Access Texas Court Records Online

Are you searching for Texas court records but don’t know where to start? Understanding how to access these documents can be a bit tricky, especially with the various types of court records available, such as criminal, civil, probate, and family case records.

Find Arrests Records & Mugshots Free | Fast & Easy Access

Get quick access to arrests records and mugshots for free. Search by name, state, and city to find the latest criminal records online.

Whether you’re an attorney, a researcher, or an individual seeking personal legal information, Texas court records can provide valuable insight into a person’s or case’s history.

But how do you find and obtain these records in a state as vast as Texas? Are they publicly accessible, and what steps must you take to retrieve them? Navigating the different county and district court systems, understanding the rules around public access, and knowing which documents are available online versus those that require an in-person visit can be overwhelming.

One of the key challenges people face when trying to obtain Texas court records is the complexity and inconsistency in how they’re made available. Many court records are stored at local courthouses, with varying processes for request, fees, and availability.

However, there are solutions. Online portals and public databases make it easier to access records from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and various district or county courts. By knowing the right tools and procedures, you can overcome these hurdles and gain access to the court records you need.

How to Access Texas Court Records

Accessing Texas court records involves several methods, depending on the type of record you need, the court system involved, and your location. Here’s a guide on how to access Texas court records:

1. Online Access to Texas Court Records

Texas Courts Website: Many Texas court records can be accessed online through official state or county court websites. The Texas Judicial Branch has links to district, county, and appellate court records. For example, the Texas.gov website offers a Case Search tool for certain types of records, including civil, criminal, and family cases.
CourtConnect: A service for public access to case information from Texas courts, including details on civil, probate, and family court cases.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ): For criminal court records, the TDCJ provides an online database to search inmate and parolee information.
County-Specific Websites: Individual counties often have their own online systems where you can search for local court records. This includes district courts, county courts, and justice of the peace courts. Examples include Harris County’s District Clerk’s website or Travis County’s County Clerk system.

2. Requesting Court Records In-Person

Visit the Courthouse: If the records are not available online, you can visit the appropriate courthouse in the county or district where the case was heard. You’ll typically need to visit the clerk’s office.
Required Documentation: Bring proper identification, such as a driver’s license, and provide specific case details (case number, names of the parties involved, and date of the hearing).
Fees: There may be fees for obtaining copies of records, which can vary by county and type of record. Some courthouses offer the ability to pay fees online, but others require payment in person.

3. Third-Party Websites

Commercial Record Search Services: Numerous online platforms provide access to Texas court records for a fee. Websites such as LexisNexis, CourtListener, and PACER (for federal records) may allow searches across multiple court systems, but they often charge for more detailed information.

4. Texas Public Information Act

Public Access: The Texas Public Information Act allows public access to most government records, including court records. However, some records may be sealed or restricted due to privacy laws (e.g., juvenile records or family law cases).
Request Process: To request records under this law, you may need to submit a formal public information request to the court or the clerk’s office. Some records are available immediately, while others may require more time to process.

5. Checking Specific Court Types

Criminal Records: For Texas criminal records, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) provides an online search tool for prison records and parole information. Additionally, county courts may have records of misdemeanors, and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals handles felony cases.
Civil Records: Civil case records can be accessed through local county or district courts. The Texas Supreme Court handles civil appeals, and these records are generally available through their website.
Family Records: Family court records may require special access permissions. These records often include sensitive information such as child custody arrangements and divorce proceedings.

6. Sealed and Expunged Records

Restricted Access: Certain records, such as juvenile court cases, cases involving sealed or expunged information, or ongoing investigations, may not be available to the public. However, you can request specific information by submitting a formal request, although access is limited.
Expungement Process: If you are searching for criminal records that have been expunged or sealed, you must follow legal procedures to determine eligibility for access.

7. Using Case Numbers

Case Number Search: If you know the specific case number, it makes it easier to find the exact record you are looking for. Case numbers are unique identifiers assigned to each case and can be used to search both online databases and at the courthouse.

