Bexar County Public Records /Bexar County Court Records

Bexar County Court Records

What Is Bexar County Court Records

Bexar County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records serve as the official account of court actions and are maintained pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, which mandates the proper keeping of court records by district and county clerks.

Court records in Bexar County typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
Judicial orders and final judgments
Transcripts of court proceedings
Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
Sentencing and probation records in criminal matters
Settlement agreements in civil cases
Jury verdicts and findings

These judicial records differ from other public records maintained by Bexar County, such as property records (deeds, liens, mortgages), vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax records. Court records specifically document legal proceedings and judicial decisions.

The Bexar County District Clerk maintains records for the following courts:

District Courts (civil, criminal, family, and juvenile matters)
County Courts at Law (civil and criminal cases)
Probate Courts (wills, estates, guardianships)
Justice of the Peace Courts (small claims, evictions, traffic)
Municipal Courts (city ordinance violations, Class C misdemeanors)

These records document proceedings across the full spectrum of legal matters, including civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law cases, probate proceedings, and traffic violations. The comprehensive nature of these records provides transparency in the judicial process as required by the Texas Public Information Act.

Are Court Records Public In Bexar County

Court records in Bexar County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act, Government Code Chapter 552, which establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, are open to public inspection. Additionally, the principle of open courts is enshrined in Article I, Section 13 of the Texas Constitution, which states that "all courts shall be open."

The following court records are typically available for public access:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed records)
Criminal case files (post-charging, with protections for certain information)
Court dockets and hearing schedules
Final judgments and court orders
Marriage and divorce records
Probate proceedings and estate inventories

However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

Juvenile proceedings (unless specifically authorized by statute)
Mental health commitment records
Adoption records
Records sealed by court order
Information deemed confidential under state or federal law
Certain family law matters involving children

It is important to note that access procedures may differ between federal courts located in Bexar County (governed by federal rules) and state courts (governed by Texas law and rules). The Texas Rules of Judicial Administration provide additional guidance on public access to court records.

Currently, the Texas Judicial Branch is implementing the Uniform Access to Court Records standards to balance public access with privacy concerns. These standards establish consistent policies for accessing court records across the state while protecting sensitive information.

How To Find Court Records in Bexar County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Bexar County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain these documents. The county provides multiple access points to accommodate different research needs.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Bexar County District Clerk's Office
Paul Elizondo Tower
101 W. Nueva, Suite 217
San Antonio, TX 78205
210-335-2113
Bexar County District Clerk

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

When requesting records in person, requestors should:

Complete a records request form specifying the case number, party names, and documents needed
Present valid photo identification
Pay applicable fees for copies ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
Allow processing time for extensive or archived records

For written requests, individuals may submit a formal request:

Address the request to the District Clerk's Office
Include specific case information (case number, party names, filing dates)
Specify the exact documents needed
Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
Include payment for estimated fees

Electronic requests may be submitted through the Bexar County Records Request Portal, which allows users to track the status of their requests. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, the county must promptly produce public information in response to proper requests.

For certified copies of court documents, requestors must specifically indicate this requirement and pay additional certification fees. These certified copies bear the official seal of the court and are required for certain legal purposes.

How To Look Up Court Records in Bexar County Online?

Bexar County provides comprehensive online access to court records through several digital platforms. These systems allow remote research of case information without visiting county offices.

The primary online resources include:

Bexar County Judicial System Search
- Access at Bexar County Case Search
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney
- View case status, upcoming hearings, and document indexes
- Records available for District Courts, County Courts at Law, and Probate Courts
- Free basic case information; document viewing requires registration
Bexar County Criminal Case Search
- Access at Bexar County Criminal Records
- Search by defendant name, case number, or filing date
- View charges, case status, and court dates
- Includes misdemeanor and felony cases
- Updated daily with new case information
eFileTexas.Gov
- Official e-filing system for Texas courts
- Registered users can access filed documents
- Requires account creation and possible fees
- Provides access to documents filed electronically since system implementation

To effectively search these systems:

Gather identifying information before searching (full names, approximate dates, case types)
Try multiple spelling variations for names
Use date ranges rather than specific dates when exact filing dates are unknown
Note that older cases (generally pre-2000) may have limited online information
Be aware that certain confidential or sealed cases will not appear in public searches

For federal cases in Bexar County, researchers should utilize the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system, which provides access to U.S. District Court and Bankruptcy Court records. PACER requires registration and charges nominal fees for document access.

