, arrestees undergo booking, which includes:
- Photograph and fingerprinting
- Personal information collection
- Property inventory
- Medical screening
- Criminal history check
-
Magistration: Within 48 hours of arrest, individuals appear before a magistrate judge who:
- Informs them of charges
- Advises them of constitutional rights
- Sets bail or bond conditions
- Determines if probable cause exists for detention
- Appoints counsel for indigent defendants
-
Pretrial Release Determination: Based on factors including charge severity, criminal history, and community ties, individuals may be:
- Released on personal recognizance
- Released after posting bail
- Detained until trial
- Placed under pretrial supervision
-
Case Filing: The arresting agency forwards case information to the Collin County District Attorney's Office, which determines whether to:
- File formal charges
- Reject the case
- Request additional investigation
-
Arraignment: If charges are filed, defendants appear in court to:
- Hear formal charges
- Enter an initial plea
- Address representation issues
- Receive future court dates
-
Pretrial Proceedings: Before trial, various hearings may occur, including:
- Discovery exchanges
- Pretrial motions
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
-
Case Disposition: Cases conclude through:
- Dismissal of charges
- Plea agreement
- Trial verdict (guilty or not guilty)
-
Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines and restitution
- Community service
- Treatment programs
-
Post-Conviction: Following conviction, individuals may pursue:
- Appeals
- Modification of sentence
- Early release programs
- Eventual record sealing or expunction (if eligible)
Throughout this process, records are maintained by multiple agencies including the Collin County Sheriff's Office, Collin County District Attorney, Collin County District Clerk, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Collin County?
Arrest records in Collin County are maintained according to retention schedules established under the Texas Local Government Records Act and the specific requirements of Texas Administrative Code § 13.6, which governs records management standards for law enforcement agencies.
The retention periods for arrest records vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the case:
-
Arrest Reports and Booking Information: These records are generally retained permanently for felony cases and for a minimum of 5 years for misdemeanor cases, measured from the date of arrest.
-
Investigation Records: For cases resulting in arrests, investigative files are typically retained for:
- Capital felonies: 75 years or until the executed sentence is complete
- First-degree felonies: 50 years
- Second and third-degree felonies: 30 years
- State jail felonies: 20 years
- Misdemeanors: 5 years
-
Fingerprint Cards and Photographs: These identification records are maintained permanently in the automated systems of both local and state agencies, unless expunged by court order.
-
Jail Records: Documentation of an individual's incarceration in the Collin County Detention Facility is retained for 5 years after release.
-
Court Records: Records of criminal proceedings in Collin County courts are maintained according to judicial retention schedules, with many felony case files being preserved permanently and misdemeanor cases retained for at least 5 years after final disposition.
Different agencies within Collin County may have varying retention requirements for their specific records. The Collin County Records Management Officer oversees compliance with these retention schedules.
It is important to note that even after the minimum retention period has expired, records may continue to be maintained unless specifically destroyed in accordance with approved procedures. Additionally, records that have been digitized may be retained indefinitely in electronic format, even after physical copies have been destroyed.
The preservation of arrest records serves several important public interests, including:
- Maintaining evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Supporting law enforcement investigations
- Enabling background checks for public safety purposes
- Ensuring accountability in the criminal justice system
- Providing statistical data for policy development
How to Find Mugshots in Collin County
Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered part of the public arrest record in Collin County. These images serve as official documentation of an individual's appearance at the time of processing into the criminal justice system.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of arrestees, taken under standardized conditions. These images are captured as part of the booking process and become part of the official arrest record. They serve both administrative and identification purposes within the criminal justice system.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Collin County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
Collin County Sheriff's Office
4300 Community Avenue
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 547-5100
Collin County Sheriff's Office
Municipal police departments within Collin County also maintain mugshots for arrests they process. These records may be requested through the respective police departments in cities such as Plano, McKinney, Allen, and Frisco.
Finding Mugshots
To obtain official copies of mugshots in Collin County, individuals may:
- Submit a Public Information Request to the Collin County Sheriff's Office specifically requesting booking photographs
- Complete the required forms and provide identifying information about the subject (full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Pay the established fee for mugshot reproduction, which is currently $5.00 per photograph according to the Sheriff's Office fee schedule
- Allow processing time as required by the Texas Public Information Act
Can Mugshots Be Found Online?
While the Collin County Sheriff's Office does not maintain a public-facing database of all mugshots, limited booking information including photographs may be available through:
- The current inmate roster on the Sheriff's Office website
- Third-party websites that aggregate public records (though these may contain outdated or inaccurate information)
- Media outlets that may publish mugshots related to newsworthy arrests
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
For the most accurate and current mugshot information, direct requests to the arresting agency are recommended. The Collin County Sheriff's Office accepts requests:
- In person at the Records Division
- By mail to the Sheriff's Office address
- By email to the designated public information contact
- By fax to the Records Division
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances, including:
- Cases involving juveniles
- Arrests that have been expunged or sealed by court order
- Ongoing sensitive investigations
- Situations where release would compromise public safety
Individuals should be aware that while mugshots are generally considered public records, their publication and distribution by private entities is not regulated by the county. Once obtained, these images may be used by third parties in ways not intended by the original requestor.
Lookup Arrest Records in Collin County
Sheriff's Office Inmate Information
Open Records Requests for Criminal Records
Police Records from Collin County Cities