Q: How do I view a police report?
A: You can make an open records request with the police department, or if a criminal case has been filed, the attorney of record for the defendant will be provided a copy by the DA.
Kiele Linroth Pace agrees with this answer
A:
The "Probable Cause Affidavit" is a public document that explains the officer's reasons in support of the arrest. Anyone can get their own copy of the PC Affidavit from the clerk's office at the courthouse.
The "Offense Report" is in possession of law enforcement and will be disclosed to the criminal defense attorney. The defense attorney can disclose the contents of an Offense Report to a witness, but can't provide a copy, except in limited circumstances.
You can request a copy of the Offense Report from law enforcement. However, there are exceptions in the Texas Public Information Act (PIA) that allow public information to be withheld for certain law enforcement purposes and when it involves pending litigation. The PIA and exceptions are in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code. See: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.552.htm
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
