What are arrest records and warrants?
Arrest records provide detailed accounts of each arrest incident in a person’s arrest history. This information includes, but is not limited to, pictures taken at the time and place of the incident, specifics of the location, and consequences of the arrest. Such consequences may include conviction and sentencing, the details of which are described in the arrest record. Typically, an arrest record released in the state of Texas only contains information about Texas arrests. Arrest records from different states must be obtained separately.
A law enforcement officer must have a warrant accompanied by an affidavit in order to arrest an individual pursuant to a previously committed crime. Warrants require probable cause, which must be sworn under penalty of perjury; this is recorded in the affidavit. Warrants must be signed by a judge, and issued by the court. When an individual is in contempt of court, a bench warrant is issued. This allows a law enforcement officer to arrest the individual on sight. A bench warrant often means that an individual has evaded law enforcement in order to avoid jail time. However, a warrant can be outstanding for other reasons, such as the individual not knowing about the warrant and unknowingly evading arrest, or the governmental body failing to carry out the warrant due to a lack of resources.
How to search for arrest records & warrants in Texas?
The Texas Public Information Act allows anyone to access government documents by written request. To access arrest records and warrants, contact the sheriff’s office of the county where the arrest or crime took place. You do not need to provide identification or a reason for accessing such information, but you may need to provide a written request for the records you which to view or duplicate. The following is an example of how to format a request for information.
This request is made under the Texas Public Information Act, Section 552 of the Texas Government Code. In accordance with the law, which requires that the ‘Officer for Public Records shall promptly produce such information for inspection or duplication, or both, in the offices of the governmental body,’ I respectfully request access to the following information.
How to search for inmates in Texas
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice provides a searchable online database for the safety and convenience of the general public. The Offender Information Search can be found at https://offender.tdcj.texas.gov/OffenderSearch/index.jsp. This database enables you to search by basic identity indicators such as name, race, and sex.
Texas Arrests and Crime Statistics
1,144,178 separate arrests were made by Texas law enforcement officers in the year 2010. It is estimated that someone is murdered in Texas every seven hours. Someone is raped in Texas every hour. One robbery happens every 15 minutes. One aggravated assault happens every seven minutes. These are only estimates, but the more you know, the more you are empowered to protect yourself. Follow your gut and conduct an arrest records search.
Crimes Related to Business & Franchising in Texas
Crimes related to franchising in Texas involve a range of issues, from fraud and regulatory violations to severe cases linked to organized crime. Notable examples include the FTC’s action against Burgerim for franchise fraud, where misrepresentations led to significant financial losses for franchisees, and investigations into CEOs for securities fraud, impacting franchisees through misleading financial statements. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), effective from January 1, 2024, requires franchisors to report beneficial ownership to combat money laundering, with non-compliance resulting in hefty fines and potential jail time. Additionally, a significant indictment in Houston and Galveston revealed drug trafficking operations under the Jalisco New Generation Cartel using legitimate businesses, including franchises, as fronts. Legal disputes, such as those involving Zaxby’s Franchising LLC and Generator Supercenter Franchising LLC, highlight the need for clear and enforceable contracts, including a comprehensive franchise operations manual, to mitigate risks and ensure compliance in the franchise sector
Are you a Felon? Finding Housing as a Felon: Overcoming Challenges and Securing a Home
Securing housing can be one of the most challenging aspects of reentry for individuals with a criminal record. Landlords often hesitate to rent to felons due to concerns about reliability and safety, which can make finding a place to live feel like an uphill battle. However, with determination, transparency, and the right resources, it is possible to find a stable and supportive living environment.
Understanding Your Rights and Options
First, it’s essential to understand your rights and the resources available to you. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. While it does not explicitly protect individuals with criminal records, there are guidelines in place to prevent blanket rejections based solely on a criminal background. Knowing this can help you advocate for yourself during the application process.
Resources to Help You Find Felony-Approved Apartments
There are several resources specifically designed to assist felons in finding housing. Websites like Help for Felons provide lists of felony friendly apartments near me and tips for improving your rental application. These resources can be invaluable in identifying landlords who are willing to work with individuals with criminal histories.