Harris County, Texas State Court Records
Harris County court records are official documents created during adjudicative proceedings in the county's local courts. These proceedings include pretrial and trial activities in civil and criminal cases. Judicial records, defined by Rule 12 of the Rules of Judicial Administration as records created for and kept by a court for the running of its day-to-day business, are not considered court records.
Official court records consist of dockets, case files, judgments, transcripts, motions, orders, and evidentiary materials. These documents and files exist to keep the public updated on public or personal cases and help individuals retrieve critical information. For example, individuals seeking to expunge records related to dismissed criminal charges must provide details of the court proceedings, including the case number, court details, and a copy of the dismissal order.
Attorneys and court staff also rely on court records for precedent research and administrative purposes.
The Harris County District Clerk, County Clerk, and clerks of Municipal and Justice of the Peace courts serve as custodians for various court records.
Are Harris County Court Records Public?
Yes. Open access to Harris County court records is established under common law, Supreme Court rules (such as Rule 76a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure), and state statutes. However, this general access does not extend to records sealed by court order or protected by Texas laws and court rules.
What Information is Available in Harris County Court Records?
The following are the information and case files created by the Harris County court system:
- Case details, including party name (attorney, plaintiff, defendant), case number, filing date, and case title
- Affidavits, petitions, motions, complaints, transcripts, and warrants
- Dockets
- Judgments, orders, judicial opinions, and jury verdicts
- Evidence, such as photographs, submitted during civil and criminal cases
Harris County Court Records Search
The public, using resources provided by record custodians, can conduct a search for Harris County court records to view local case information or obtain copies of case files. The case type determines which custodian's search and request resources to use.
The Harris County District Clerk's Office keeps case records, such as criminal case proceedings, generated in the local district court and county criminal court at law. The County Clerk's office maintains Probate Court and County Civil Courts at Law case records. People seeking records created by the local municipal and justice courts can contact the clerk of the relevant court.
These custodians offer online, in-person, and mail-in search and request options.
Online Access
The District Clerk's office provides an online portal for account holders to view basic case information and request copies of court documents. While viewing case information is free, the office charges a fee for document requests.
The County Clerk manages a separate portal for probate and civil records under its custody. One can search the portal by providing a case number or party name. Site visitors can access basic case information for free and without an account, but viewing images requires registration.
The County Clerk's office also allows the public to preview and purchase certified and non-certified copies of case documents online. Interested persons must create an account to use these tools.
Court records generated in local justice courts are available on the dedicated Harris County Justice Courts website.
Interested parties can visit the websites of local municipal courts to check for online search resources. For example, links to court dockets and case search portals are available on the City of Pasadena's Municipal Court page.
In-Person Access
Public kiosks at the District Clerk's customer service locations are available to members of the public who wish to purchase copies of court documents in person.
The County Clerk's office accepts in-person requests for Civil Court at Law and Probate Court records at any of its annex locations.
Local justice and municipal courts also welcome in-person inquiries concerning copies of case records.
Mail and Phone Requests
Members of the public can request copies of court documents using the following mail-in and fax details:
Probate Court Records
Harris County Clerk
Attn: Probate Court Department
P.O. Box 1525
Houston, Texas 77251
Fax: (713) 222-1177
Civil Court at Law Records
Harris County Clerk
Attn: Civil Court at Law Department
P.O. Box 1525
Houston, Texas 77251
Fax: (713) 755-4710
Municipal and Justice of the Peace Courts also allow members of the public to send requests by mail and phone.
For example, to obtain copies of court records generated in the Houston Municipal Court, the county's largest municipal court system, one can visit 1400 Lubbock Street, Room 203, Houston, Texas 77002. The public can also use the following mailing and fax details:
By Mail:
The City of Houston Municipal Courts
Public Information Office
1400 Lubbock Street
2nd Floor, Room N203
Houston, Texas 77002
