Potter Public Records / Potter County Arrest Records

Potter County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Potter County

Arrest records in Potter County are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code § 552). This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, are presumed to be open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under Texas law. 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 current Texas law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.

The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division serves as the central repository for criminal history information in the state, including arrest data from Potter County. Law enforcement agencies in Potter County are required to report arrest information to this division pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 60.08, which mandates the reporting of arrest data to the state's computerized criminal history system.

Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally public, certain information within these records may be redacted or restricted, particularly if the case involves juveniles, sexual assault victims, or if the record has been ordered sealed or expunged by a court.

What's in Potter County Arrest Records

Potter County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals accused of criminal offenses. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (first, middle, last)
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Address of residence
State identification number (SID)
FBI number (if applicable)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (e.g., Amarillo Police Department, Potter County Sheriff's Office)
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Circumstances of arrest
Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal offense(s) charged
Statute citation(s)
Offense classification (felony or misdemeanor)
Offense degree (e.g., first-degree felony, Class B misdemeanor)

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date issued
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Booking facility
Booking officer
Fingerprints
Mugshot photograph

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Conditions of release (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
Expected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Risk assessment scores
Medical screening information
Property inventory
Emergency contact information
Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the nature of the offense. All arrest data is maintained in accordance with the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 60.01, which establishes standards for criminal history record information.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Potter County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Potter County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:

Visit the Potter County Sheriff's Office in person:

Potter County Sheriff's Office
608 S. Pierce Street
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2900
Potter County Sheriff's Office

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Requestors should bring government-issued photo identification and be prepared to complete a records request form. Fees may apply for copies of records.
Submit a written request:

Written requests may be submitted via mail to the Potter County Sheriff's Office Records Division at the address listed above. Requests should include:
- Full name of the subject of the search
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Copy of requestor's identification
- Notarized authorization (if requesting records for someone else)
Contact the arresting agency:

If the arrest was made by the Amarillo Police Department, which serves portions of Potter County:

Amarillo Police Department
200 SE 3rd Avenue
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 378-3038
Amarillo Police Department

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Request records from the Potter County District Clerk:

For cases that have proceeded to court:

Potter County District Clerk
500 S. Fillmore, Room 1B
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2300
Potter County District Clerk

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Submit a request to the Texas Department of Public Safety:

For statewide criminal history information:

Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service
PO Box 4143
Austin, TX 78765
(512) 424-2474
Texas DPS Crime Records

Requestors should note that processing times may vary depending on the volume of requests and complexity of the search. Fees are assessed in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act and local fee schedules.

How To Find Potter County Arrest Records Online

Potter County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records electronically. The following online methods are currently available:

Potter County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search: The Potter County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides information on currently incarcerated individuals and recent arrests. This database is updated regularly and can be accessed through the official Potter County website.

Search parameters typically include:
- First and last name
- Date of birth
- Booking number (if known)
Potter County District Clerk Records Search: For cases that have proceeded to court, the Potter County District Clerk offers an online case records search system. This database includes information on criminal cases filed in Potter County courts.

To conduct a search:
- Navigate to the Potter County District Clerk's website
- Select the "Case Records Search" option
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
- Review results for arrest-related information
Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search: The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division provides a fee-based online criminal history search service. This system contains records from across Texas, including Potter County arrests.

To use this service:
- Create an account on the Texas DPS website
- Pay the required fee
- Enter the subject's information
- Receive results electronically
Amarillo Police Department Online Resources: The Amarillo Police Department website provides information on recent arrests within city limits, portions of which fall within Potter County.
Texas Judicial Branch Website: The Seventh Court of Appeals, located in Potter County, maintains records of cases that have been appealed, which may contain information related to arrests.

When utilizing online resources, users should be aware that not all arrest records may be available electronically, particularly older records or those subject to special handling. Additionally, online systems may not contain complete arrest information, and users may need to contact the relevant agency directly for comprehensive records.

How To Search Potter County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Potter County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods are currently available for free searches:

Potter County Jail Inmate Roster: The Potter County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible inmate roster that lists currently incarcerated individuals. This resource is available at no cost and is updated regularly.

