Court records in Brown County, Texas can be searched through several channels. BrownTXCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through official court resources such as the Brown County District Clerk and County Clerk offices, public terminals at the courthouse, and the Texas Judicial Branch website for statewide searches.
Brown County Court System & Jurisdictions
Brown County operates several courts, each handling specific case types. Knowing which court manages your case determines where to search for docket information.
35th Judicial District Court
The 35th District Court is the county's court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds the county court's jurisdictional limit
- Family law matters including divorce, child custody, adoption, and protective orders
- Juvenile cases
County Court at Law
Brown County's statutory county court handles:
- Class A and Class B misdemeanors
- Civil cases within its jurisdictional limits (generally $200 to $200,000)
- Probate matters including wills, guardianships, and mental health commitments
- Appeals from Justice of the Peace courts
Justice of the Peace Courts
JP courts in Brown County handle:
- Small claims cases (up to $20,000)
- Class C misdemeanors including traffic violations
- Eviction proceedings
- Debt claims
- Truancy cases
The District Clerk maintains records for the District Court, while the County Clerk maintains records for the County Court at Law and handles various recording duties. JP court records are kept at the individual Justice of the Peace offices.
Brown County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find today's or upcoming court settings in Brown County, start with these resources:
- District Court calendar: The Brown County District Clerk's page publishes the District Court calendar. The 35th District Court posts its annual court calendar, which includes jury trial weeks, non-jury settings, and motion dockets.
- County Court settings: Contact the County Clerk's office at 325-643-2594 for current county court hearing schedules.
- JP Court dockets: Contact the relevant Justice of the Peace precinct directly for traffic, small claims, and eviction hearing dates.
For jury duty information, the District Clerk's website posts jury summons details including reporting dates and times. Attorneys can check filings and settings through eFileTexas.gov, the state's mandatory electronic filing system for civil, family, and probate cases.
How to Get a Copy of a Brown County Court Document
Which clerk you contact depends on the type of case:
- District Court records (felonies, civil cases above county court limits, family law) — request from the District Clerk
- County Court records (misdemeanors, probate, lower-value civil cases) — request from the County Clerk
- Property records — search through the County Clerk's Real Property Records Search
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
Certified copies carry the clerk's official seal and signature, making them acceptable for legal proceedings, background checks, and government filings. Uncertified copies are plain photocopies suitable for personal reference. If you need a document for court or an official purpose, request a certified copy.
How to Request
- In person: Visit the appropriate clerk's office at the Brown County Courthouse. Bring the case number or the full names of the parties and approximate filing date.
- By mail: Send a written request with the case details, the type of copy needed (certified or uncertified), a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment to the appropriate office.
- Online: Some records may be available through the clerk's online portals. Check the County Clerk's website for available online searches.
Mailing Addresses
Brown County District Clerk
Brown County Clerk
Certain records are restricted from public access under Texas law, including sealed cases, juvenile records, and some family law documents. Ask the clerk whether the record you need is publicly available before submitting payment.
Brown County Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies and searches in Texas are set by statute under the Texas Local Government Code and the Government Code. The following table reflects standard statutory fees that apply in Brown County. Contact the appropriate clerk's office to confirm current amounts before submitting a request.
| Service | Fee | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 | Tex. Local Gov't Code § 118.011 |
| Certified copy — first page | $5.00 | Tex. Local Gov't Code § 118.011 |
| Certified copy — each additional page | $1.00 | Tex. Local Gov't Code § 118.011 |
| Court record search (per name/year) | $5.00 | Tex. Local Gov't Code § 118.011 |
| Statewide criminal history name search (DPS) | $3.00 | TxDPS Crime Records |
Payment methods: The Brown County clerk offices generally accept cash, checks, and money orders. Contact the office to confirm whether credit or debit cards are accepted. Mail-in requests should include a check or money order payable to the appropriate clerk.
For statewide criminal history records, the Texas Department of Public Safety offers an online name-based search. The Texas Public Information Act governs public access to government records, and requesters may be charged for the actual cost of producing records if the request involves significant staff time or materials.