Tom Green County Court Records
What Is Tom Green County Court Records
Court records in Tom Green County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. 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 documents. Court records 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
- Marriage and divorce decrees in family law cases
Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, birth certificates, and tax records, which are maintained by other county departments. The Tom Green County District Clerk serves as the official custodian of records for the district courts, while other court clerks maintain records for their respective jurisdictions.
The following courts maintain records in Tom Green County:
- District Courts (51st, 119th, 340th, and 391st)
- County Courts-at-Law (1 and 2)
- Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-4)
- San Angelo Municipal Court
- Tom Green County Probate Court
These records document proceedings in civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate cases, and traffic violations occurring within county boundaries.
Are Court Records Public In Tom Green County
Court records in Tom Green County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act and the common law principle of open courts. The Texas Constitution, Article I, § 13 establishes that "all courts shall be open," creating a presumption of public access to judicial records.
Members of the public may access:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed records)
- Criminal case files (post-charging, with some limitations)
- Court dockets and hearing schedules
- Final judgments and court orders
- Marriage and divorce records
- Probate proceedings
However, not all court records are publicly available. Texas law restricts access to certain sensitive information, including:
- Records involving juveniles (per Texas Family Code § 58.007)
- Mental health proceedings
- Adoption records
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Information deemed confidential by statute, such as certain family violence records
Additionally, certain personal identifying information is redacted from public court records, including Social Security numbers, bank account information, and certain medical information, in compliance with Texas Government Code § 552.147.
The Texas Judicial Branch provides rules governing public access to court records, which Tom Green County courts follow in determining which records may be disclosed.
How To Find Court Records in Tom Green County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Tom Green County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The appropriate procedure depends on the court of jurisdiction and record type.
For District Court records:
- Visit the Tom Green County District Clerk's Office in person during regular business hours
- Submit a written request using the official records request form
- Search online through the county's electronic case management system
- Request certified copies for an additional fee
Tom Green County District Clerk
112 W. Beauregard Ave., 2nd Floor
San Angelo, TX 76903
(325) 659-6579
Tom Green County District Clerk
For County Court records:
- Contact the County Clerk's office directly
- Visit the courthouse to conduct research using public access terminals
- Submit a written records request specifying case number or party names
Tom Green County Clerk
124 W. Beauregard Ave.
San Angelo, TX 76903
(325) 659-6552
Tom Green County Clerk
For Justice of the Peace records:
- Contact the specific precinct office where the case was filed
- Provide case number, party names, and approximate date of filing
For Municipal Court records:
- Visit the San Angelo Municipal Court in person
- Submit a written request with identifying case information
San Angelo Municipal Court
110 S. Emerick St.
San Angelo, TX 76903
(325) 657-4368
San Angelo Municipal Court
When requesting records, individuals should provide:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of filing
- Type of case (civil, criminal, family, etc.)
- Specific documents needed
Fees for copies are established by state law and local court rules, currently set at $1.00 per page for standard copies and $5.00 per document for certified copies.
How To Look Up Court Records in Tom Green County Online?
Tom Green County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These systems vary by court type and offer different levels of information access.
For District and County Court records:
- Visit the Tom Green County Records Search
- Create a free account or log in as a guest user
- Select the appropriate search method (case number, party name, filing date)
- Enter the required search criteria
- Review the list of matching cases
- Select a specific case to view available documents
This portal provides access to:
- Case indexes and docket information
- Party information and attorney representation
- Hearing schedules and case status
- Some downloadable documents (restrictions apply)
For Justice Court records:
- Access the Tom Green County Justice Court Records
- Select the appropriate precinct
- Enter search criteria (name, case number)
- Review available case information
For statewide court records:
- Visit the Texas Judicial Branch Public Court Records
- Select Tom Green County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search parameters
- Review results for matching cases
The Texas Case Records Service also provides access to appellate case information for cases that have been appealed beyond the county level.
Online access limitations include:
- Certain sensitive case types may not be viewable
- Complete document images may require in-person requests
- Records predating digital conversion may have limited online availability
- Some documents require payment to view or download
How To Search Tom Green County Court Records for Free?
Texas law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in the Texas Public Information Act. While fees may apply for copies or certified documents, viewing records is available at no cost through several methods.
