Moore County Public Records / Moore County Arrest Records

Moore County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Moore County in 2026

MooreRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Moore County, Texas. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through official and third-party sources. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, mugshots, bond information, and criminal case filings. Access and completeness vary by source and the nature of the underlying record.

Records may be searched through the Moore County Sheriff's Office, the District Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and various online tools maintained by state and local agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Moore County Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. Members of the public may view current inmate information, including charges, booking dates, and bond status, through the sheriff's official web presence. The roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects individuals currently in custody at the Moore County Jail. Historical booking records may require a formal public records request submitted directly to the agency.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Dumas, the county seat of Moore County, is served by the Dumas Police Department. The department may publish press releases containing arrest information for significant cases. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from municipal law enforcement may submit a written request to the Dumas Police Department records division.

Dumas Police Department 200 E. 5th Street Dumas, TX 79029 Phone: (806) 935-4914 Dumas Police Department

3. County District Clerk Case Search

The Moore County District Clerk maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the county court system. Members of the public may search case records by defendant name through the Texas Judicial Branch's online case search portal. Court case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case dispositions are available through this system.

Moore County District Clerk 715 Dumas Avenue, Suite 105 Dumas, TX 79029 Phone: (806) 935-5588 Texas Judicial Branch Case Search

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains the Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC) and provides access to criminal history records through its Conviction Database. 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 for a name-based search. The database includes arrests, charges, and dispositions reported by law enforcement agencies statewide.

In-Person Access:

Moore County Sheriff's Office 715 Dumas Avenue Dumas, TX 79029 Phone: (806) 935-4148 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Moore 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 birth, and approximate date of arrest. Fees for paper copies are assessed per page in accordance with Texas Government Code standards.

Dumas Police Department 200 E. 5th Street Dumas, TX 79029 Phone: (806) 935-4914 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Dumas Police Department

Moore County District Clerk 715 Dumas Avenue, Suite 105 Dumas, TX 79029 Phone: (806) 935-5588 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Moore County District Clerk

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Moore County Sheriff's Office at 715 Dumas Avenue, Dumas, TX 79029. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.

By Phone:

The Moore County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (806) 935-4148 during regular business hours. Staff may provide limited information by telephone, including current custody status. Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Complex or voluminous requests are referred to in-person or written submission.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may obtain arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records are an available mechanism for obtaining records not otherwise accessible through routine public records requests.

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, Dumas PD, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Moore County

Arrest records in Moore County are public records under Texas law. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.001, the Texas Public Information Act establishes that government records, including law enforcement records, are presumed open to the public unless a specific statutory exception applies. The Act reflects the principle that transparency in government operations, including the exercise of arrest authority, serves the public interest.

Arrest records are made available to the public for several recognized purposes:

Government accountability and transparency in law enforcement activity
Public safety awareness within the community
Support for journalism and academic research
Use in background screening processes, subject to applicable federal and state restrictions
Reference in civil and criminal 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 the time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under Texas law and applicable federal standards:

Juvenile arrest records, which are confidential under Texas Family Code § 58.007
Expunged arrest records, which are removed from public access by court order
Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active criminal investigations
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
Victim identifying information in applicable cases
Information pertaining to 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 recognized as supporting public access to government records including arrest information. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through the exception framework established in the Texas Public Information Act. First Amendment principles support press access to booking records and jail rosters as a matter of public accountability.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Occupational licensing agencies
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for employment decisions must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal background checks. 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 does not constitute a finding of guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions may implicate state and federal anti-discrimination standards.

What's in Moore County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" designations
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 including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public-facing records

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency (Moore County Sheriff's Office, Dumas Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number, where included
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed at time of booking
Texas Penal Code statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions in plain language
Classification by felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation where applicable
Gang-related designation where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
Inventory of personal property

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time if the individual has been released
Release conditions where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction (County Court at Law or District Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment where available

Prior Arrest History:

Prior arrests within Moore County may appear in booking records, including previous booking numbers and historical charges. This information is not uniformly included in all public-facing arrest record formats.

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

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

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not routinely available in booking records
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated following arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
Background checks: Aggregate information from multiple sources including law enforcement, court, and commercial databases

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

The cost to obtain arrest records in Moore County is governed by the Texas Public Information Act and applicable local fee schedules. Under Texas Government Code § 552.261, governmental bodies may charge for the actual cost of producing public records, including labor and materials.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (standard size)	$0.10 per page
Certified copies	$1.00 per page (plus copy fee)
Electronic records (where available)	May be provided at no charge or at reduced cost
Postage (mail requests)	Actual cost
Oversized copies	Actual cost

Inspection of records at the office is available at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
The Texas DPS name-based criminal history search carries a fee of $3.00 per search, payable online by credit or debit card.
Accepted payment methods at the Moore 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 in cases where disclosure is determined to be primarily in the public interest, as provided under the Texas Public Information Act.
Requests estimated to exceed $40.00 in cost require advance written notice to the requestor before processing proceeds.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Moore County

Under Texas law, 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 legal effects.