How To Search Bexar County Court Records for Free?

Bexar County provides several options for accessing court records without cost, in accordance with the public's right to inspect government records under the Texas Public Information Act. While obtaining copies typically involves fees, viewing records is available at no charge through several channels.

Free access options include:

In-Person Inspection
- Visit the Bexar County District Clerk's Office during regular business hours
- Public access terminals are available for searching case information
- Records may be viewed without charge, though printing incurs standard copy fees
- Staff can assist with locating records, though research assistance is limited
Bexar County Public Case Search
- Access at Bexar County Case Information
- Provides basic case information at no cost
- Includes party names, case types, filing dates, and hearing schedules
- No registration required for basic searches
Bexar County Court Calendars
- Daily court dockets are posted online at Bexar County Court Schedules
- Shows upcoming hearings and trials by court
- Updated daily with current case settings
- Searchable by court, date, or case type
Law Library Resources

Bexar County Law Library
Bexar County Justice Center
300 Dolorosa, Suite 1.04
San Antonio, TX 78205
210-335-3971
Bexar County Law Library

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Law Library provides:

Public access computers for legal research
Assistance locating court records
Access to legal databases that may contain court opinions
Reference services for self-represented litigants

It is important to note that while basic case information is available without charge, obtaining copies of actual court documents typically involves fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies, additional charges for certified copies). These fees are established pursuant to Texas Local Government Code § 118.011, which authorizes county clerks to collect reasonable fees for records reproduction.

What's Included in a Bexar County Court Record?

Bexar County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records provide the official history of each case from initiation through disposition.

For civil cases, court records typically include:

Petition or complaint initiating the lawsuit
Summons and proof of service documents
Defendant's answer or response
Motions filed by either party and corresponding rulings
Discovery documents (when filed with the court)
Affidavits and sworn statements
Expert witness reports and testimony
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Court orders and judgments
Transcripts of hearings and trials
Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
Appeals documentation (if applicable)

For criminal cases, records generally contain:

Charging documents (indictment or information)
Arrest warrant and return of service
Bail and bond information
Defendant's plea
Pretrial motions and rulings
Evidence inventory lists
Jury selection records (if applicable)
Verdict forms
Sentencing documents
Probation terms and conditions
Restitution orders
Post-conviction motions

Family law cases may include:

Divorce petitions and decrees
Child custody and support orders
Parenting plans
Financial affidavits
Property division agreements
Protective orders
Adoption records (typically sealed)
Name change documentation

Probate records typically contain:

Wills and codicils
Applications for probate
Letters testamentary or administration
Inventories of estate assets
Claims against estates
Guardianship applications and orders
Annual accountings
Final distribution reports

The completeness of court records is mandated by Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 76a, which establishes standards for court record maintenance. Additionally, electronic records must comply with standards set by the Judicial Committee on Information Technology.

How Long Does Bexar County Keep Court Records?

Bexar County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under authority granted by Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These schedules specify minimum retention periods based on record type and legal requirements.

Key retention periods include:

Civil Case Records:

General civil cases: 12 years after final disposition
Tax suits: 20 years after final judgment
Family law cases: Permanent for divorce decrees, adoption orders, and child support orders
Probate cases: Permanent for wills, inventories, and final decrees
Small claims and justice court cases: 4 years after final disposition

Criminal Case Records:

Capital felonies: Permanent retention
Non-capital felonies: 75 years after final disposition
Class A and B misdemeanors: 20 years after final disposition
Class C misdemeanors: 5 years after final disposition
Juvenile cases: Until the individual reaches age 23 for most offenses; longer for serious offenses

Court Administration Records:

Court dockets: 5 years
Jury records: 3 years
Exhibits: Retained until case disposition plus appeal period; biological evidence in certain cases may have extended retention
Court reporter notes: 3 years for civil cases, 5 years for criminal cases

Certain records are designated for permanent retention, including:

Cases that set legal precedent
Cases of historical significance
Records specifically designated for permanent retention by statute
Index and docket books

The Bexar County District Clerk has implemented a records management program that includes microfilming and digital conversion of older records to preserve access while managing physical storage constraints. Records that have met retention requirements may be destroyed following proper procedures outlined in the Texas Local Government Records Act.