Attn: Open Records Department
By Fax:
Fax: (713) 247-4775
The City of Houston Municipal Courts
Public Information Office
Attn: Open Records Department
Fees for Court Records in Harris County
The following are the copy request fees for various court records in Harris County:
- Plain paper copies: $1 per page
- Electronic copies: $1 for the first 1 to 10 pages and 10 cents per subsequent page
- Certification and seal: $5 per document
Harris County Courthouse Locations
The following are the locations and contact details of courts in Harris County:
Harris County District Courts
Harris County Civil Courthouse
201 Caroline
Houston, Texas 77002
Phone: (832) 927-6576
Harris County Criminal Justice Center
1201 Franklin
Houston, Texas 77002
Phone: (832) 927-6576
Harris County Juvenile Justice Center
1200 Congress
Houston, Texas 77002
Phone: (832) 927-6576
Harris County Courts at Law
Harris County Criminal Court at Law
1201 Franklin
Houston, Texas 77002
Harris County Civil Court at Law
201 Caroline
Houston, Texas 77002
201 Caroline
Houston, Texas 77002
Harris County Justice of the Peace Courts
Justice of the Peace Court for Precinct 1, Place 1
7300 North Shepherd
Houston, Texas 77091-2437
Phone: (713) 274-0695
Justice of the Peace Court for Precinct 1, Place 2
1302 Preston
Houston, Texas 77002-2013
Phone: (713) 274-0600
Justice of the Peace Court for Precinct 2, Place 1
10851 Scarsdale
Houston, Texas 77089-5743
Phone: (281) 481-9630
Justice of the Peace Court for Precinct 2, Place 2
101 South Richey
Suite B
Pasadena, Texas 77506
Phone: (713) 274-6100
Justice of the Peace Court for Precinct 3, Place 1
14350 Wallisville Road
Houston, Texas 77049-4145
Phone: (713) 274-0760
Justice of the Peace Court for Precinct 3, Place 2
701 W. Baker Road
Baytown, Texas 77521-2376
Phone: (713) 274-0900
Justice of the Peace Court for Precinct 4, Place 1
6831 Cypresswood Drive
Spring, Texas 77379-7700
Phone: (713) 274-6550
Justice of the Peace Court for Precinct 4, Place 2
7900 Will Clayton Parkway
Humble, Texas 77338-5849
Phone: (713) 274-2450
Justice of the Peace Court for Precinct 5, Place 1
6000 Chimney Rock
Houston, Texas 77081-4004
Phone: (713) 274-8700
Justice of the Peace Court for Precinct 5, Place 2
16715 Clay Road
Houston, Texas 77084-4009
Phone: (713) 274-0800
Justice of the Peace Court for Precinct 6, Place 1
333 Lockwood
Houston, Texas 77011-2141
Phone: (713) 274-3985
Justice of the Peace Court for Precinct 6, Place 2
1001 Macario Garcia
Houston, Texas 77011
Phone: (713) 274-8774
Justice of the Peace Court for Precinct 7, Place 1
5737 Cullen Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77021-1638
Phone: (713) 274-1499
Justice of the Peace Court for Precinct 7, Place 2
5300 Griggs Road
Houston, Texas 77021-3715
Phone: (713) 274-0700
Justice of the Peace Court for Precinct 8, Place 1
7330 Spencer Highway
Pasadena, Texas 77505-1824
Phone: (281) 479-6900
Justice of the Peace Court for Precinct 8, Place 2
16603 Buccaneer
Houston, Texas 77062-5823
Phone: (281) 488-8780
Houston Municipal Courts
Herbert W. Gee Municipal Courthouse
(Central Municipal Courts Building)
1400 Lubbock
Houston, Texas 77002
Phone: (713) 247-5479
Acres Homes / North Command Station
9455 West Montgomery
Houston, Texas 77088
Phone: (281) 405-5319
2855 Bay Area Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77058
Phone: (832) 395-1877
3915 Rustic Woods
Kingwood, Texas 77339
Phone: (832) 395-8042
8300 Mykawa
Houston, Texas 77048
Phone: (832) 394-2202 (Court 13) or (832) 394-2206 (Court 14)
3203 South Dairy Ashford
Houston, Texas 77082
Phone: (832) 394-5150
Other Municipal Courts
Pasadena Municipal Court
1114 Davis Street
Pasadena, Texas 77506
Phone: (713) 475-5562
Fax: (713) 477-8124
Baytown Municipal Court
3120 North Main
Baytown, Texas 77521
Phone: (281) 427-9511
Fax: (281) 425-1017
Bellaire Municipal Court
5110 Jessamine Street
Bellaire, Texas 77401
Phone: (713) 662-8105
Fax: (713) 662-8289
Bunker Hill Village Municipal Court
11977 Memorial Drive
Houston, Texas 77024
Phone: (713) 827-1772
Fax: (713) 827-8752
Deer Park Municipal Court
1302 Center Street
Deer Park, Texas 77536
Phone: (281) 478-7238
Fax: (281) 478-7290
El Lago Municipal Court
98 Lakeshore Drive
El Lago, Texas 77586
Phone: (281) 326-4413
Fax: (281) 326-0165
Galena Park Municipal Court
2000 Clinton Drive
Galena Park, Texas 77547
Phone: (713) 672-2556
Fax: (713) 672-0768
Hedwig Village Municipal Court
955 Piney Point Road
Houston, Texas 77024
Phone: (713) 465-6009
Fax: (713) 465-6807
Hilshire Village Municipal Court
1025 Campbell Road
Houston, Texas 77055
Phone: (713) 465-0333
Fax: (713) 827-9514
Humble Municipal Court
315 Bender Avenue
Humble, Texas 77338
Phone: (281) 446-6574
Fax: (281) 446-3748
Hunters Creek Village Municipal Court
1 Hunters Creek Place
Houston, Texas 77024
Phone: (713) 465-5646
Jacinto City Municipal Court
1301 Mercury Drive
Jacinto City, Texas 77029
Phone: (713) 674-8424
Fax: (713) 675-8525
(Note: Court sessions are held at the Town Center, 1025 Oates Road, Jacinto City, Texas 77029)
Jersey Village Municipal Court
16327 Lakeview Drive
Jersey Village, Texas 77040
Phone: (713) 466-2124
Fax: (713) 466-2134
Katy Municipal Court
5432 Franz Road
