Dallas County Court Records
What Is Dallas County Court Records
Dallas County court records constitute the official documentation of judicial proceedings maintained by various courts within Dallas County, Texas. These records encompass a comprehensive collection of legal documents generated during court proceedings as defined under Texas Government Code § 51.303. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
Court records are distinct from other public records such as:
- Property records (deeds, liens, mortgages)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Business records (licenses, permits)
- Tax records
In Dallas County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:
- District Courts (civil and criminal matters)
- County Courts at Law (civil and criminal cases)
- Probate Courts (wills, estates, guardianships)
- Justice of the Peace Courts (small claims, traffic violations)
- Municipal Courts (city ordinance violations, Class C misdemeanors)
- Family Courts (divorce, child custody, support)
The Dallas County District Clerk serves as the official custodian of records for district courts, while the Dallas County Clerk maintains records for county-level courts. These records document proceedings across civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters.
Are Court Records Public In Dallas County
Court records in Dallas County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552) and the common law right of access to judicial records. The Texas Supreme Court has further defined public access to court records through Rule 76a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order, including:
- Juvenile records (as specified in Texas Family Code § 58.007)
- Mental health proceedings
- Adoption records
- Cases involving minors
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Documents containing sensitive personal information
It is important to note that federal court records in Dallas County, maintained by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, are governed by federal access rules rather than state regulations.
How To Find Court Records in Dallas County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Dallas County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
In-Person Requests:
- Identify the appropriate court where the case was filed
- Visit the clerk's office during business hours
- Complete a records request form
- Provide case number or party names
- Pay applicable fees for copies
Dallas County District Clerk
George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building
600 Commerce Street, Suite 101
Dallas, TX 75202
214-653-7149
Dallas County District Clerk
Dallas County Clerk
Records Building
500 Elm Street, Suite 2100
Dallas, TX 75202
214-653-7099
Dallas County Clerk
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate clerk's office
- Include case number, party names, and filing date if known
- Specify documents requested
- Include payment for applicable fees
- Provide return address or email for delivery
Online Access: Dallas County provides electronic access to court records through its official portal. Users may search by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Filing date
- Case type
For federal court records in Dallas County, the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system provides online access to federal court documents.
How To Look Up Court Records in Dallas County Online?
Dallas County offers several online portals for accessing court records electronically:
Dallas County Courts Records Inquiry System
- Navigate to the Dallas County Courts Records portal
- Select search criteria (case number, name, date)
- Enter search parameters
- Review results list
- Select specific case to view details
- Access available documents (some may require fees)
This system includes records from:
- District Courts (civil and criminal)
- County Courts at Law
- Probate Courts
- Justice of the Peace Courts
Criminal Background Search
- Visit the Dallas County Criminal Background Search
- Enter defendant name
- Select search parameters
- Review results
- Pay applicable fees to view detailed information
Texas Judicial Branch - Public Court Records The Texas Judicial Branch provides a statewide search portal that includes Dallas County cases. Users can search for:
- Civil cases
- Criminal cases
- Family law matters
- Probate proceedings
Federal Court Records For federal cases in Dallas County:
- Access the PACER system
- Create an account (fees apply)
- Select the Northern District of Texas
- Enter search criteria
- View available documents
eFileTexas.gov Registered attorneys and litigants can access case documents through the eFileTexas system, which serves as the official e-filing platform for Texas courts.
How To Search Dallas County Court Records for Free?
Texas law guarantees the right to inspect public court records without charge, as established in the Texas Public Information Act. While obtaining copies typically involves fees, several options exist for free access to Dallas County court records:
In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours to view court records without charge. Computer terminals are available for public use at:
Dallas County District Clerk's Office
George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building
600 Commerce Street, Suite 101
Dallas, TX 75202
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Dallas County Clerk's Office
Records Building
500 Elm Street, Suite 2100
Dallas, TX 75202
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Free Online Resources:
- Dallas County Court Case Information - Basic case information is available without charge
- Dallas County Criminal Court Records Search - Limited information available without fees
- Texas Judicial Branch - Court Case Information - Basic statewide case information
Public Law Libraries: The Dallas County Law Library provides free access to court records databases and legal research materials:
Dallas County Law Library
George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building
600 Commerce Street, Suite 822
Dallas, TX 75202
214-653-7481
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
While basic case information is generally available without charge, fees may apply for:
- Document copies (typically $1.00 per page)
- Certified copies (additional certification fee)
- Record searches conducted by clerk staff
- Complete case files
What's Included in a Dallas County Court Record?
