Hockley County Public Records / Hockley County Arrest Records

Hockley County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Hockley County in 2026

HockleyRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Hockley County, Texas, allowing members of the public to search for records that may include booking details, charges filed, custody status, mugshots, and bond information. Access to these records is subject to applicable state law, and the availability or completeness of any individual record cannot be guaranteed.

Members of the public may search for arrest records through several official channels, including online databases, in-person visits to county offices, public access terminals, and written requests submitted by mail. The following resources are available for conducting a search.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Hockley County Sheriff's Office, currently led by Sheriff Chris Wischkaemper, maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the county detention facility. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmate status or recent arrest activity. The Hockley County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement repository for county-level arrest records. Booking information is updated as individuals are processed through the facility, and records reflect the most current custody status available at the time of inquiry.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Levelland Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Hockley County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information may be available through the department's public information office. Individuals seeking records from a specific municipal jurisdiction should direct requests to the appropriate city police department, as records maintained by city agencies are separate from those held by the Sheriff's Office.

Levelland Police Department 813 Avenue H Levelland, TX 79336 Phone: (806) 894-0113 City of Levelland

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court cases filed in the Hockley County District Court or County Court at Law. Members of the public may search associated court case records through the Hockley County Official Records Search, which provides access to certified records including real property documents and court filings. Searching by an individual's name may return associated criminal case numbers, charge information, and case disposition data.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a statewide criminal history repository through its Crime Records Division, which acts as the Texas State Control Terminal for eight state and national criminal justice programs. Members of the public may conduct a name-based criminal history search through the TxDPS online portal. A fee of $3.00 per name search is assessed for public inquiries. Results include arrest and disposition information reported by law enforcement agencies statewide.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Hockley County Sheriff's Office 1310 Avenue H Levelland, TX 79336 Phone: (806) 894-3126 Fax: (806) 897-0750 Jail Phone: (806) 894-9334 Hockley County Sheriff

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number. Fees for copies of records are assessed per page in accordance with Texas Government Code standards.

Clerk of Court:

Hockley County District Clerk 802 Houston Street, Suite 213 Levelland, TX 79336 Phone: (806) 894-3185

Criminal case files may be inspected during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Copy fees are assessed at $1.00 per page for standard copies and $5.00 per page for certified copies, consistent with Texas Government Code § 51.318.

By Mail:

Written requests submitted by mail to the Hockley County Sheriff's Office should include the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office Main Line: (806) 894-3126
Jail Information: (806) 894-9334

Telephone inquiries may yield limited information. Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Complex requests may require an in-person visit or written submission.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request records through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed investigative files not otherwise available to the general public. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and protective orders.

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)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, city police, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Hockley County

Arrest records in Hockley County are public records under Texas law. The Texas Public Information Act, codified at Texas Government Code § 552.001, establishes that government records are presumed open to the public unless a specific exception applies. Arrest records serve multiple public interests, including government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and use in legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known 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
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Texas Family Code provisions
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access by court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is exempt
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain offense categories
Witness protection participant information is not disclosed

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Texas Constitution and the Texas Public Information Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. The Act reflects a legislative determination that transparency in government operations, including law enforcement activity, serves the public interest. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information, while due process principles require that the distinction between an arrest and a conviction be clearly understood. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; it does not constitute evidence of guilt.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers and landlords who use arrest records for screening purposes must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. Under the FCRA, consumer reporting agencies may not report arrests that did not result in conviction if the record is more than seven years old. Texas does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities have adopted local ordinances. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest alone does not establish criminal liability.

What's in Hockley County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Levelland Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, or other)
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 and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected but are not typically included in public-facing records

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 bond, or no bond
Release date and time, if applicable

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction (District Court or County Court at Law)
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment, if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during investigation
Investigative techniques or methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not always available to the public
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Hockley County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Hockley County varies by record type and the office from which the records are requested. Under Texas Government Code § 552.261, governmental bodies may charge for the actual cost of producing copies of public records.

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.10 per page (standard government rate)
Certified copies (District Clerk)	$5.00 per page
TxDPS name-based criminal history search	$3.00 per search
Sheriff's Office copy fees	Contact office for current schedule
Online Official Records Search	Varies by document type

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person requests)
Money order (mail requests)
Credit or debit card (online portal)
Cashier's check (mail requests)

Fee Waivers:

Texas Government Code § 552.267 provides that a governmental body may waive charges for providing public information if the requestor is an indigent individual or if the waiver is in the public interest. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver at the time of the records request.

What Is Available at No Cost:

In-person inspection of public records (no copy fee for viewing only)
Online case index searches through the county's public access portal
General inmate status inquiries by telephone

How To Delete Arrest Records in Hockley County

Texas law provides two primary legal mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expunction (legal erasure) and nondisclosure (sealing). These remedies are distinct in their effect and eligibility requirements.

Expunction results in the physical destruction or return of all records related to an arrest. Following a granted expunction under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, law enforcement agencies, courts, and state repositories are required to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest. The individual may thereafter legally deny that the arrest occurred.

Nondisclosure seals records from public view 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.

