Travis County Court Records Search

When it comes to court records, it's important to know what you're looking for. Travis County court records can vary widely depending on the nature of the case and the court in which it was heard. From civil and criminal, to family and probate, there are multitude of different cases handled by courthouses that specialize in the respective legal issues. Here are some of the common types of courts, and court records you might encounter:

Civil Court Records

Civil court records are non-criminal cases where usually two, but sometimes more, parties seek resolution of a dispute. This can include cases related to property disputes, divorce proceedings, contract disputes, and personal injury claims. This encompasses a wide range of legal cases that usually result in monetary payouts or a renegotiation of contract terms.

Criminal Court Records

Criminal court records document cases where a person has been accused of a crime. These records include information about felony, misdemeanor charges,  and criminal infractions. The criminal court proceedings, and the final judgment result in fines, restitution, community service, jail time and prison time for the most serious of crimes.

Family Court Records

Family court cases deal with legal disputes involving familial relationships. These include divorce records, child custody cases, and adoption proceedings. Some of the more serious cases can involve domestic violence; however, those can often be escalated in criminal court depending on the circumstances.

Probate Court Records

Probate court records pertain to the administration of assets, property, and estates after someone has passed away. They include wills, estate inventories, and guardianship arrangements.

Traffic Court Records

Traffic court records involve violations of traffic laws, such as speeding tickets or DUI cases. These records provide details about the offense and the penalties imposed. The majority of moving violation cases are petitions with the courts for those that want to fight their ticket. However, DUI cases often require a mandatory court appearance and can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the severity of the situation.

Different Courts in Travis County and the Cases They Hear

Travis County is home to several courts, each with its jurisdiction and types of cases they hear. Understanding which court handles your specific case type is crucial for locating the right records.

District Courts: The District courts in Travis County handle some of the most complicated high-profile cases in the county, including serious criminal offenses, large civil disputes, and family law matters like divorces and child custody.

County Courts at Law: The County courts at law primarily deal with lesser misdemeanor criminal cases, smaller civil disputes, probate matters, and appeals from justice courts.

Justice of the Peace Courts: The Justice of the Peace courts (JP) are the entry-level courts for minor civil and criminal matters. They handle small claims cases, traffic violations, and landlord-tenant disputes.

Municipal Courts: Municipal courts primarily focus on various city ordinance violations, such as parking tickets, noise complaints and a range of misdemeanors occurring within city limits.

Probate Courts: Probate courts specifically handle cases related to wills, estates, and guardianships for residents who pass away within the county limits.

How to Run a Court Case Search in Travis County

Searching for court records in Travis County can be accomplished online directly through the courts, in person, or through third-party providers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you access the records you need through the various options.

Online Search: The most direct way to search for court records is through the Travis County online court records portal. Follow these steps:

1). Visit the Travis County Clerk's official website.

2). Navigate to the "Court Records" section.

3). Enter the required information, such as case number, party name, or attorney details.

4). Submit your search request to access the available records.

In-Person Search: If you would rather conduct your search in person, you can visit the corresponding courthouse in Travis County. Here’s what you need to know:

1). Identify the correct court where the case was heard.

2). Visit the court clerk's office during business hours.

3). Provide the clerk with specific details about the case to facilitate the search.

Third-Party Providers: The majority of court cases and outcomes are considered public records throughout Texas. This means that you can search Travis County court records through a public records website or background check service. A benefit of using this type of service is you'll typically have faster access to the information you need, without waiting for a Clerk to fulfill your request. You can also look up a person's complete court case history, including prior criminal convictions, and their public record profile.

Tips for a Successful Court Records Search

1). Know the case details: Having the case number or the names of the parties involved will streamline your search.

2). Check jurisdiction: Ensure you're searching in the right court that has jurisdiction over the case type.

3). Be aware of privacy restrictions: Some records, particularly those involving minors or sensitive family matters, may have restricted access.

Can I Run a Travis County Court Records Search By Name?

Yes, you can look up someone's court case records by name or case number through the County Clerk's website or various third-party providers. If you choose to look up these records by name, it's important to verify you have the correct person by their age or date of birth. Since common names might show multiple results for different people, this is a good way to ensure your search results are accurate.

Are Travis County Court Cases Considered Public Record?

Yes, almost every court case in every county in Texas is considered public record. The only exception to this is cases that are sealed, expunged or redacted for privacy restrictions. You can access court case records from the Travis County Court Clerk, or verified third party services such as public record sites.