Texas Court System Overview

The Texas court system is complex, with multiple levels of courts serving different functions. Understanding how the courts are structured and how they interact can help you navigate the legal process more effectively when searching for court records or seeking justice. Below is a detailed overview of the various courts within the Texas judicial system.

1. The Structure of the Texas Court System

Texas operates under a dual court system, which includes both state courts and federal courts. The state court system deals with the majority of cases in Texas, while the federal court system handles cases involving federal law or cases with parties from different states.

2. Texas Supreme Court

The Texas Supreme Court is the highest court in the state for civil matters. It hears cases involving significant legal issues, appeals from lower courts, and the final decisions on matters like contract disputes, property law, and civil rights. The court is composed of nine justices who serve six-year terms.

Primary Jurisdiction: Civil cases (such as disputes involving contracts, personal injury, and property)
Appellate Review: Reviews decisions made by lower appellate courts

3. Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

This is the highest court for criminal cases in Texas. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals hears appeals in criminal matters, including capital punishment cases, felony convictions, and major criminal law issues.

Primary Jurisdiction: Criminal cases, including felony convictions and death penalty cases
Appellate Review: Reviews cases that involve criminal law violations and constitutional rights

4. Texas Courts of Appeals

The Texas Courts of Appeals are intermediate appellate courts that handle appeals from trial courts (district courts, county courts, and justice courts). These courts are divided into 14 districts and are responsible for reviewing decisions from lower courts to determine whether the law was applied correctly.

Primary Jurisdiction: Appeals in both civil and criminal cases
Appellate Review: Reviews decisions made by trial courts within their respective districts

5. District Courts

District courts are the primary trial courts in Texas and handle a wide range of cases. These courts have original jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including felonies, family law, probate, and juvenile matters. Each county in Texas has at least one district court.

Primary Jurisdiction: Felony criminal cases, divorce and family law cases, civil disputes, probate cases, and juvenile matters
Original Jurisdiction: District courts are trial courts, meaning they hear cases for the first time

6. County Courts

County courts in Texas are typically responsible for handling less serious civil and criminal cases. They may also serve as appellate courts for cases coming from justice courts and municipal courts. There are two types of county courts: constitutional county courts and statutory county courts.

Primary Jurisdiction: Misdemeanors, probate matters, civil disputes under a certain dollar amount, and appeals from justice courts
Original and Appellate Jurisdiction: Handles both trial and appeals from lower courts

7. Justice of the Peace Courts

Justice of the Peace (JP) courts are the lowest-level courts in Texas, primarily handling small claims, misdemeanors, and civil cases with low monetary values. JP courts also handle some preliminary criminal matters, including traffic violations and minor criminal offenses.

Primary Jurisdiction: Small claims, traffic offenses, evictions, and preliminary criminal hearings
Original Jurisdiction: JP courts are primarily trial courts

8. Municipal Courts

Municipal courts deal with cases that arise under the ordinances of Texas cities. These courts typically handle violations such as traffic tickets, code violations, and other minor offenses. Municipal courts are established by local governments, and their jurisdiction is limited to the city in which they are located.

Primary Jurisdiction: City ordinance violations, traffic tickets, and minor criminal offenses
Original Jurisdiction: Handles cases that occur within the city limits

9. Family Courts

Texas family courts handle cases involving family law matters, including divorce, child custody, adoption, child support, and protective orders. Some counties have dedicated family courts, while other family cases are handled by district courts.

Primary Jurisdiction: Divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence, and adoption
Original Jurisdiction: Family-related legal matters

10. Probate Courts

Probate courts in Texas manage cases involving wills, estates, and guardianship. These courts ensure that a deceased person’s estate is properly administered according to the law and the person’s will.