Expunction results in the physical destruction or return of arrest records held by law enforcement agencies, courts, and the Texas DPS. Following a granted expunction, the subject may legally deny the arrest occurred in most contexts. Expunction is governed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55.

Eligibility for Expunction in Texas:

Arrest resulted in acquittal at trial
Charges were dismissed and the applicable waiting period has elapsed
No charges were filed and the statute of limitations has expired
The individual was convicted of a Class C misdemeanor and subsequently acquitted on appeal
Certain deferred adjudication cases (limited circumstances)
Conviction was pardoned by the Governor of Texas

Nondisclosure seals records from public access but does not destroy them; law enforcement agencies and certain licensing bodies retain access. Nondisclosure is available to individuals who successfully completed deferred adjudication community supervision for eligible offenses.

Steps to Seek 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 Moore County District Clerk.
File a Petition for Expunction or Order of Nondisclosure in the court of original jurisdiction.
Serve all named agencies holding records, including the Moore County Sheriff's Office, Dumas Police Department, Texas DPS, and the Office of Court Administration.
Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will grant or deny the petition.
If granted, the signed order is served on all agencies, which are required to destroy or seal records within the timeframes specified in the order.

Moore County District Clerk 715 Dumas Avenue, Suite 105 Dumas, TX 79029 Phone: (806) 935-5588 Moore County District Clerk

Texas DPS Crime Records Service P.O. Box 4143 Austin, TX 78765 Phone: (512) 424-2474 Texas DPS Crime Records Service

Individuals seeking expunction or nondisclosure are advised to retain legal counsel, as procedural errors in the petition process may result in denial. The State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service maintains a directory of attorneys practicing in criminal law.

What Happens After Arrest in Moore County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following arrest, the individual is transported to the Moore County Jail, located at 715 Dumas Avenue, Dumas, TX 79029. 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 activities require completion prior to departure.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Moore County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically requires one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

Recording of personal identifying information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously administered
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks conducted
Personal property inventoried and secured
Issuance of jail clothing
Medical screening
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification determination

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 advises the individual of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Bond is set or denied
Rights are formally explained

The initial appearance may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are maintained by the Moore County District Clerk.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the jail or clerk. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable administrative fees. The amount is set by the magistrate or pursuant to a bond schedule.

Surety Bond: The defendant engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the total bond. The Texas Department of Insurance licenses bail bond companies operating in Texas.

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

No Bond: The individual is held without bond 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 where applicable
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring in certain cases
Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted: Processing for release typically requires one to eight hours following payment. 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, completes inmate orientation, and is informed of commissary, telephone, and visitation procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants in Moore County may apply for appointed counsel through the court at the initial appearance. Eligibility is based on financial circumstances as assessed by the court.

Moore County Public Defender / Appointed Counsel Coordinator 715 Dumas Avenue Dumas, TX 79029 Phone: (806) 935-5588 Texas Indigent Defense Commission

Private Attorney:

Defendants retain the right to hire private counsel at any stage of proceedings. The State Bar of Texas maintains a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking representation. Attorney visits to the Moore County Jail are conducted in confidential consultation areas.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Moore County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The review typically occurs within days to weeks of arrest. Available options include filing a formal information or seeking a grand jury indictment, requesting additional investigation, declining to prosecute, or filing different or additional charges.

Moore County District Attorney's Office 715 Dumas Avenue, Suite 204 Dumas, TX 79029 Phone: (806) 935-4922 Moore County District Attorney

Grand Jury:

For felony offenses in Texas, the District Attorney may present the case to a grand jury to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without defense counsel present. A finding of probable cause results in a formal indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. The majority of defendants enter an initial not guilty plea. Subsequent court dates are set at this proceeding.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery: The prosecution and defense exchange evidence including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings.

Pretrial Motions: Either party may file motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address other legal issues. Hearings are scheduled before the assigned judge.

Pretrial Conferences: Attorneys and the judge meet to discuss case status, potential resolution, and trial readiness.

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

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissed case may be eligible for expunction.

Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.

Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or nolo contendere plea to agreed charges. A sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The judge imposes sentence, which may include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, substance abuse treatment, or a combination of these. Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied. 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 complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months in most cases
Felonies: Resolved within several months to over one year in complex cases
Right to speedy trial: Protected under 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 and cross-examine witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Moore County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 715 Dumas Avenue Dumas, TX 79029 Phone: (806) 935-4148 Moore County Sheriff's Office

Moore County District Clerk 715 Dumas Avenue, Suite 105 Dumas, TX 79029 Phone: (806) 935-5588 Moore County District Clerk

Moore County District Attorney's Office 715 Dumas Avenue, Suite 204 Dumas, TX 79029 Phone: (806) 935-4922 Moore County District Attorney

Texas Indigent Defense Commission 1700 N. Congress Avenue, Suite 410 Austin, TX 78701 Phone: (512) 936-6994 Texas Indigent Defense Commission

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
Refrain from discussing the case with anyone other than retained or appointed counsel
Contact family or trusted individuals to assist with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of bond or release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Moore County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Moore 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 PS (Public Safety) governing law enforcement records retention.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Moore County Sheriff's Office, the District Clerk, the Texas DPS criminal history repository, and the FBI's Interstate Identification Index
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: Minimum retention of ten years under Local Schedule PS

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Minimum retention of two years under Local Schedule PS
Court records: Often retained permanently in electronic systems
State repository: Retained unless expunged by court order
Records may remain accessible unless the subject obtains an expunction

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement: Minimum retention of two years
Court records: Often retained permanently
State repository: Retained unless expunged
Eligible for expunction under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Minimum retention of two years
Local arrest logs: Minimum retention of two years
May be eligible for expunction once the applicable statute of limitations has expired

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined to Prosecute):

Law enforcement records: Minimum retention of two years
Often eligible for expunction following the applicable waiting period

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Retained per Local Schedule PS minimums
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently or transferred to state repository
Photographs: Retained per agency policy, minimum two years for non-conviction arrests

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum retention of two years
Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency policy
Court electronic records: Often retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not reflect expunctions or dismissals
The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain reasonable procedures for accuracy, but updates are not always timely

Retention by Agency:

Moore County Sheriff's Office

Booking records: Minimum two years for non-conviction; permanent for felony convictions
Arrest reports: Minimum two years
Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome
Phone: (806) 935-4148

Dumas Police Department

Arrest records: Minimum two years for non-conviction; permanent for felony convictions
Incident reports: Minimum two years
Phone: (806) 935-4914

Moore County District Clerk

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
Traffic cases: Minimum five years
Electronic records: Often permanent
Phone: (806) 935-5588

Texas DPS Criminal History Repository: The Texas DPS Crime Records Service maintains arrest and disposition records reported by all Texas law enforcement agencies. Retention is permanent for conviction records. Non-conviction records are retained unless removed by court-ordered expunction.

FBI Database: The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records with permanent retention. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and firearms purchases.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all major databases and appear on background checks without time limitation.

Dismissal: Records remain in databases unless the subject obtains a court-ordered expunction. Dismissed charges are not always reported on standard employment background checks, but may appear in raw database searches.

Expungement: Following a granted expunction, local agencies are required to destroy or return records. The Texas DPS updates its repository. The FBI database may retain a notation. The timeframe for removal from all systems varies and may take several months following service of the expunction order.

No Charges Filed: Records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable minimum retention period. Immediate expunction may be available in certain circumstances.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests: Available online through the Moore County Sheriff's Office and the Texas Judicial Branch case search system, with updates occurring on a regular basis.

Older Arrests (More Than Five Years Ago): May require an in-person records request at the Moore County Sheriff's Office or District Clerk. Retrieval fees may apply, and processing time may be extended.

Very Old Arrests (More Than Twenty Years Ago): Records may not be digitized. Paper records held in archives may be subject to retrieval upon written request. Records destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule are no longer available.

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court-ordered expunction, or pursuant to the approved records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony conviction files, serious violent offense records, sex offense records, and cases with pending appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Standard Background Check Period: 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 shorter than the FCRA standard for private employment background checks.

Important Notes:

An expunction order does not guarantee immediate removal from all third-party commercial databases
Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed and expunged records for law enforcement purposes
Immigration records are maintained separately under federal authority with distinct retention rules
Juvenile records are subject to confidentiality protections under Texas Family Code § 58.007 and have separate retention rules

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Moore County Sheriff's Records Division at (806) 935-4148 to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. A formal public records request submitted in writing may be required to obtain confirmation of record existence or destruction. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.