Free in-person access options include:
- Public access terminals at the Tom Green County District Clerk's Office
- Self-service computer stations at the County Courthouse
- Assistance from clerk's office staff for locating physical records
Tom Green County Law Library
112 W. Beauregard Ave., 3rd Floor
San Angelo, TX 76903
(325) 659-6552
Tom Green County Law Library
Free online access options include:
- Tom Green County Records Search (basic case information)
- Texas Judicial Branch Public Court Records (statewide search)
- Tom Green County Justice Court Records (justice court cases)
When using free access methods, users should note:
- Document downloads may incur fees even when searching is free
- Some older records may only be available in physical format
- Complex searches may require assistance from clerk's office staff
- High-volume commercial searches may be subject to limitations
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, while inspection is free, reasonable charges may be assessed for copies, certification, or extensive personnel time required for complex requests.
What's Included in a Tom Green County Court Record?
Court records in Tom Green County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. A typical court record file includes:
For Civil Cases:
- Original petition and subsequent amended petitions
- Defendant's answer and counterclaims
- Motions filed by either party
- Discovery documents (when filed with the court)
- Court orders and rulings on motions
- Final judgment
- Post-judgment motions and orders
- Appeal documentation (if applicable)
For Criminal Cases:
- Charging documents (indictment or information)
- Arraignment records
- Bail and bond information
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
- Plea agreements or trial records
- Verdict or judgment
- Sentencing information
- Probation terms and conditions
- Appeal documentation (if applicable)
For Family Law Cases:
- Petition for divorce or custody
- Temporary orders
- Financial disclosure statements
- Child support worksheets
- Parenting plans
- Final decree
- Modification requests
For Probate Cases:
- Will (if applicable)
- Application for probate
- Inventory of estate assets
- Claims against the estate
- Distribution orders
- Guardian/administrator reports
Additional components may include:
- Court reporter's transcripts (when ordered)
- Evidence logs and exhibit lists
- Witness lists
- Jury selection records (in jury trials)
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Service of process documentation
The 119th District Court and other courts in Tom Green County maintain these records according to Texas Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure.
How Long Does Tom Green County Keep Court Records?
Tom Green County adheres to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission Records Retention Schedule for maintaining court records. Retention periods vary significantly based on case type, disposition, and historical significance.
Criminal case records retention:
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
- Non-capital felony cases: 50 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Class C misdemeanors: 5 years after final disposition
Civil case records retention:
- Cases involving real property: Permanent retention
- Other civil cases: 12 years after final disposition
- Small claims cases: 5 years after final disposition
Family law records retention:
- Divorce cases: Permanent retention
- Child custody matters: Until the youngest child turns 18, plus 10 years
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
Probate records retention:
- Wills and estate administration: Permanent retention
- Guardianship cases: 10 years after termination of guardianship
Court dockets and indexes are maintained permanently as they provide essential finding aids for historical case records. Court exhibits may be returned to parties after final disposition, with retention periods for unclaimed exhibits varying by case type.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, the district clerk is responsible for the proper maintenance and preservation of district court records. Similar responsibilities fall to other court clerks for their respective jurisdictions.
Records may be maintained in original paper format, microfilm, or electronic format, depending on the age of the record and court practices. The county has undertaken digitization efforts for many older records to improve preservation and accessibility.
Types of Courts In Tom Green County
Tom Green County's judicial system encompasses multiple court levels with varying jurisdictions. Each court handles specific case types as defined by Texas law.
District Courts:
- 51st District Court
- 119th District Court
- 340th District Court
- 391st District Court
119th District Court
112 W. Beauregard Ave.
San Angelo, TX 76903
(325) 659-6570
119th District Court
County Courts:
- County Court-at-Law No. 1
- County Court-at-Law No. 2
Tom Green County Courts-at-Law
112 W. Beauregard Ave.
San Angelo, TX 76903
(325) 659-6560
Tom Green County Courts
Justice Courts:
- Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
- Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
- Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3
- Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
124 W. Beauregard Ave.
San Angelo, TX 76903
(325) 659-6440
Justice Court Precinct 1
Municipal Court:
- San Angelo Municipal Court
San Angelo Municipal Court
110 S. Emerick St.
San Angelo, TX 76903
(325) 657-4368
San Angelo Municipal Court
The court hierarchy follows the standard Texas judicial structure:
- Municipal and Justice Courts (limited jurisdiction)
- County Courts-at-Law (intermediate jurisdiction)
- District Courts (general jurisdiction)
- Third Court of Appeals (appellate jurisdiction)
- Texas Supreme Court/Court of Criminal Appeals (final appellate authority)
Each court maintains its own records, though the District Clerk serves as custodian for all district court records, while the County Clerk maintains records for the county-level courts.