Primary Jurisdiction: Wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health cases
Original Jurisdiction: Handles the legal process for administering estates and guardianships

11. Juvenile Courts

Texas juvenile courts handle cases involving minors who are accused of committing criminal acts. These courts operate under a different set of procedures and laws designed to focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Primary Jurisdiction: Criminal offenses committed by minors (under the age of 18)
Original Jurisdiction: Hear cases involving juveniles accused of criminal conduct

12. Special Courts and Tribunals

Texas also has specialized courts and tribunals that handle specific areas of law, such as drug courts, mental health courts, and veterans’ courts. These courts are designed to provide alternative sentences and rehabilitation options for individuals involved in specific types of legal matters.

Primary Jurisdiction: Drug-related offenses, mental health issues, and veteran-specific cases
Focus: Rehabilitation and alternative sentencing options

Searching for Texas Court Records Online

Accessing Texas court records online is an efficient way to find information about legal cases, whether you’re researching for personal or professional reasons. Many court records, including civil, criminal, family, and probate cases, can be searched through various online platforms, making it easier than ever to obtain case details. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to search for Texas court records online:

1. Texas.gov – Official State Portal

The Texas.gov website is an official state resource that provides access to a variety of court records and public legal documents. It serves as a central hub for Texas court information, with tools for searching civil, criminal, and family cases.

How to Use:
- Visit the Texas.gov website and navigate to the Texas Courts section.
- Use the available tools to search for cases by name, case number, or date.
- Some records are available for free, while others may require a fee to access full case details.
Types of Records: Civil, criminal, family, and probate cases

2. Texas Court System Websites

Each court in Texas typically has its own online platform for accessing records. These court websites often allow users to search for case information within specific jurisdictions (county, district, or appellate courts). The two main court types that offer online searches include:

District Court Records: Available via individual county websites or through a statewide system for larger jurisdictions like Dallas County or Harris County.
Appellate Court Records: The Texas Court of Appeals and Texas Supreme Court maintain online case search tools for appeals and other high-level cases.

How to Use:

Identify which court handled the case (e.g., district, county, or appellate court).
Go to the court’s official website and search by case number, party names, or case type.
Some counties provide public access to records via their district clerk or county clerk portals.

3. PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records)

For federal court records in Texas, PACER is the go-to resource. PACER provides access to federal court filings, including those from U.S. District Courts and U.S. Courts of Appeals.

How to Use:
- Register for a PACER account on the official PACER website.
- Search federal court records by case number, party names, or date.
- PACER charges a small fee for each document accessed.
Types of Records: Federal civil, criminal, bankruptcy, and appellate cases

4. Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Online Database

If you’re searching for criminal records in Texas, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) offers an online database to search for incarcerated individuals and parolees. This database includes information such as inmate records, parole status, and criminal history for Texas offenders.

How to Use:
- Visit the TDCJ Offender Search page.
- Search by name, TDCJ number, or SID number.
- Access detailed offender information, including current incarceration status and sentence history.
Types of Records: Criminal case history, inmate status, parole details

5. County-Specific Search Tools

Most Texas counties have their own search tools for accessing local court records. These systems are managed by the county district clerk, county clerk, or justice of the peace. County-level online portals provide access to civil, criminal, and family court records, but the availability of records may vary by county.

How to Use:
- Visit the website of the district clerk or county clerk for the relevant county.
- Use search tools to find cases by case number, party names, or case type.
- Many counties provide access to dockets, filings, judgments, and other court-related documents.
Notable Counties with Online Access:
- Harris County: Access court records via the Harris County District Clerk portal.
- Dallas County: Search for cases on the Dallas County Clerk website.
Types of Records: Criminal, civil, family, probate, and small claims

6. Texas Courts of Appeals and Supreme Court

For appellate records, you can search for Texas Court of Appeals and Texas Supreme Court cases online. Both of these courts provide access to opinions, case filings, and related documents through their respective websites.

How to Use:
- Visit the Texas Court of Appeals or Texas Supreme Court websites.
- Search for cases by party names, case number, or decision date.
- Many decisions and records are freely accessible, but some documents may require a request for full access.
Types of Records: Appeals, decisions, opinions, and filings

7. Commercial Third-Party Search Services

There are several third-party websites that aggregate Texas court records, offering easy-to-use search interfaces for users willing to pay for access. These services typically pull information from public databases and provide it in a consolidated format.