Dallas County court records contain various documents depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. A typical court record may include:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Petitions or complaints
- Citations or summons
- Service of process documentation
- Initial appearances
- Arraignment records
Pleadings and Motions:
- Answers and responses
- Counterclaims and cross-claims
- Motions (dismissal, summary judgment, etc.)
- Briefs and memoranda
- Affidavits and declarations
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders
- Preliminary injunctions
- Final judgments
- Consent decrees
- Default judgments
- Dismissal orders
Evidence and Exhibits:
- Documentary evidence
- Exhibit lists
- Deposition transcripts
- Expert reports
- Photographic evidence (by reference)
Procedural Documents:
- Docket sheets
- Court calendars
- Notices of hearing
- Certificates of service
- Witness lists
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Appeals notices
- Writs of execution
- Abstracts of judgment
- Satisfaction of judgment
- Collection efforts
Criminal Case Specific Documents:
- Indictments or information
- Bail/bond records
- Pre-trial motions
- Plea agreements
- Sentencing documents
- Probation terms
Family Law Specific Documents:
- Divorce decrees
- Child custody orders
- Support calculations
- Parenting plans
- Protective orders
The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Texas Rules of Criminal Procedure govern the creation and maintenance of these records.
How Long Does Dallas County Keep Court Records?
Dallas County retains court records according to schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under authority granted by Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. Retention periods vary by document type and case category:
Civil Case Records:
- District Court cases: Permanent retention
- County Court at Law cases: Permanent retention
- Justice Court cases: 4 years after final disposition
- Small claims: 4 years after final disposition
Criminal Case Records:
- Felony cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor cases (Class A & B): 10 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases (Class C): 5 years after final disposition
- Traffic violations: 3 years after final disposition
Family Law Records:
- Divorce cases: Permanent retention
- Child custody matters: Permanent retention
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
- Name changes: Permanent retention
Probate Records:
- Wills and estate administration: Permanent retention
- Guardianship cases: Permanent retention
- Mental health proceedings: 10 years after case closure
Specialized Records:
- Juvenile cases: Until the individual reaches age 23, then eligible for restricted access
- Expunged records: Destroyed as ordered by the court
- Sealed records: Maintained according to sealing order
Docket Sheets and Indexes:
- All courts: Permanent retention
The Dallas County Records Management Program oversees compliance with these retention requirements. While many older records have been microfilmed or digitized, some historical records may be transferred to the Dallas County Archives for permanent preservation.
Types of Courts In Dallas County
Dallas County maintains a multi-tiered court system with jurisdiction over various case types:
District Courts
George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building
600 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75202
214-653-7149
Dallas County District Courts
District Courts handle felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200,000, family law cases, and juvenile matters. Dallas County has specialized district courts for civil, criminal, family, and juvenile cases.
County Courts at Law
George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building
600 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75202
214-653-7366
Dallas County Courts at Law
These courts handle civil cases valued between $20,000 and $200,000, misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, and appeals from justice and municipal courts.
Probate Courts
George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building
600 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75202
214-653-7236
Dallas County Probate Courts
Probate Courts have jurisdiction over wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health commitments.
Justice of the Peace Courts
Dallas County has multiple JP Court locations serving different precincts:
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Place 1
Frank Crowley Courts Building
133 N. Riverfront Blvd., LB 2
Dallas, TX 75207
214-653-6413
Justice of the Peace Courts
JP Courts handle small claims up to $20,000, evictions, traffic cases, and Class C misdemeanors.
Municipal Courts
Each city within Dallas County maintains its own municipal court:
Dallas Municipal Court
2014 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75201
214-670-0109
Dallas Municipal Court
Municipal Courts handle city ordinance violations, traffic cases, and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits.
Federal Courts
Earle Cabell Federal Building
1100 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75242
214-753-2200
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
Federal courts handle cases involving federal law, constitutional questions, diversity of citizenship, and bankruptcy matters.
Fifth Court of Appeals
George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building
600 Commerce Street, Suite 200
Dallas, TX 75202
214-712-3400
Fifth Court of Appeals
This appellate court reviews cases from trial courts in Dallas and surrounding counties.
What Types of Cases Do Dallas County Courts Hear?