Researchers seeking historical court records should note that older records may be stored off-site and require additional time for retrieval. Some historical records dating back to the 1800s have been transferred to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for permanent preservation.

Types of Courts In Bexar County

Bexar County's judicial system encompasses multiple court levels with varying jurisdictions. Each court type handles specific case categories as defined by Texas law.

Bexar County Justice of the Peace Courts
Various Locations Throughout the County
210-335-2000
Bexar County Justice of the Peace Courts

Bexar County has four Justice of the Peace precincts with jurisdiction over:

Civil cases up to $20,000
Small claims cases
Eviction proceedings
Traffic violations
Class C misdemeanors
Magistrate functions

Bexar County Municipal Courts
401 S. Frio St.
San Antonio, TX 78207
210-207-7130
San Antonio Municipal Court

Municipal Courts handle:

City ordinance violations
Class C misdemeanors within city limits
Traffic violations within city limits
Preliminary hearings in criminal cases

Bexar County Courts at Law
Bexar County Courthouse
100 Dolorosa
San Antonio, TX 78205
210-335-2000
Bexar County Courts at Law

The county has 15 County Courts at Law with jurisdiction over:

Civil cases between $20,000 and $250,000
Probate matters
Mental health commitments
Misdemeanor criminal cases
Appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts

Bexar County District Courts
Bexar County Justice Center
300 Dolorosa
San Antonio, TX 78205
210-335-2011
Bexar County District Courts

The county has 27 District Courts with jurisdiction over:

Civil cases over $250,000
Felony criminal cases
Family law matters (divorce, custody, support)
Juvenile cases
Real property disputes

Fourth Court of Appeals
Cadena-Reeves Justice Center
300 Dolorosa, Suite 3200
San Antonio, TX 78205
210-335-2635
Fourth Court of Appeals

This appellate court handles:

Appeals from district and county courts
Original proceedings (mandamus, habeas corpus)
Jurisdiction over 32 counties, including Bexar

Western District of Texas: U.S. District Court
John H. Wood, Jr. United States Courthouse
655 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd.
San Antonio, TX 78206
210-472-6550
Western District of Texas: U.S. District Court

Federal court handling:

Federal criminal prosecutions
Civil cases under federal law
Bankruptcy proceedings
Civil rights cases
Patent and copyright disputes

The court hierarchy follows a progression from limited jurisdiction courts (Justice of the Peace and Municipal) to general jurisdiction courts (County Courts at Law and District Courts) to appellate courts (Fourth Court of Appeals and ultimately the Texas Supreme Court for civil matters or Court of Criminal Appeals for criminal cases).

What Types of Cases Do Bexar County Courts Hear?

Bexar County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters, with each court level designated to handle specific case types as established by the Texas Constitution and statutes.

Justice of the Peace Courts handle:

Civil disputes with amounts in controversy up to $20,000
Small claims proceedings (consumer issues, minor contractual disputes)
Eviction cases and landlord-tenant matters
Debt collection cases below jurisdictional limit
Traffic violations and Class C misdemeanors
Issuance of search and arrest warrants
Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
Magistrate duties including setting bail
Performing marriages
Inquests and death investigations

Municipal Courts adjudicate:

Violations of city ordinances
Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
Traffic offenses within municipal boundaries
Parking violations
Code enforcement cases
Preliminary proceedings in criminal cases
Issuance of search and arrest warrants

County Courts at Law preside over:

Civil cases with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $250,000
Probate matters (wills, estates, guardianships)
Mental health commitments and proceedings
Class A and B misdemeanors
Appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts
Eminent domain proceedings
Certain family law matters

District Courts handle:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil lawsuits with amounts in controversy exceeding $250,000
Family law cases (divorce, child custody, support, adoption)
Juvenile delinquency proceedings
Child protective services cases
Real property disputes
Election contests
Complex commercial litigation
Injunctions and declaratory judgments

Probate Courts (specialized county courts) focus on:

