Gray County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Gray County in 2026
GrayRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Gray County, Texas. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, mugshots, bond information, and associated criminal case filings. Information presented reflects what has been made available through official channels and may not reflect the most current status of any individual case.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Gray County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Gray County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and jail roster information for individuals processed through the county detention facility. The public may access current inmate information and recent arrest data through the Sheriff's Office. Records include arrestee name, charges, booking date, bond amount, and custody status. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis to reflect current detainee information.
2. Local Police Departments
The City of Pampa Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Gray County. The department issues press releases and public notifications regarding arrests of public interest. Members of the public may submit records requests directly to the Pampa Police Department for arrest logs and incident-related information.
Pampa Police Department
200 W. Foster Ave.
Pampa, TX 79065
Phone: (806) 669-5700
City of Pampa Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Gray County District Clerk maintains criminal case records associated with arrests that have proceeded to formal charges. Members of the public may search case records by defendant name to locate court filings linked to a specific arrest. The Texas Judicial Branch provides an online case search portal through the Texas Courts case search system, which allows name-based queries across participating counties.
Gray County District Clerk
200 N. Russell St., Suite 301
Pampa, TX 79065
Phone: (806) 669-8010
Gray County District Clerk
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history search through the Texas DPS Crime Records Service. A fee of $3.00 applies to name-based public searches conducted online. The database includes arrest and disposition information reported by law enforcement agencies statewide.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Gray County Sheriff's Office
200 N. Russell St.
Pampa, TX 79065
Phone: (806) 669-8022
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Gray County Sheriff's Office
Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Fees for copies are assessed per page in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act.
Clerk of Court:
Gray County District Clerk
200 N. Russell St., Suite 301
Pampa, TX 79065
Phone: (806) 669-8010
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Gray County District Clerk
Criminal case files are available for inspection during regular business hours. Copy fees apply per page for reproduced documents.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Gray County Sheriff's Office at 200 N. Russell St., Pampa, TX 79065. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.
By Phone:
The Gray County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (806) 669-8022 during regular business hours. Phone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may direct callers to the online system or an in-person visit for detailed record retrieval. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through standard public access procedures. Records obtained through discovery in active legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Location of arrest and arresting jurisdiction
Are Arrest Records Public in Gray County
Arrest records in Gray County are public records under Texas law. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.001, the public policy of the State of Texas is that government is open and that the people are entitled to complete information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees. Arrest records, as documents created by law enforcement agencies in the exercise of official duties, fall within the scope of public information subject to disclosure.
As stated in the Texas Public Information Act, "each person is entitled, unless otherwise expressly provided by law, at all times to complete information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees." This principle supports public access to arrest records for purposes including government transparency, public safety awareness, journalism and research, background screening, and use in legal proceedings.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Texas Family Code)
- Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
- Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
- Active investigation information that could compromise an ongoing case
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
- Participants in witness protection programs
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Texas Constitution, Article I, Section 8, protects freedom of speech and press, which courts have interpreted to include access to government records. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through specific exemptions within the Texas Public Information Act. Due process considerations inform the distinction between arrest records and records of conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
- Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when obtained through consumer reporting agencies. Employers subject to the FCRA must follow adverse action procedures when using arrest information. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
What's in Gray County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth
- Age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in disclosure)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, etc.)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Texas Penal Code statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public-facing records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Bail bondsman information, if applicable
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, if public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Gray County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Gray County is governed by the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code § 552.261, which establishes the framework for allowable charges. The Texas Office of the Attorney General publishes a cost rules schedule that agencies use to calculate fees.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.10 per page |
| Certified copies (District Clerk) | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification |
| Electronic records (where available) | May be provided at no charge or reduced cost |
| Personnel time for extensive requests | Charged per OAG cost rules |
| Texas DPS name-based criminal history search | $3.00 per search (online) |
- Inspection of records at the office is available at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
- Accepted payment methods at the Gray County Sheriff's Office and District Clerk include cash, check, and money order payable to the respective agency.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests determined to primarily benefit the general public, as provided under Texas Government Code § 552.267.
- Fees for extensive requests requiring significant personnel time are calculated in accordance with the Texas Office of the Attorney General's open records cost rules.
Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost. Copies of booking photographs and jail roster information may be available through the Sheriff's Office website at no charge.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Gray County
In Texas, the legal mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access are expunction (legal erasure) and nondisclosure (sealing from public access). These are distinct remedies with different eligibility requirements and effects.
Expunction results in the physical destruction or return of arrest records held by law enforcement agencies, courts, and the state criminal history repository. Following a successful expunction, the arrested person may legally deny that the arrest occurred. Expunction is governed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 55.
Eligibility for Expunction in Texas:
- Arrest resulted in acquittal (not guilty verdict)
- Charges were dismissed and the statute of limitations has expired
- No charges were filed and the applicable waiting period has passed
- Conviction was later overturned or pardoned
- Certain Class C misdemeanor deferred adjudication completions
Nondisclosure seals records from public access but does not destroy them. Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records. Nondisclosure is available to individuals who successfully completed deferred adjudication community supervision for eligible offenses.
Steps to Pursue Expunction or Nondisclosure:
- Determine eligibility based on the outcome of the case and applicable waiting periods.
- Obtain the case number and cause number from the Gray County District Clerk.
- File a Petition for Expunction or Order of Nondisclosure in the court of original jurisdiction (Gray County District Court or County Court at Law).
- Serve all relevant agencies named in the petition, including the Sheriff's Office, arresting agency, Texas DPS, and others.
- Attend the expunction hearing; the court will grant or deny the petition.
- Upon court order, each named agency is required to destroy or seal the records within the timeframe specified.
Gray County District Court
200 N. Russell St.
Pampa, TX 79065
Phone: (806) 669-8010
Gray County Courts
Texas Department of Public Safety – Crime Records Service
P.O. Box 4143
Austin, TX 78765
Phone: (512) 424-2474
Texas DPS Crime Records
Individuals seeking expunction or nondisclosure are advised to obtain the services of a licensed Texas attorney. The Gray County Bar Association or the State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service may assist in locating qualified legal counsel.
What Happens After Arrest in Gray County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Gray County, the arrested individual is transported to the Gray County Jail located at 200 N. Russell St., Pampa, TX 79065. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in custody during transport.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Gray County Jail, the booking process is initiated. This process involves recording personal information, photographing the individual (mugshot), collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history check, checking for outstanding warrants, inventorying personal property, issuing jail clothing, and completing medical and mental health screenings. Booking typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume.
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Texas law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, and no later than 48 hours after arrest. At the initial appearance, the magistrate:
- Formally notifies the individual of the charges
- Advises the individual of the right to counsel
- Determines bond or bail
- Advises the individual of applicable rights
Hearings may be conducted via video conference in some circumstances.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- Full bond amount paid in cash to the jail or court
- Refunded at case conclusion, minus applicable fees
- Amount set by magistrate or per the county bond schedule
Surety Bond:
- A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
- The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, customarily 10% of the bond amount
- The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- Released on a written promise to appear
- No monetary payment required
- Granted based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment
No Bond:
- Individual held without bond
- Applicable 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:
- Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring
- Pretrial supervision compliance
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Posted: Processing time for release following bond payment is typically one to eight hours. Upon release, the individual receives personal property, a court date, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.
If Bond 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:
Public Defender:
Gray County provides court-appointed counsel to indigent defendants. Eligibility is determined based on financial circumstances at the time of the initial appearance.
Gray County Public Defender / Court-Appointed Counsel
200 N. Russell St.
Pampa, TX 79065
Phone: (806) 669-8010
Private Attorney:
Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of proceedings. The State Bar of Texas provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private legal representation.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Gray County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. Options include filing an information or seeking a grand jury indictment, requesting additional investigation, declining to prosecute, or filing different or additional charges.