Dallas County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters based on their jurisdictional authority:
District Courts:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil lawsuits exceeding $200,000
- Divorce and family law matters
- Child custody and support cases
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Real property disputes
- Complex commercial litigation
- Tax cases
County Courts at Law:
- Civil cases valued between $20,000 and $200,000
- Class A and B misdemeanor criminal cases
- Probate matters (in counties without dedicated probate courts)
- Mental health commitments
- Eminent domain proceedings
- Appeals from justice and municipal courts
Probate Courts:
- Will contests and estate administration
- Guardianships for incapacitated persons
- Mental health commitments
- Trust administration disputes
- Powers of attorney matters
Justice of the Peace Courts:
- Civil cases up to $20,000
- Small claims proceedings
- Eviction cases (forcible entry and detainer)
- Traffic violations
- Class C misdemeanors
- Debt claims
- Repair and remedy cases
- Magistrate functions (arrest warrants, search warrants)
Municipal Courts:
- City ordinance violations
- Traffic offenses within city limits
- Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
- Parking violations
- Code enforcement cases
- Limited juvenile matters (curfew violations, truancy)
Federal District Court (Northern District of Texas):
- Federal criminal prosecutions
- Civil cases under federal law
- Constitutional questions
- Diversity jurisdiction cases (parties from different states with claims exceeding $75,000)
- Patent and copyright disputes
- Civil rights claims
- Bankruptcy proceedings
- Immigration matters
Fifth Court of Appeals:
- Appeals from district and county courts
- Original proceedings (mandamus, habeas corpus)
- Interlocutory appeals
The jurisdictional boundaries between these courts are established by the Texas Constitution and Texas Government Code.
How To Find a Court Docket In Dallas County
Court dockets in Dallas County provide schedules of cases set for hearing or trial. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Dallas County Courts Records Inquiry System
- Select "Court Calendar" or "Docket Search"
- Choose the specific court
- Select date range
- View scheduled cases
District and County Court Dockets: The Dallas County District Clerk maintains online access to district and county court dockets. Users may search by:
- Court number
- Date range
- Case type
- Attorney name
- Judge
Justice Court Dockets: Justice of the Peace court dockets can be accessed through:
- In-person visits to the specific JP court
- Calling the court clerk's office
- Limited online access through the Dallas County JP Courts website
Municipal Court Dockets: Each municipal court maintains its own docket system. For Dallas Municipal Court:
- Visit the Dallas Municipal Court website
- Select "Court Calendar"
- Enter case number or defendant name
- View scheduled hearing information
Federal Court Dockets: Federal court dockets for the Northern District of Texas are available through:
- PACER system (registration and fees required)
- In-person terminal access at the federal courthouse
Fifth Court of Appeals Docket: The appellate court docket can be accessed through the Texas Appellate Courts website.
For the most current docket information, contacting the specific court clerk is recommended, as dockets may change due to continuances, settlements, or judicial scheduling.
Which Courts in Dallas County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Texas judicial system, "courts of record" maintain official transcripts of proceedings and have formal appellate procedures, while "courts not of record" typically do not create verbatim transcripts and appeals from these courts involve trials de novo (new trials). According to Texas Government Code § 25.0003 and Texas Government Code § 30.00003, the following Dallas County courts are not courts of record:
Justice of the Peace Courts: All Justice of the Peace Courts in Dallas County are not courts of record. These courts handle:
- Small claims up to $20,000
- Eviction proceedings
- Traffic cases
- Class C misdemeanors
Appeals from JP Courts proceed to County Courts at Law as trials de novo, meaning the case is heard completely anew rather than reviewing the lower court's decision.
Municipal Courts (Non-Record): Most municipal courts in Dallas County are not courts of record, including:
- Addison Municipal Court
- Balch Springs Municipal Court
- Carrollton Municipal Court
- Farmers Branch Municipal Court
- Garland Municipal Court
- Grand Prairie Municipal Court
- Irving Municipal Court
- Mesquite Municipal Court
- Richardson Municipal Court
- Several other smaller municipalities
Appeals from these non-record municipal courts are heard de novo in County Courts at Law.
Exception - Municipal Courts of Record: The City of Dallas operates a Municipal Court of Record under Chapter 30 of the Texas Government Code. Appeals from this court are based on the record created in the original proceeding rather than through a new trial.
Dallas Municipal Court of Record
2014 Main Street
Dallas, TX 75201
214-670-0109
Dallas Municipal Court
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record affects:
- Appeal procedures
- Evidentiary standards
- Transcript requirements
- Judicial qualifications
- Court procedures
Lookup Court Records in Dallas County
Pay Dallas County court fees online
Request birth certificates from Dallas County Vital Records
Access bankruptcy court records for Northern District of Texas
File court documents electronically through eFileTexas
Search Texas court records through State Law Library