Probate of wills
Administration of estates
Guardianships for incapacitated persons and minors
Mental health commitments
Trust administration issues

Fourth Court of Appeals reviews:

Appeals from civil and criminal judgments from lower courts
Original proceedings including writs of mandamus and habeas corpus
Interlocutory appeals permitted by statute

Federal District Court (Western District of Texas) adjudicates:

Federal criminal prosecutions
Civil cases arising under federal law
Diversity jurisdiction cases (parties from different states with amounts exceeding $75,000)
Bankruptcy proceedings
Patent, trademark, and copyright disputes
Civil rights violations
Constitutional challenges to laws
Admiralty and maritime claims

The allocation of cases among these courts is governed by Texas Government Code Title 2, which establishes jurisdictional boundaries for each court level. This hierarchical structure ensures efficient case management while providing appropriate forums for matters of varying complexity and significance.

How To Find a Court Docket In Bexar County

Court dockets in Bexar County provide essential information about scheduled court proceedings, including hearing dates, times, assigned courtrooms, and case status updates. These dockets are accessible through multiple channels to accommodate various user needs.

To access court dockets online:

Bexar County Court Management System
- Visit the Bexar County Case Information Search
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney
- Select the specific case to view upcoming hearings
- Docket information includes hearing type, date, time, and location
- Updated daily with current scheduling information
Court-Specific Dockets
- Individual courts maintain daily dockets available at Bexar County Court Schedules
- Select the specific court from the dropdown menu
- View cases scheduled for the current or upcoming dates
- Information includes case numbers, party names, and hearing types
- Particularly useful for attorneys checking multiple cases in one court
Re:SearchTX Portal
- Access through Re:SearchTX
- Requires registration (free for basic access)
- Provides docket information for cases filed electronically
- Includes comprehensive case history and document index
- Available for district and county courts

For in-person docket access:

Bexar County District Clerk's Office
Paul Elizondo Tower
101 W. Nueva, Suite 217
San Antonio, TX 78205
210-335-2113
Bexar County District Clerk

Visit during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Request docket information for specific courts or cases
Public terminals available for self-service searching
Staff can assist with locating current docket information

For federal court dockets:

Access the PACER system for U.S. District Court dockets
Registration required with nominal fees for document access
Provides comprehensive docket sheets with all case events
Includes links to electronically filed documents

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, court clerks are required to maintain accurate docket information. While basic docket information is publicly accessible, certain proceedings may be confidential or restricted, particularly in juvenile, mental health, or family cases involving children.

Which Courts in Bexar County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Texas judicial system, "courts of record" maintain official transcripts of proceedings and detailed documentation of all matters before the court. Conversely, "courts not of record" do not routinely create or maintain verbatim records of proceedings. This distinction affects appeal procedures and record availability.

In Bexar County, the following courts are classified as courts not of record:

Justice of the Peace Courts

All four Justice of the Peace precincts operate as courts not of record
Proceedings are not transcribed by an official court reporter
Appeals from these courts proceed to County Courts at Law as trials de novo (new trials)
While case outcomes are documented, verbatim proceedings are not preserved
Governed by Texas Government Code § 27.001

Municipal Courts (unless designated as Municipal Courts of Record)

Standard Municipal Courts in Bexar County are not courts of record
No official transcript of proceedings is maintained
Appeals are heard as new trials in County Courts at Law
Case dispositions are recorded, but not testimony or arguments
Regulated under Texas Government Code § 29.001

It is important to note that San Antonio does operate Municipal Courts of Record under authority granted by Texas Government Code Chapter 30. These specialized municipal courts maintain official records of proceedings, and appeals from these courts are based on the record rather than conducted as new trials.

The practical implications of a court not being a court of record include:

No official transcript exists unless a party arranges for a court reporter at their own expense
Appeals involve completely new trials rather than reviews of the original proceedings
The appellate court does not consider what transpired in the lower court
Parties must present all evidence again in the higher court
Different procedural rules may apply compared to courts of record

All other courts in Bexar County—including District Courts, County Courts at Law, Probate Courts, and the designated Municipal Courts of Record—are courts of record that maintain official transcripts through court reporters or digital recording systems as required by Texas Government Code § 52.046.