Court records in Brown County, Texas are maintained by the District Clerk and the County Clerk, and can be accessed through online tools, official court portals, and the clerk's offices. BrownTXCourt.us can help you find publicly available court record information for Brown County. You can also search records directly through the Brown County District Clerk's office, the Brown County Clerk's office, and statewide resources maintained by the Texas Judicial Branch.
Brown County Court System Overview
Brown County is served by the 35th Judicial District Court, which is presided over by Judge Mike Smith. The 35th Judicial District encompasses Brown, Coleman, and Mills counties. In addition to the District Court, Brown County has a County Court that handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters within its jurisdictional limits, and probate proceedings. A Justice of the Peace court also operates in the county for smaller civil disputes and Class C misdemeanors. All county-level courts are housed in or near the Brown County Courthouse.
Courts Serving Brown County
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| 35th Judicial District Court | 200 South Broadway St., Suite 212, Brownwood, TX 76801 | 325-646-1987 |
| Brown County Court | 200 S Broadway Street, Suite 101, Brownwood, TX 76801 | 325-643-2594 |
| Justice of the Peace | 200 S Broadway Street, Brownwood, TX 76801 | Contact the County Clerk for current JP phone number |
| U.S. District Court – Northern District of Texas (Abilene Division) | 341 Pine Street, Abilene, TX 79601 | 325-677-6311 |
Brown County falls within the Northern District of Texas for federal matters. Federal bankruptcy cases are handled through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas. The City of Brownwood also operates a municipal court for city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits.
What Types of Cases Brown County Courts Hear
Courts in Brown County handle a wide range of case types across criminal, civil, and family matters:
- Criminal: Felonies, misdemeanors, infractions, traffic violations, DWI
- Civil: General civil litigation, small claims, debt disputes, landlord-tenant matters
- Family Law: Divorce, child custody, child support, protective orders, paternity, adoption
- Probate: Decedent estates, guardianships, wills
- Juvenile: Juvenile delinquency, child protective proceedings
The sections below explain which court handles each type of case and how those cases move through the system.
District Court Cases in Brown County
The 35th District Court hears all felony criminal cases in Brown County, along with civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds the County Court's jurisdictional limit. The District Court also handles divorce and family law matters, contested probate cases, and appeals from lower courts. Felony cases typically arrive after indictment by a grand jury. Civil suits are filed with the District Clerk and assigned to the docket. Judge Mike Smith presides over District Court proceedings in Brown County. Attorneys filing cases must use the eFileTexas system, as e-filing is mandatory for civil, family, and probate filings in Texas district courts.
Magistrate Court Cases in Brown County
In Texas, magistrate functions in Brown County are performed by the County Court judge and Justices of the Peace rather than a separate magistrate division. The County Court handles Class A and Class B misdemeanors, civil cases with amounts in controversy between $200 and $20,000, probate matters, and appeals from Justice of the Peace courts. The Justice of the Peace court hears Class C misdemeanors (including most traffic violations), small claims up to $20,000, eviction proceedings, and conducts magistrate duties such as setting bail and issuing warrants. DWI arraignments for misdemeanor-level offenses are handled at the County Court level. If caseload demands it, visiting judges may be assigned to assist.
Family Law, Probate, and Juvenile Matters in Brown County
Family Law
Divorce, custody, child support, paternity, protective orders, and termination of parental rights cases are filed in the 35th District Court through the District Clerk. Contested family law matters are heard by the District Court judge. Temporary orders and hearings are scheduled as part of the regular District Court docket.
Probate
The County Court has original jurisdiction over probate matters in Brown County, including decedent estates, guardianships, and the filing of wills. The County Clerk's office accepts wills for safekeeping and processes probate filings. Contested probate cases may be transferred to the District Court.
Juvenile
Juvenile cases in Brown County are heard in the District Court, which has jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency proceedings and child protective cases. Juvenile records are confidential under Texas law and are not available for public inspection. Contact the District Clerk's office at 325-646-5514 for questions about juvenile court proceedings.
How Cases Move Through the Brown County Court System
- Filing / Initiation: Criminal cases begin with an arrest or complaint filed by law enforcement. Civil cases start when a plaintiff files a petition with the appropriate clerk. Family law cases are initiated by petition filed with the District Clerk.
- Assignment: Cases are assigned to the appropriate court based on jurisdiction — felonies and major civil matters go to the 35th District Court; misdemeanors and smaller civil disputes go to the County Court or Justice of the Peace.
- Initial Hearing: Criminal defendants are arraigned and informed of the charges. Civil cases receive a scheduling order or initial conference date.
- Pre-Trial Phase: Both sides exchange evidence through discovery, file motions, and may negotiate plea agreements (criminal) or settlements (civil).
- Trial or Resolution: Cases proceed to jury or bench trial, or are resolved through plea bargain, settlement, default judgment, or dismissal.
- Post-Judgment: Criminal cases may involve sentencing and appeals. Civil cases may involve enforcement of judgments or appeals to the Court of Appeals serving Brown County.
Court Administration, Local Rules, and Public Access in Brown County
The 35th Judicial District Court is administered under the direction of Judge Mike Smith. Local rules for the district govern scheduling, filing requirements, and courtroom procedures. You can find information about court operations through the 35th District Court page and the Texas Judicial Branch website.
Under the Texas Public Information Act, most court records are generally open to the public. However, certain records — including juvenile files, sealed cases, and some family law documents — are restricted. The Public Information Act Handbook published by the Texas Attorney General explains what records are available and how to request them.
Hearings in Brown County courts are generally open to the public and held in person at the Brown County Courthouse. Contact the District Clerk or County Clerk to confirm hearing schedules and whether remote participation options are available for specific proceedings.
Court Records and Related Court Resources in Brown County
- District Clerk Records: The Brown County District Clerk maintains records for all District Court cases, including civil, criminal, and family law filings. Contact the office to request copies or search case records.
- County Clerk Public Records: The Brown County Clerk maintains misdemeanor criminal records, probate files, marriage licenses, and vital records. The office also provides access to real property records through an online search tool.
- Marriage and Divorce Verification: The Texas Department of State Health Services issues verification letters for marriages and divorces recorded with the state.
- Criminal History Search: The Texas DPS Criminal History Name Search allows the public to search statewide criminal history records for a fee. Additional background information is available through DPS Criminal History Records.
- Court Calendar: The District Clerk's office publishes court calendar information, including jury duty summons dates. Check the District Clerk's page for upcoming court dates.
- E-Filing: Attorneys and parties required to e-file can use eFileTexas.gov to submit filings in civil, family, probate, and criminal cases.
- Inmate Information: The Texas Department of Criminal Justice provides an online offender search for individuals in state custody. For Brown County Jail inquiries, contact the Brown County Sheriff's Office at 325-641-2481.
- Crime Records and Background Checks: The Texas DPS Crime Records Division serves as the state repository for criminal justice information. The Texas State Law Library court records guide offers additional guidance on obtaining criminal history and background information.
- Sex Offender Registry: The Texas DPS maintains a public sex offender registry searchable at the DPS Sex Offender Registry website.