What Types of Cases Do Tom Green County Courts Hear?
Tom Green County's various courts have specific jurisdictional limits that determine which types of cases they may hear. These jurisdictions are established by the Texas Constitution and statutes.
District Courts (51st, 119th, 340th, and 391st):
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil matters with amounts in controversy over $250,000
- Family law cases (divorce, child custody, support)
- Juvenile matters
- Real property disputes
- Probate matters contested from County Court
- Appeals from lower courts
County Courts-at-Law (1 and 2):
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (Class A and B)
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $250,000
- Probate and guardianship proceedings
- Mental health commitments
- Appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts
Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-4):
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy up to $20,000
- Small claims cases
- Class C misdemeanors
- Traffic violations
- Eviction proceedings
- Debt claims
- Magistrate functions (arrest warrants, search warrants)
- Inquests
San Angelo Municipal Court:
- City ordinance violations
- Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
- Traffic violations within city limits
- Parking violations
- Code enforcement cases
The Tom Green County District Clerk maintains statistics on case filings and dispositions for the district courts, while other court clerks maintain similar information for their respective jurisdictions.
Case assignment within courts of the same level typically follows a rotation system or is based on geographic precinct boundaries for Justice Courts. Specialized dockets may exist for certain case types, such as drug courts, veterans courts, or mental health courts.
How To Find a Court Docket In Tom Green County
Court dockets in Tom Green County provide essential information about scheduled hearings, case status, and proceedings. These dockets are available through multiple channels depending on the court and case type.
For District and County Court dockets:
- Visit the Tom Green County Records Search
- Select "Court Calendar" from the search options
- Choose the specific court from the dropdown menu
- Select the desired date range
- Review the list of scheduled hearings
Alternatively, individuals may:
- Contact the District Clerk's Office directly for district court dockets
- Call the specific court coordinator for the most current scheduling information
- Visit the courthouse to view printed docket sheets posted outside courtrooms
For Justice Court dockets:
- Contact the specific Justice of the Peace office
- Visit the precinct office in person
- Check the Justice Court website for available online dockets
For Municipal Court dockets:
- Contact the San Angelo Municipal Court clerk's office
- Visit the court in person to view posted dockets
- Check the municipal court website for available online information
Attorneys registered with the Texas electronic filing system receive electronic notifications of docket entries in their cases. Members of the public seeking specific hearing information should verify the current status with the appropriate court, as dockets are subject to change.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, court clerks are responsible for maintaining accurate docket information. Docket sheets typically include:
- Case number and style
- Parties and attorneys
- Hearing type and purpose
- Assigned judge
- Courtroom location
- Scheduled date and time
Which Courts in Tom Green County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Texas judicial system, "courts of record" maintain official transcripts of proceedings, while "courts not of record" do not routinely create verbatim records. This distinction affects appeal procedures and record availability.
Justice of the Peace Courts in Tom Green County are not courts of record, as defined by Texas Government Code § 27.042. These include:
- Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
- Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
- Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3
- Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4
The San Angelo Municipal Court also operates as a court not of record, though municipalities have the option to establish courts of record under Texas law.
Key characteristics of courts not of record include:
- Appeals from these courts are handled through trial de novo (new trial) in County Court
- No official court reporter is present during proceedings
- No verbatim transcript is automatically created
- Judges are not required to be licensed attorneys
- Proceedings are often less formal than in courts of record
While these courts do not create official transcripts, they do maintain case files containing:
- Citations or complaints
- Judgments and orders
- Payment records
- Case disposition information
Parties in these courts may arrange for their own recording of proceedings with judicial permission, but such recordings do not constitute official court records. For appeals, the entire case is retried in a court of record rather than reviewed based on a transcript.
District Courts and County Courts-at-Law in Tom Green County are courts of record, maintaining official transcripts of all proceedings through court reporters.