Katy, Texas 77493
Phone: (281) 391-4810
Fax: (281) 391-4845
La Porte Municipal Court
3005 N. 23rd Street
La Porte, Texas 77571
Phone: (281) 471-4683
Fax: (281) 842-0410
Morgan's Point Municipal Court
510 Bayridge Road
2nd Floor
Morgan's Point, Texas 77571
Phone: (346) 222-7396
Fax: (281) 471-7473
Nassau Bay Municipal Court
1800 Space Park Drive, Suite 200
Nassau Bay, Texas 77058
Phone: (281) 336-6297
Fax: (281) 333-2301
Pasadena Municipal Court
1114 Davis Street
Pasadena, Texas 77506
Phone: (713) 475-5562
Fax: (713) 477-8124
Piney Point Village Municipal Court
7660 Woodway Drive
Suite 460
Houston, Texas 77063
Phone: (713) 782-0271
Fax: (713) 782-0281
Seabrook Municipal Court
1700 First Street
Seabrook, Texas 77586
Phone: (281) 291-5674
Fax: (281) 291-5645
Shoreacres Municipal Court
601 Shoreacres Boulevard
Shoreacres, Texas 77571
Phone: (281) 471-3340
South Houston Municipal Court
1019 Dallas Street
South Houston, Texas 77587
Phone: (713) 947-7700
Fax: (713) 947-0363
Southside Place Municipal Court
6309 Edloe Street
Houston, Texas 77005
Phone: (713) 668-2341
Fax: (713) 668-3305
Spring Valley Village Municipal Court
1025 Campbell Road
Houston, Texas 77055
Phone: (713) 465-0333
Taylor Lake Village Municipal Court
500 Kirby Boulevard
Taylor Lake Village, Texas 77586
Phone: (281) 326-2843
Fax: (281) 326-5456
Tomball Municipal Court
401 Market Street
Tomball, Texas 77375
Phone: (281) 351-7894
Fax: (281) 290-1016
Webster Municipal Court
101 Pennsylvania Avenue
Webster, Texas 77598
Phone: (281) 338-6702
Fax: (281) 316-4123
West University Place Municipal Court
3800 University Boulevard
West University Place, Texas 77005
Phone: (713) 662-5825
Fax: (713) 662-5804
Criminal Records Access in Harris County
Criminal records include information and documents generated when law enforcement arrests or prosecutes individuals for violating state laws. Records generated during prosecutorial proceedings are maintained by the District Clerk and clerks of justice of the peace and municipal courts.
The District Clerk's office keeps records of felony cases, as well as misdemeanors punishable by jail time and fines above $500. One can contact the office directly, use its case search system, or access its online background check system to find these records.
Clerks at local municipal and justice of the peace courts can be approached for records of misdemeanors that do not carry jail time.
However, a state-level background check through the Department of Public Safety's Criminal History Name Search system provides a complete breakdown of an individual's justice-system encounters. These encounters include arrests, prosecutions, convictions, and post-conviction activities.
Be that as it may, the DPS offers its background search services only to statutorily authorized entities, including government agencies (such as criminal justice institutions), private schools, volunteer centers, private health providers (like nursing homes and home health services), safe houses, and delivery companies.
Harris County Probate Records
Harris County probate records are created whenever the Harris County Probate Court administers the estate of deceased persons, minors, and incapacitated individuals. The court's handling of civil mental health commitments, guardianships for minors and disabled people, trusts, lawsuits regarding executors or administrators, and the probate of wills generates probate records.
One can find local probate records by visiting any County Clerk's office location, requesting copies by mail or fax, or viewing or requesting documents through the clerk's online resources.
Harris County Family Court Records
Family court records, maintained by the District Clerk's office, are case files and details generated during domestic matters handled by the District Court. These matters include divorce proceedings, protective orders, child custody and visitation cases, and adoptions and name changes.
Individuals can use the District Clerk's online tools to order or view publicly available documents. They can also visit the office's customer service kiosks to purchase copies of case documents.
However, in some cases, such as child visitation and adoption matters, they are accessible only to authorized parties.
Federal Court Records in Harris County
Federal court records, like Harris County court records, include paper filings, electronic data, case details, opinions and decisions, and physical evidence generated during court proceedings. However, they are created as a result of federal court proceedings, specifically in the United States District Court and Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.
Federal cases include violations of federal laws enacted by Congress, civil lawsuits involving the Constitution or the federal government, disputes between states, and bankruptcy matters, among others.
Individuals can visit the courthouse in Houston to view case files and information. One can also fill out the Copy Request Form and send it to the provided email to purchase copies of court records.
Additionally, researchers can look up cases using the Public Access to Court Electronic Records system (PACER).