How to Use:
- Sign up for a third-party service such as Instant Checkmate, BeenVerified, or LexisNexis.
- Search for cases by name, case number, or location.
- Pay any associated fees for access to detailed reports.
Types of Records: Criminal background checks, civil cases, divorce records, and other public records

8. Limitations and Restrictions

While Texas court records are generally accessible to the public, there are restrictions on certain records. These restrictions can include:

Sealed or Expunged Records: Records that have been sealed or expunged due to privacy or legal protection are not available to the public.
Juvenile Records: Records involving minors are often sealed or restricted to protect privacy.
Family Law Cases: Certain family law records, particularly those involving custody, child protection, or sensitive matters, may be restricted or sealed.

How to Request Texas Court Records In-Person

While many Texas court records are available online, some may require an in-person visit to obtain. Depending on the type of case and the county, you may need to physically visit the courthouse or the clerk’s office to request court records. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to request Texas court records in person:

1. Identify the Correct Court

Before visiting in person, it’s essential to know which court handled the case you’re interested in. Texas has multiple court types, including district courts, county courts, municipal courts, and justice of the peace courts.

Criminal Records: If the case involves a crime, check whether it was heard in a district court, county court, or municipal court.
Civil Records: Civil cases are generally handled by district courts or county courts.
Family Law Cases: Family law matters are often handled by district courts or family courts, depending on the county.
Probate Records: These are usually managed by probate courts or district courts.

You can determine which court handled the case by searching online or contacting the local courthouse.

2. Locate the Clerk’s Office

Once you’ve identified the correct court, visit the court clerk’s office. The clerk’s office is typically where case files are stored and where you can request access to public records.

District Clerk’s Office: For district court cases, visit the district clerk’s office in the county where the case was filed.
County Clerk’s Office: For cases in county courts, the county clerk handles records requests.
Justice of the Peace or Municipal Courts: These courts have their own clerks, often located within the courthouse.

3. Gather Necessary Information

To ensure your search is efficient, gather as much information about the case as possible. This will help the clerk locate the record faster and more accurately. Some useful details include:

Case Number: If you know the case number, it’s the best way to identify the record.
Names of the Parties Involved: Provide the full names of the individuals or entities involved in the case.
Date of the Hearing or Trial: If you don’t have a case number, knowing the date can be helpful.
Type of Case: Specify whether the case is criminal, civil, probate, or family law-related.

If you’re unsure of some details, you can usually ask the clerk for assistance, though more specific information will speed up the process.

4. Complete the Request Form

Many courts will require you to fill out a records request form. This form asks for your contact information and details about the case you’re requesting. The form may be available at the clerk’s office or on the court’s website. Some counties may even allow you to complete this request form online before visiting the courthouse.

The form typically asks for:

Your name and contact information
The case number (or information to help locate the case)
The specific documents you are requesting (e.g., full case file, judgment, transcripts)

5. Pay the Required Fees

In-person requests often involve fees, which vary depending on the type of record, the number of pages, and the county or court. Fees can be based on:

Copying costs: A standard fee is usually charged per page (often around $1 per page).
Certification fees: If you need a certified copy of a document, there may be an additional fee.
Search fees: Some courts may charge a fee to conduct a search if you don’t have a case number.

Check with the clerk’s office to confirm the fees and the accepted methods of payment (credit/debit card, check, cash, etc.).

6. Wait for Processing

Once you’ve submitted your request, the clerk will process it, which can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days, depending on the complexity of the request and the availability of records.

Immediate Access: If the records are easily accessible, you may receive them the same day.
Delayed Access: For older records or large case files, it may take longer. The clerk may give you a date or timeframe for when the records will be available.

7. Review the Records

When the records are ready, you will typically be allowed to review them in person. You may be given copies of the documents you requested, either in hard copy or, in some cases, via email or a digital format.

If you have any issues with the records or need clarification, the clerk may assist you in understanding the contents.