To access:
- Visit the Potter County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Information" section
- Use the search function to locate specific individuals
Public Access Terminals:

Potter County District Clerk's Office
500 S. Fillmore, Room 1B
Amarillo, TX 79101

The District Clerk's office provides public access terminals where visitors can search court records related to arrests at no charge during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Public Library Resources:

Amarillo Public Library - Downtown Branch
413 SE 4th Avenue
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 378-3054

The library offers public computers with internet access where users can search publicly available arrest information through government websites.
Local Newspaper Archives: Local publications often report on arrests, particularly in high-profile cases. Many libraries maintain archives of local newspapers that can be searched at no cost.
Potter County Court Dockets: Court dockets are public records that list scheduled court appearances, including those resulting from arrests. These dockets are typically posted at the courthouse and may be available online through the Potter County website.
Seventh Court of Appeals Records: The Seventh Court of Appeals, located in Potter County, maintains public records of cases that have been appealed, which may contain information related to arrests.

When conducting free searches, requestors should be aware that the information available may be limited compared to official record requests. Additionally, free resources may not include historical records or detailed arrest information. For comprehensive criminal history information, users may need to submit formal requests that may involve fees.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Potter County

Under Texas law, individuals may be eligible to have their arrest records either expunged (legally erased) or sealed (restricted from public access) under specific circumstances. These processes are governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure for expunctions and Chapter 411 of the Texas Government Code for orders of nondisclosure (record sealing).

Expunction (Erasure of Records):

Expunction is available in the following situations:

The arrest did not lead to a formal charge
The charge was dismissed
The individual was acquitted (found "not guilty")
The individual was convicted but subsequently pardoned
The individual completed certain deferred adjudication programs for specific misdemeanors

To pursue expunction in Potter County:

Determine eligibility under Article 55.01 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure
File a Petition for Expunction with the Potter County District Clerk
Pay the required filing fee (approximately $250-$300)
Attend the scheduled hearing before a district court judge
If granted, obtain the Order of Expunction
Ensure the order is distributed to all agencies holding records

Order of Nondisclosure (Record Sealing):

Record sealing prevents public access but maintains records for law enforcement and certain governmental entities. Eligibility typically requires:

Successful completion of deferred adjudication community supervision
No disqualifying criminal history
Satisfaction of applicable waiting periods (varies by offense)
The offense must not be excluded under Section 411.074 of the Government Code

To obtain an Order of Nondisclosure in Potter County:

Verify eligibility under Section 411.071-411.0775 of the Texas Government Code
File a Petition for Nondisclosure with the Potter County District Clerk
Pay the required filing fee (approximately $280)
Attend the court hearing
If granted, ensure the order is properly distributed

Both processes typically require legal assistance. Individuals seeking expunction or record sealing may contact:

Potter County District Attorney's Office
501 S. Fillmore, Suite 5A
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2325

Potter County Bar Association
(For referrals to attorneys specializing in expunctions)
112 SW 8th Avenue, Suite 615
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 372-3282

Individuals should be aware that these processes apply only to Texas state records. Federal arrests and certain specialized databases may require separate procedures for record removal.

What Happens After Arrest in Potter County?

Following an arrest in Potter County, individuals enter a standardized criminal justice process that includes several key stages:

Booking and Initial Processing: After physical arrest, individuals are transported to a detention facility, typically the Potter County Detention Center, where they undergo:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Initial paperwork processing
This information is entered into local and state databases, including those maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division.
Magistration (Initial Appearance): Within 48 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a magistrate judge who:
- Informs the arrestee of charges
- Advises of constitutional rights
- Sets bail or bond conditions
- Determines if probable cause exists for detention
- Appoints counsel for indigent defendants
Bail/Bond Determination: The court establishes conditions for pre-trial release, which may include:
- Cash bail
- Surety bond through a licensed bondsman
- Personal recognizance bond
- Special conditions (e.g., GPS monitoring, travel restrictions)
Formal Charging: The Potter County District Attorney's Office reviews the case and determines whether to file formal charges:
- Misdemeanors: Filed as "information" documents
- Felonies: Presented to a grand jury for potential indictment
If the prosecutor declines to file charges, the case is dismissed and the individual is released.
Arraignment: At this court appearance, the defendant:
- Is formally informed of charges
- Enters an initial plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- May have counsel appointed if not already done
- Receives future court dates
Pre-Trial Proceedings: This phase includes:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Pre-trial motions
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
- Evidence suppression hearings
Case Disposition: The case may be resolved through:
- Plea agreement
- Trial (bench or jury)
- Dismissal of charges
- Diversion programs (for eligible cases)
Sentencing (if convicted): Sentencing options in Potter County include:
- Incarceration (county jail or state prison)
- Probation/community supervision
- Deferred adjudication
- Fines and court costs
- Community service
- Treatment programs
Post-Conviction: Following conviction, individuals may pursue:
- Direct appeal to the Seventh Court of Appeals
- Post-conviction writs
- Parole (for eligible prison sentences)
- Record sealing or expunction (if eligible)

