Dallas County Court Records

The local judiciary handles legal complaints within Dallas. After a criminal or civil complaint is filed in a Dallas court, the court holds hearings to decide the validity of a claim. The records of these proceedings, including the final judgment, are called "court records".

Court records are essential public documents that offer detailed accounts of court cases, revealing how judgments were reached and how laws were applied. They serve as valuable educational and research resources/materials and are often connected with other records, including criminal history records. Typically, the presiding court in Dallas County, Texas, maintains ownership of its court records through its clerk's office, which also oversees record dissemination.

Are Dallas County Court Records Public?

Yes. The Texas judiciary presumes public access to court records in all Texas counties unless a particular statute, court rule, or court order restricts access. Consequently, case records in Dallas are considered public documents, allowing interested parties to inspect or copy them.

Notwithstanding, not all information, documents, or files are accessible to the public. Restrictions apply to court records that have been expunged, contain sensitive information that would violate an individual's privacy, pertain to minors, or involve ongoing investigations.

What Information is Available in Dallas County Court Records?

Court records provide inquirers with information particular to legal cases. A Dallas County court record customarily includes the parties' full names, case information (case number, filing date, case type, status), cause of action or charge, disposition, and other events, and financial information. It also contains all filings made in a case, including pleadings, motions, affidavits, orders, and judgments.

Dallas County Court Records Search

There are several ways for interested members of the public to obtain Dallas County court records. The judiciary establishes these avenues to promote ease of access to records of legal cases. Dallas court records can be retrieved through the following methods:

• Online Access: Dallas court records can be accessed via the county's Online Record Search database. Requesters can find various case information/documents from civil, family, probate, and criminal cases by inputting a name or case number.
• In-Person Access: This option allows individuals to visit the courthouse in the county where the case was handled. Visitors may find computers in the public area to access records digitally or request assistance from staff.
• Mail Requests: Another option for obtaining court records is to write to the court clerk's office. Some courts provide a request form that interested persons can fill out and submit. For example, for cases in a Dallas district court, the District Clerk provides distinct records request forms. A self-addressed stamped envelope and any required fees are typically needed for mail requests.

Fees for Court Records in Dallas County

In obtaining a court record in Dallas, inquirers may incur a fee. This charge depends on the type of record sorted. Records may be purchased online (as in the case of civil records), in person, or via mail. Some of these fees that may apply include:

• Certified copies: $1 per page and $5 for certification
• Plain copies: $1 per page
• Exemplified copies: $1 per page
• Criminal file order from archives: $2

Fees can be paid in cash, money order, cashier's check, or business check, depending on the ordering method.

Dallas County Courthouse Locations

There are several courts in Dallas: civil courts that handle disputes and contract breaches, municipal courts, justice courts, and county and criminal courts that address criminal offenses. Additionally, some courts hear family, juvenile, and probate matters. Each of these courts has jurisdiction over specified issues. Some of the court's locations include:

Details of other courts in the county are available online through the Dallas County web page.

Criminal Records Access in Dallas County

Dallas court records are part of criminal records; however, criminal records are not typically maintained by the court or the clerk. This means that those seeking this information must contact the appropriate agency. A criminal record can be retrieved by submitting the fingerprints of the subject of the record or by using a name search. The storage of criminal history is a state matter.

The Texas Department of Public Safety manages all criminal history records. Therefore, requests for court records should be directed to this department rather than to the criminal records department. The inquirer can use the online search portal or visit the courthouse.

Dallas County Probate Records

Following an individual's passing, a probate hearing is held to distribute their estate or property. Cases handled by the probate court include guardianship, conservatorship, trust, and estate distribution. Like other court records, probate records can be accessed through designated channels. However, specific documents or portions may be sealed due to the sensitive nature of probate records. They can only be obtained by the subject of the record or by individuals with a John F. Warren, Dallas County Clerk.

Dallas County Family Court Records

The family court is a division of the Dallas judicial system specializing in family-related matters. Unlike typical court cases, most family law case records are confidential and are only available to those with legal authorization. These records include divorce records, adoption records, custody arrangements, and support matters.

Family law records can be retrieved from the family court. Requests can also be submitted via mail or the case management database, especially for divorce records. Requests for certified copies of these records should be directed to the Office of the clerk responsible for their distribution. The requester only needs to provide sufficient information to help locate the record and pay the required fee.

Federal Court Records in Dallas County

The Texas Northern District Court manages all federal cases, including those in Dallas County. Accessing records has been made easier through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system, where users can find and even file cases online.

The court clerk can also obtain records via oral or written requests. Matters overseen by the district court include, but are not limited to, multidistrict litigation cases, federal crimes, and bankruptcy cases.