Hays County Court Records
What Is Hays County Court Records
Hays County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the official account of court proceedings and are maintained by court clerks pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing information.
Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by Hays County, such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Voting records
The following courts within Hays County maintain official court records:
- District Courts
- County Courts at Law
- Justice of the Peace Courts
- Municipal Courts
- Probate Court
These courts handle various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family matters, probate cases, and traffic violations. The Texas Rules of Judicial Administration establish guidelines for record-keeping practices across all courts within the state, including those in Hays County.
Are Court Records Public In Hays County
Court records in Hays County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act and the common law right of access to judicial records. Under Texas Government Code § 552.022, court records are categorized as public information unless specifically exempted by law.
Publicly accessible court records typically include:
- 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 or statute. These restrictions commonly apply to:
- Juvenile records
- Mental health proceedings
- Adoption records
- Records containing sensitive personal information
- Cases involving minors
- Family violence protective orders
- Grand jury proceedings
The Texas Supreme Court has established Rules of Judicial Administration that govern public access to court records. Additionally, federal court records in Texas, including those for cases heard in the Western District of Texas which includes Hays County, are governed by federal rules and are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than county resources.
How To Find Court Records in Hays County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Hays County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
In-Person Requests:
- Identify the specific court where the case was filed
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours
- Complete a records request form
- Provide case number or party names for search purposes
- Pay applicable copy fees
By Mail:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk
- Include case information and specific documents needed
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees
Online Access:
- Visit the Hays County Courts Records portal
- Select the appropriate case type (criminal, civil, family, etc.)
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
- Review search results and select desired records
- Pay any applicable access fees
For district and county court records, contact:
Hays County District Clerk
712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 2211
San Marcos, TX 78666
512-393-7660
Hays County District Clerk
Hays County Clerk
712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 2008
San Marcos, TX 78666
512-393-7330
Hays County Clerk
For Justice of the Peace records, contact the specific precinct office where the case was filed. Fees for copies are established pursuant to Texas Local Government Code § 118.011.
How To Look Up Court Records in Hays County Online?
Hays County provides several online resources for accessing court records electronically. The primary portal for online court record searches is the Hays County Courts Records system. This system allows users to search for various types of court records without visiting the courthouse in person.
To search for court records online:
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Navigate to the Hays County Courts Records portal
-
Select from the following record types:
- Criminal Case Records
- Civil Case Records
- Family Case Records
- Probate Case Records
- Court Calendar
- Jail Records
- Jail Bond Records
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Enter search criteria such as:
- Case number
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Date range
- Case type
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Review search results and select specific cases to view available information
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Note that some documents may require in-person requests or additional fees
For Justice of the Peace and Municipal Court records, users should contact those courts directly as their records may not be fully integrated into the main county system.
Additional online resources include:
- Texas Judicial Branch - Public Court Records Search for statewide case information
- Texas Case Search for finding court contact information
Users should be aware that online systems may not contain all court documents, particularly for older cases or those with restricted access. Complete case files may require an in-person visit to the appropriate clerk's office.
How To Search Hays County Court Records for Free?
Texas law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records at no cost, as established in the Texas Public Information Act. While fees may apply for copies or certified documents, viewing records is generally free of charge.
Free methods to access Hays County court records include:
In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- Examine documents on-site at no charge
- Take notes or use personal devices to photograph documents (where permitted)
Online Resources:
- Basic case information is available at no cost through the Hays County Courts Records portal
- Search functions include case number, party name, and date range searches
- Limited information such as case status, party names, and hearing dates is typically viewable without fees
- The Texas Judicial Branch website provides free access to basic case information
Public Access Terminals:
- Computer terminals are available at the Hays County courthouse for public use
- These terminals provide free access to electronic court records
- Located in the District Clerk's and County Clerk's offices
While viewing records is free, users should note that fees apply for:
- Printed copies (typically $1.00 per page)
- Certified copies (additional certification fee)
- Document retrieval for archived cases
- Research assistance from clerk staff
These fees are established pursuant to Texas Local Government Code § 118.011 and § 118.0145.
What's Included in a Hays County Court Record?
Hays County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include the following components:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Petitions or complaints (civil cases)
- Indictments or information (criminal cases)
- Applications (probate cases)
- Original petitions (family cases)
- Citations and summonses
- Service of process documentation
Pleadings and Motions:
- Answers and responses
- Counterclaims and cross-claims
- Motions (dismissal, summary judgment, continuance, etc.)
- Briefs and memoranda
- Affidavits and declarations
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders
- Final judgments
- Consent decrees
- Dismissal orders
- Default judgments
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
Evidence and Exhibits:
- Documentary evidence admitted at trial
- Exhibit lists
- Deposition transcripts (when filed)
- Expert reports (when filed)
Procedural Documents:
- Docket sheets (chronological case history)
- Court calendars and scheduling notices
- Notices of hearing
- Certificates of service
- Jury instructions (if applicable)
- Verdict forms (if applicable)
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Appeals notices
- Writs of execution
- Abstracts of judgment
- Satisfaction of judgment notices
- Post-judgment motions
The completeness of court records is mandated by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which establish requirements for documentation in legal proceedings.
How Long Does Hays County Keep Court Records?
Hays 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 based on case type and document importance.
Standard retention periods include:
Criminal Cases:
- Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Felony cases: 20 years after final disposition
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
- Dismissed cases: 5 years after dismissal
Civil Cases:
- General civil litigation: 12 years after final disposition
- Tax cases: 20 years after final judgment
- Real property cases: Permanent retention
- Dismissed cases: 3 years after dismissal
Family Law Cases:
- Divorce records: Permanent retention
- Child custody: Until youngest child reaches age 18 plus 10 years
- Child support: Until youngest child reaches age 18 plus 10 years
- Adoption: Permanent retention
Probate Cases:
- Wills and estate administration: Permanent retention
- Guardianship: 10 years after termination of guardianship
Justice of the Peace and Municipal Courts:
- Criminal cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Civil cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Traffic cases: 3 years after final disposition
Certain records of historical significance may be transferred to the Texas State Archives for permanent preservation. Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though storage methods may differ.