Throughout this process, case information is maintained by multiple agencies, including the Amarillo Police Department, Potter County Sheriff's Office, Potter County District Clerk, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Potter County?

Arrest records in Potter County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the authority of Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various types of records, including those related to arrests.

The retention periods for arrest records vary by record type and maintaining agency:

Law Enforcement Arrest Records:

Arrest reports and associated documentation: Minimum of 75 years from date of arrest
Offense reports: 10 years for misdemeanors; 75 years for felonies
Incident reports not resulting in arrest: 5 years
Fingerprint cards and photographs: 75 years from date of arrest
Booking information: 5 years after release or discharge

Court Records Related to Arrests:

Misdemeanor case files: 5 years after final disposition
Felony case files: 20 years after final disposition
Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
Juvenile case records: Until the individual reaches age 23 or 10 years after final disposition, whichever is later

Jail Records:

Inmate confinement records: 5 years after release
Jail population reports: 5 years
Visitor logs: 3 years

Different agencies within Potter County maintain separate record systems with their own retention requirements:

The Potter County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.
The Amarillo Police Department maintains arrest records for arrests made within city limits.
The Potter County District Clerk maintains court records related to arrests.
The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division maintains statewide criminal history information.

It is important to note that even after the minimum retention period has expired, records may still be maintained by agencies indefinitely, particularly if they have been digitized. Additionally, information about arrests may be maintained in commercial databases and background check services beyond the official government retention periods.

Records that have been expunged pursuant to an expunction order under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 are required to be destroyed by all maintaining agencies, regardless of retention schedules.

How to Find Mugshots in Potter County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, or booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. In Potter County, these photographs are taken as part of standard booking procedures at detention facilities. Mugshots typically show the front view (and sometimes side view) of an arrestee's face and upper body, often with identifying information visible.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Potter County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

Potter County Sheriff's Office
608 S. Pierce Street
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2900

As the operator of the county jail, the Sheriff's Office maintains booking photographs as part of inmate records.
Amarillo Police Department
200 SE 3rd Avenue
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 378-3038

For arrests made within Amarillo city limits (portions of which are in Potter County).
Texas Department of Public Safety
Criminal History Record Information is maintained by the Crime Records Division, which may include mugshots from Potter County arrests.

Finding Mugshots

To locate mugshots in Potter County, individuals may:

Submit a Public Information Act request to the arresting agency or detention facility
Visit the Potter County Sheriff's Office Records Division in person
Check the Potter County inmate roster for current inmates
Contact the Potter County District Attorney's Office for mugshots related to active cases

Can They Be Found Online

Some Potter County mugshots may be available online through:

The Potter County Sheriff's Office inmate lookup system (for current inmates)
Third-party websites that aggregate public records
Local news media websites that may publish mugshots for newsworthy arrests

However, online availability is limited and not comprehensive. The Potter County Tax Office and other county departments do not typically maintain or provide access to mugshots.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To officially request a mugshot:

Submit a written request to the appropriate agency citing the Texas Public Information Act
Include specific identifying information (full name, date of birth, date of arrest)
Pay any applicable fees for record reproduction
Allow processing time (typically 10 business days under state law)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:

Juvenile arrests (under 17 years of age)
Expunged or sealed records
Ongoing investigations where release could interfere with proceedings
Cases involving certain victims (e.g., sexual assault victims)
Records subject to court-ordered non-disclosure

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these images are generally considered public records under Texas law, their use and distribution may be subject to legal limitations, particularly for commercial purposes.

Lookup Arrest Records in Potter County

Arresting Agency ORIs

Police Department - City of Amarillo

Crime Records | Department of Public Safety

Potter County Tax Office | TxDMV.gov

TJB | 7th COA

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