8. Requesting Sealed or Expunged Records

If the case records you are requesting are sealed, expunged, or involve sensitive information (e.g., juvenile records), access may be restricted. You may need to:

Obtain a court order: If the records are sealed, you might need to petition the court for access, especially if you are a party in the case.
Provide a valid reason for access: For expunged or juvenile records, the court may only allow access under specific circumstances, such as for legal or research purposes.

9. Special Considerations for Family Law Cases

Family law cases often involve sensitive information. If you are requesting records related to family law matters such as divorce, child custody, or adoption, be aware that some records may be confidential or require a court order to access.

10. Alternative Options

If you are unable to visit in person, some courts allow you to request records by phone, mail, or fax. You can contact the clerk’s office to inquire about remote options and whether you can submit the request online or by postal mail

Texas Court Records for Legal Professionals

For legal professionals in Texas, accessing court records is an essential part of case preparation, research, and legal proceedings. Understanding how to navigate the Texas court system to obtain accurate, timely court records is critical for attorneys, paralegals, and other legal staff. Below is a detailed guide on how legal professionals can efficiently access Texas court records, along with relevant considerations and resources.

1. Importance of Court Records for Legal Professionals

Court records serve as a primary source of information in legal practice. These records provide valuable details on previous cases, legal precedents, rulings, and the status of ongoing cases. They are essential for:

Case Preparation: Reviewing prior case outcomes, legal arguments, and evidence.
Precedent Research: Identifying applicable rulings in similar cases.
Discovery: Finding documents related to witnesses, evidence, or testimonies.
Client Representation: Understanding the full scope of a client’s legal history, including criminal records, civil disputes, or family law matters.

2. Types of Texas Court Records

As a legal professional, it’s important to be familiar with the different types of court records available in Texas. Common types of records you may need to access include:

Criminal Records: Court documents detailing arrests, charges, trial outcomes, and sentencing.
Civil Court Records: Files related to disputes between parties, including contract, personal injury, and property law cases.
Family Law Records: Documents concerning divorce, child custody, alimony, and adoption cases.
Probate Court Records: Information on wills, estates, and guardianship cases.
Juvenile Records: Records related to minors involved in criminal or family law matters.
Appeal Records: Records of appellate court cases, including decisions from the Texas Courts of Appeals and the Texas Supreme Court.

3. Accessing Court Records Online

Legal professionals often need quick access to court records, and Texas offers a variety of online tools for this purpose. Key platforms include:

Texas.gov: The state’s official portal provides links to various court databases and resources, allowing users to search for case records across multiple jurisdictions.
County-Specific Websites: Each county in Texas has its own clerk’s office with online access to local court records. This is particularly useful for district and county court cases.
Texas Courts: The Texas Courts website offers access to records from appellate courts, including the Texas Supreme Court and Courts of Appeals.

To access records online, legal professionals can search by case number, party name, or case type. In some cases, a subscription or payment may be required for detailed documents.

4. Using PACER for Federal Court Records

For cases involving federal law, Texas legal professionals can use PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) to access federal court documents. PACER provides access to U.S. District Court and U.S. Court of Appeals records. This is a valuable resource for those dealing with cases in the federal judicial system.

How to Access: Legal professionals can register for a PACER account and search for federal cases by case number, party names, or filing dates.
Fee Structure: PACER charges a small fee for each document accessed, but the system is efficient and provides comprehensive records.

5. Requesting Court Records In-Person

While many court records are available online, some may require an in-person request, especially if the records are older, sealed, or require certification. Legal professionals may need to visit the district clerk’s office, county clerk’s office, or appellate courts in the relevant jurisdiction to obtain physical copies.

Prepare Information: Bring all relevant case information, such as case numbers, party names, and court dates.
Fees: Be prepared to pay fees for copies of documents. Certified copies may incur additional costs.
Timeframe: In-person requests can take time to process, depending on the volume of records or the nature of the request.

6. Accessing Sealed or Expunged Records

In certain cases, records may be sealed or expunged, particularly in criminal cases or sensitive family law matters. Legal professionals need to understand the process for obtaining access to these records.