Gray County District Attorney's Office
200 N. Russell St., Suite 200
Pampa, TX 79065
Phone: (806) 669-8035
Gray County District Attorney
Grand Jury (Felony Cases):
Felony charges in Texas require presentment to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed. The grand jury returns an indictment if it finds sufficient cause.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest). Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
- Discovery: Exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and recordings
- Pretrial Motions: Motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery
- Pretrial Conferences: Meetings between counsel and the court to assess case status and explore resolution
- Plea Negotiations: The prosecutor may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects; may be eligible for expunction
- Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal
- Plea Agreement: Defendant accepts guilty or no contest plea; sentencing hearing scheduled
- Trial: Jury or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty; if guilty, sentencing hearing follows
Sentencing (If Convicted):
The court may impose imprisonment, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved more quickly, often within weeks to a few months
- Felonies: May take six months to over a year
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 10 of the Texas Constitution
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to counsel
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Gray County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
200 N. Russell St.
Pampa, TX 79065
Phone: (806) 669-8022
Gray County Sheriff's Office
Gray County District Clerk
200 N. Russell St., Suite 301
Pampa, TX 79065
Phone: (806) 669-8010
Gray County District Clerk
Gray County District Attorney's Office
200 N. Russell St., Suite 200
Pampa, TX 79065
Phone: (806) 669-8035
Gray County District Attorney
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than retained or appointed counsel
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of bond or release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Gray County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Gray County is governed by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission records retention schedules, applicable state statutes, and local agency policies. Under the Texas Local Government Records Act, local government agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission publishes the Local Schedule CC (Records of County Clerks) and Local Schedule PS (Records of Public Safety Agencies), which govern retention periods for law enforcement and court records.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, District Clerk, Texas DPS criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without time limitation
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently in most databases
- Court records: Permanent retention for Class A and B misdemeanors
- State repository: Permanent retention
- Local law enforcement: Retained per Local Schedule PS
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum period per Local Schedule PS; may remain unless expunged
- Court records: Often retained permanently unless subject to expunction order
- State repository: Retained unless expunction order is received and processed
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement: Retained per applicable schedule
- Court records: Often permanent
- Eligible for expunction under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: Retained per Local Schedule PS
- Eligible for expunction after applicable waiting period
No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):
- Law enforcement records retained per schedule
- Often eligible for expunction
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork: Retained per Local Schedule PS
- Fingerprint cards: Retained per applicable schedule
- Photographs: Retained per applicable schedule
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained per schedule, often two years minimum
- Records management systems: Often retained permanently
- Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency policy
- Court electronic records: Often permanent
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
- These databases are not controlled by law enforcement
- Records may not be updated when expunged
- The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accuracy in reported information
Retention by Agency:
Gray County Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Per Local Schedule PS
- Arrest reports: Per Local Schedule PS
- Investigative files: Per Local Schedule PS
- Contact: (806) 669-8022
Pampa Police Department:
- Arrest records: Per Local Schedule PS
- Incident reports: Per Local Schedule PS
- Contact: (806) 669-5700
Gray County District Clerk:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Retained per Local Schedule CC
- Electronic records: Often permanent
- Contact: (806) 669-8010
Texas DPS Criminal History Repository:
- Maintains arrest and disposition records from all Texas jurisdictions
- Retention policy governed by Texas state law
- Accessible through the Texas DPS Crime Records Service
FBI Database:
- National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records
- Federal retention is typically permanent
- Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms, and other purposes
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in most databases; part of the permanent criminal history record
- Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; often not reported on standard background checks
- Expungement: Physical destruction or sealing of local records; state repository updates upon receipt of court order; FBI database may retain with a notation; removal timeframe varies by agency
- No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after the applicable period; immediate expunction may be available in some cases
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
- Recent arrests: Available online through the Sheriff's Office or Texas DPS
- Older arrests: May require in-person request; possible retrieval fee; longer processing time
- Very old arrests: May not be digitized; paper records in archives; may have been destroyed per retention schedule; contact the Gray County Sheriff's Records Division at (806) 669-8022
Destruction of Records:
Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expunction, or in accordance with the approved records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention requirements, including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.
Impact on Background Checks:
- Standard employment background checks under the FCRA cover a seven-year period for most positions, though convictions may be reported indefinitely
- Some states restrict reporting of non-conviction arrests after a specified period; Texas does not currently impose such a restriction at the state level
- Arrests without conviction may not be reported by consumer reporting agencies in certain contexts
- Expunged records are not to be reported by consumer reporting agencies following a valid expunction order
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Gray County Sheriff's Records Division at (806) 669-8022 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A formal public information request may be required, and applicable fees may apply for copies of responsive records.