Types of Courts In Hays County
Hays County's judicial system consists of several court levels, each with specific jurisdiction and authority:
District Courts
712 S. Stagecoach Trail
San Marcos, TX 78666
512-393-7700
Hays County District Courts
Hays County has three district courts (22nd, 274th, and 453rd), which handle felony criminal cases, civil matters involving amounts over $250,000, family law cases, and juvenile matters.
County Courts at Law
712 S. Stagecoach Trail
San Marcos, TX 78666
512-393-7625
Hays County Courts at Law
Hays County has three County Courts at Law that handle misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters between $20,000 and $250,000, probate cases, and some family law matters.
Justice of the Peace Courts
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
111 E. San Antonio St., Suite 205
San Marcos, TX 78666
512-393-7860
JP Precinct 1
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
5458 FM 2770
Kyle, TX 78640
512-268-0279
JP Precinct 2
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3
200 Stillwater, Suite 103
Wimberley, TX 78676
512-847-5980
JP Precinct 3
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4
195 Roger Hanks Parkway
Dripping Springs, TX 78620
512-858-7276
JP Precinct 4
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5
500 Jack C. Hays Trail
Buda, TX 78610
512-295-5303
JP Precinct 5
Justice of the Peace courts handle small claims up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanors, traffic cases, evictions, and perform magistrate duties.
Municipal Courts
Various locations in incorporated cities within Hays County, including San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs, and Wimberley. These courts handle city ordinance violations, Class C misdemeanors, and traffic offenses within city limits.
The court hierarchy in Texas proceeds from Municipal/Justice Courts to County Courts to District Courts, then to the Third Court of Appeals in Austin, and finally to the Texas Supreme Court for civil cases or the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals for criminal cases.
What Types of Cases Do Hays County Courts Hear?
Hays County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with each court level assigned specific case types based on jurisdiction established by the Texas Government Code and the Texas Constitution.
District Courts (22nd, 274th, and 453rd):
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil matters with amounts in controversy over $250,000
- Divorce and family law cases
- Child custody and support disputes
- Juvenile matters
- Real property disputes
- Injunctions and other equitable relief
- Administrative agency appeals
County Courts at Law:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (Class A and B)
- Civil matters with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $250,000
- Probate cases (wills, estates, guardianships)
- Mental health commitments
- Eminent domain proceedings
- Appeals from justice and municipal courts
Justice of the Peace Courts:
- Small claims cases (up to $20,000)
- Civil matters with amounts in controversy up to $20,000
- Class C misdemeanors
- Traffic violations
- Eviction proceedings
- Debt claims
- Repair and remedy cases
- Magistrate functions (arrest warrants, search warrants)
- Inquests
- Peace bond proceedings
Municipal Courts:
- City ordinance violations
- Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
- Traffic violations within city limits
- Parking violations
- Code enforcement cases
- Limited juvenile cases (curfew violations, truancy)
Case assignment within Hays County follows jurisdictional rules established by state law, with certain specialized matters (such as Child Protective Services cases or complex commercial litigation) sometimes designated to specific courts to promote judicial efficiency and expertise.
How To Find a Court Docket In Hays County
Court dockets in Hays County provide a chronological listing of all cases scheduled for a particular court session. These dockets are public records and can be accessed through several methods:
Online Access:
- Visit the Hays County Courts Records portal
- Select "Court Calendar" from the available options
- Choose the specific court of interest
- Select the desired date range
- Review the docket information, which typically includes:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Hearing types
- Scheduled times
- Assigned courtrooms
In-Person Access:
- Visit the clerk's office for the court of interest:
- District Clerk for District Court dockets
- County Clerk for County Court dockets
- Justice Court clerks for JP Court dockets
- Request to view the current docket or dockets for specific dates
- Physical dockets are typically posted outside courtrooms on hearing days
Telephone Inquiry:
- Contact the appropriate clerk's office by phone
- Provide case information or date of interest
- Request docket information for specific cases or court sessions
For specialized dockets such as jury trials or foreclosures, contact the specific court directly. The Texas Judicial Branch website also provides statistical information about court activities and caseloads.
Docket information is updated regularly but may change due to continuances, settlements, or other case developments. Parties and interested persons should verify hearing dates and times shortly before scheduled appearances.
Which Courts in Hays 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 verbatim transcripts of proceedings. This distinction is established by Texas Government Code § 27.001 and § 30.00003.
In Hays County, the following courts are classified as courts not of record:
Justice of the Peace Courts:
- All five Justice of the Peace precincts operate as courts not of record
- Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (new trial) in County Courts at Law
- While these courts maintain case files and dockets, they do not create official transcripts of proceedings
- Proceedings may be recorded upon request, but such recordings are not official transcripts
Municipal Courts (Non-Record):
- Several municipal courts in Hays County cities operate as non-record courts
- These include municipal courts in smaller municipalities within the county
- Appeals from these courts are heard de novo in County Courts at Law
It should be noted that some municipalities in Hays County may have established Municipal Courts of Record under Chapter 30 of the Texas Government Code. These courts maintain official records of proceedings and appeals from these courts are based on the record created rather than through a new trial.
All other courts in Hays County—including District Courts and County Courts at Law—are courts of record. These courts employ court reporters who create and maintain official verbatim records of all proceedings, and appeals from these courts are based on the official record rather than through a new trial.