Sealed Records: Legal professionals may be required to petition the court to access sealed records. A valid reason for the request, such as representing a client with a legal interest in the case, may be required.
Expunged Records: Expunged records are typically unavailable to the public, but legal professionals may request access through specific legal procedures if there is a legitimate need.

Understanding the legal requirements for accessing restricted records is essential for legal professionals handling sensitive cases.

7. Understanding Texas Court Dockets

In Texas, court dockets are lists of cases scheduled to be heard by the court. They provide detailed information about hearings, motions, rulings, and case progressions.

Why Dockets Matter: Court dockets are essential for keeping track of important dates in a case, such as motions, hearings, and trials.
Where to Find Dockets: Dockets can usually be found through the district clerk’s office, county clerk, or online case search portals.

Legal professionals use dockets to ensure they are aware of upcoming court events and monitor case developments.

8. Requesting Certified Copies of Court Records

For legal proceedings that require official documentation, legal professionals often need certified copies of court records. These certified copies are often required for filing appeals, presenting evidence in court, or verifying case history.

How to Request: Certified copies can be requested directly from the clerk’s office either online or in person. There is usually an additional fee for certification.
Why They Are Important: Certified copies are legally recognized and carry an official seal, ensuring that they are authentic for use in court.

9. Using Court Records for Discovery

In the discovery process, accessing court records is critical for reviewing evidence, preparing motions, and assessing the strength of a case. Legal professionals can use court records to:

Identify Legal Precedents: Reviewing past court decisions helps in formulating legal arguments.
Assess Opposing Parties: Court records can provide insight into opposing parties’ strategies, witness testimony, and evidence.
Gather Evidence: Documents like motions, transcripts, and filings can be valuable pieces of evidence.

10. Managing Access to Confidential Information

Legal professionals must be mindful of confidentiality when handling court records, especially those involving minors, sensitive family matters, or sealed cases. Following privacy laws and maintaining secure access to confidential information is critical for ethical legal practice.

Rules of Professional Conduct: Texas attorneys are governed by the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct, which require that confidential client information is kept secure.
Confidentiality: Some records, such as juvenile records, adoption cases, and sealed criminal cases, may be restricted and not available for public viewing.

11. Using Commercial Databases for Legal Research

In addition to government-run court record databases, legal professionals may also use commercial databases like LexisNexis, Westlaw, or PACER for comprehensive legal research. These services aggregate court records, legal opinions, statutes, and other legal resources, providing a one-stop platform for legal research.

Benefits: These platforms offer advanced search features, full-text access, and up-to-date legal information.
Subscription Fees: These services often require a subscription or licensing agreement, but they provide invaluable tools for legal professionals.

12. Keeping Track of Court Deadlines and Filings

Court records often include deadlines for motions, filings, and hearings. Legal professionals rely on these records to:

Ensure Timely Filing: Keeping track of filing deadlines and court orders is crucial for staying in compliance with court rules.
Monitor Case Progress: Regularly checking court records and dockets ensures that legal professionals are aware of any changes or updates in a case.

Final Verdict

Texas court records are invaluable resources for individuals, legal professionals, and researchers seeking information about legal cases, rulings, and the judicial process. These records provide essential insights into civil, criminal, family, probate, and appellate cases, offering a window into past and ongoing legal proceedings.

With numerous ways to access Texas court records—online databases, county-specific websites, in-person requests, and third-party services—obtaining the necessary information has never been easier.

However, it’s crucial to be aware of potential limitations, such as sealed or expunged records, which may require special permission to access. Legal professionals, in particular, rely on these records for case preparation, research, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of court decisions. The availability of certified copies and court dockets ensures that official and accurate documentation is accessible when needed.

By understanding the various methods and resources available for accessing court records, individuals and legal professionals can efficiently navigate the Texas judicial system. Whether you’re conducting personal research or handling legal matters, Texas court records offer an indispensable tool for informed decision-making and a deeper understanding of the state’s legal landscape.