Eligibility for Expunction in Texas:

Arrest resulted in acquittal
Charges were dismissed and the statute of limitations has expired
No charges were filed and the applicable waiting period has elapsed
Conviction was subsequently pardoned
Certain juvenile adjudications

Steps to Petition for Expunction:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Hockley County District Clerk
Prepare a Petition for Expunction identifying all agencies that may hold records related to the arrest
File the petition in the district court of the county where the arrest occurred (Hockley County District Court, 802 Houston Street, Levelland, TX 79336)
Serve all named agencies with notice of the petition
Attend the expunction hearing
If granted, the court issues an Order of Expunction directing all agencies to destroy or return records

Hockley County District Court 802 Houston Street Levelland, TX 79336 Phone: (806) 894-3185

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Texas Department of Public Safety are among the agencies that must be served with expunction petitions when applicable. Individuals are advised to consult a licensed Texas attorney to determine eligibility and navigate the petition process.

What Happens After Arrest in Hockley County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Hockley County Jail, located at 1310 Avenue H, Levelland, TX 79336. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation requires.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Hockley County Jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The following steps occur during booking:

Personal information is recorded
Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
Booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks are conducted
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Jail-issued clothing is provided
Medical and brief mental health screening is conducted
Housing classification is determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Texas law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, and in no event 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

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the jail or court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant. The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the total bond amount.

Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: The individual is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The individual is held without the possibility of bond. This designation applies in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release:

Scheduled 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 Is Posted: Processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. Personal property is returned, a court date is provided, and written conditions of release are issued. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.

If Bond Is Not Posted: The individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail rules, commissary procedures, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for appointment of a public defender. Eligibility is based on financial need. The Hockley County court system appoints counsel for indigent defendants in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure requirements.

Private Attorney:

Individuals retain the right to hire private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar of Texas provides attorney referral services for individuals seeking representation.

Charging Decision:

The Hockley County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review may result in the filing of an information or indictment, a request for additional investigation, a declination to prosecute, or the filing of different or additional charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Hockley County District Attorney's Office 802 Houston Street, Suite 209 Levelland, TX 79336 Phone: (806) 894-7887

Arraignment:

At arraignment, formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter an initial plea of not guilty. Subsequent court dates are set at this hearing.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase: The pretrial phase includes discovery, during which the prosecution and defense exchange evidence including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may be filed to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address other legal issues. Pretrial conferences allow attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution and trial readiness.

Plea Negotiations: The District Attorney's Office may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation. The defendant retains the right to accept the agreement or proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed charges with a negotiated sentence
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury or bench trial; if found guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
Misdemeanor cases: Resolution within weeks to several months
Felony cases: Resolution within several months to over one 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 and public trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Hockley County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 1310 Avenue H Levelland, TX 79336 Phone: (806) 894-3126 Jail Phone: (806) 894-9334 Hockley County Sheriff

Hockley County District Clerk 802 Houston Street, Suite 213 Levelland, TX 79336 Phone: (806) 894-3185

Hockley County District Attorney's Office 802 Houston Street, Suite 209 Levelland, TX 79336 Phone: (806) 894-7887

What to Do If You Are Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or a trusted individual to assist with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Hockley County?

Arrest record retention in Hockley County is governed by Texas state law and local agency policies. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission establishes retention schedules for local government records under Texas Local Government Code § 203.041, which requires counties to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, District Clerk, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Part of the individual's permanent criminal history record

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by state and local repositories
Court records maintained permanently in electronic systems
Local law enforcement records retained per agency policy, at minimum for the duration required by the Texas retention schedule

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum period per the Texas retention schedule
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
State repository retains records unless an expunction order is received and processed

Acquittals:

Court records are often retained permanently
Local law enforcement records retained per agency schedule
Records may be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records retained for a minimum period
Local arrest logs retained per agency schedule
May be eligible for expunction upon petition to the district court

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained per the Texas Local Government Records Retention Schedule
Photographs are retained for the duration specified by the applicable schedule

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained per agency policy
Records management system entries are often retained permanently
Court electronic records are maintained permanently in most jurisdictions

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain records indefinitely
These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expunction
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports: Retained per Texas Local Government Records Retention Schedule
Investigative files: Retained based on case outcome and offense classification
Contact: (806) 894-3126

District Clerk:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Retained per Texas retention schedule, with electronic records often maintained permanently
Contact: (806) 894-3185

State Repository:

The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division maintains statewide criminal history records, including arrests reported by all Texas law enforcement agencies
Records are retained in accordance with state policy and updated upon receipt of disposition information or expunction orders

FBI Database:

The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records accessible to law enforcement nationwide
Federal retention is typically permanent
These records are used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and law enforcement inquiries

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all major databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless the individual obtains an expunction order. Dismissed charges are not reported on standard employment background checks by compliant consumer reporting agencies.

Expungement: Following a granted expunction, local agencies are required to destroy or return records. The Texas DPS updates its repository upon receipt of the court order. The FBI database may retain a notation. The timeframe for removal from all systems varies by agency.

No Charges Filed: These records have the shortest retention period and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires. Individuals may petition for expunction in appropriate cases.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Texas does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting convictions after a set number of years. Arrests that did not result in conviction are not reportable after seven years under the FCRA for positions with annual compensation below a specified threshold.

How to Check Retention Status:

Contact the Hockley County Sheriff's Records Division at (806) 894-3126
Submit a written public information request identifying the specific arrest
Fees may apply for copies of responsive records