Texas Public Records /Texas Court Records Online

Texas Court Records Online

Are Court Records in Texas Open to the Public?

Yes, court records in Texas are generally open to the public. The Texas Public Information Act grants access to information produced, collected, or maintained by state governmental agencies. However, the Texas Judiciary is exempt from this Act, and access to court records is determined by the Supreme Court of Texas. To obtain these records, requesters must provide specific information such as the case number, names of the parties involved, or the hearing date.

Individuals can access court records by visiting the relevant courthouse or using online databases. For physical access, they must contact the court clerk's office, while online searches often require similar case-specific details. Fees may apply for obtaining copies of court records, varying by court and type of record requested.

What Information Appears in a Texas Court Records Search?

Judgments
Orders
Subpoenas
Warrants
Criminal prosecutions
Civil lawsuits
Family law proceedings

How To Find Court Records in Texas

To find court records in Texas, first identify the court where the case was filed. The Texas court system includes appellate courts and trial courts. Appellate courts consist of the Supreme Court of Texas, the Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Courts of Appeals. Trial courts include district courts, county courts, probate courts, justice courts, and municipal courts.

Once the appropriate court is located, contact the court's record custodian, typically the Office of the Court Clerk. Contact details for courts can be found in the state judiciary's online directory. Court records can be obtained in person, by mailing a written request, or through some courts' online portals. Fees for obtaining records vary; for example, Dallas County charges $5 per record search and $1 per page for certified copies.

Public Access to Texas Court Records

Texas court records can be accessed in person, by mail, or online. Some counties, such as Harris County, Dallas County, and Travis County, offer online portals for public access to case information. These portals allow users to search for court records by providing relevant details such as case numbers and party names. Administrative fees may apply for obtaining copies of records.

Searching Texas Court Records by Name

To search for court records by name, first identify the courthouse where the case was filed. Contact the court clerk's office for information on obtaining copies of court documents. Depending on the court, the relevant clerk may be the district clerk, county clerk, or city clerk.

Alternatively, use the online search features provided by some counties. For example, Bexar County and Travis County offer online search options for court records. Visit the official website of the county or city to see if online access is available. The Texas Judicial Branch's official website also provides a search feature for cases heard in various courts, requiring users to create an account and provide specific case details.

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in Texas

To access court records online for free, visit the courthouse of interest. Many courthouses have public access computers that allow users to search for court records without charge. The Texas Judiciary Online website also provides access to court records from various Texas courts, searchable by case number or party name.

Some county courts offer free online case record search features. Additionally, third-party aggregate sites may provide access to court records at a lower cost than official sources. While these sites are not government-sponsored, they can be a useful starting point for locating specific records.

Exemptions for Texas Court Case Lookup

Certain court records in Texas are exempt from public disclosure. These exemptions include:

Information deemed confidential by law
Information revealing a trade secret
Information revealing the identity of a confidential informant
Information revealing the identity of a victim of sexual assault or abuse

Additionally, court orders may keep certain case details confidential, such as in adoption or juvenile court cases. Rule 12.5 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration outlines these exemptions.

Finding a Court Docket in Texas

To find a court docket in Texas, check if the relevant county offers an online search feature. Many counties provide online access to court dockets, allowing users to search by case number, party names, or hearing dates.

If online access is not available, use the PACER system to search for court dockets. PACER requires users to provide the case number, names of the parties, and hearing dates. Alternatively, visit the courthouse in person to request access to court dockets from the court clerk's office.

What Information Is Found in Texas Judgment Records?

Texas judgment records contain:

Litigants' names
Judge's name
Judgment date
Specific claims of the parties (civil cases)
Charges against the defendant (criminal cases)
Issued judgment

These records provide details about the outcome of criminal or civil cases, including the rights or sentences of the parties involved.

Are Bankruptcy Records in Texas Publicly Accessible?

Yes, bankruptcy records in Texas are publicly accessible. These records provide detailed financial information on individuals or companies who have filed for bankruptcy. To obtain these records, requesters must provide information such as the case number, location, and date of filing. Residents can access copies by contacting the record custodian or using the PACER system.

Bankruptcy records can be found by searching through the judicial district where they were filed. Requesters may also access writs, liens, and judgments through local repositories and record custodians. Information must be provided to facilitate the search.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in Texas

To search for bankruptcy records in Texas, visit the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Fill out a request form and provide details about the bankruptcy case, such as the case number, location, and date of filing. The cost for this service typically ranges from $30 to $60 per case.

Alternatively, use the PACER system to search for bankruptcy records. Create an account or log in, then provide the case number, tax identification number (ITIN), or social security number (SSN) to access the records. PACER charges $0.10 per page downloaded and $0.50 per page delivered by mail.

Different Types of Courts in Texas

Supreme Courts: Texas Supreme Court (civil cases) and Court of Criminal Appeals (criminal cases)
Appellate Courts: 14 intermediate appellate courts
Trial Courts: 457 District Courts, 254 County Courts, 821 Justice of the Peace courts, and over 900 Municipal Courts

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in Texas

In Texas, District Courts and County Courts share jurisdiction over civil matters. District Courts handle civil cases involving more than $200, while County Courts handle cases with claims between $200 and $250,000. Justice Courts have original jurisdiction over civil matters not exceeding $20,000, excluding defamation, lien enforcement, or land title trials.

Small claims courts in Texas are generally informal, and parties are not required to have attorneys present. Trials in these courts are designed to be accessible and straightforward, allowing individuals to resolve minor disputes efficiently.

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