Brazos County Court Records
What Is Brazos County Court Records
Brazos County court records are official documents created, maintained, and archived by the various courts operating within Brazos County, Texas. These records document judicial proceedings and serve as the official account of actions taken by the courts. The District Clerk's office has primary responsibility for filing, docketing, and maintaining all paperwork and documents related to district court cases, while the County Clerk maintains records for county-level courts.
Court records typically include:
- Case filings and pleadings
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence admitted during proceedings
- Docket entries documenting case progression
- Jury verdicts and judicial decisions
These records are maintained pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, which establishes the duties of district clerks regarding record maintenance. The records serve multiple purposes including documenting legal precedent, ensuring transparency in judicial proceedings, and providing necessary information for case appeals.
Brazos County District Clerk 300 E. 26th Street, Suite 1200 Bryan, TX 77803 Phone: (979) 361-4230 Brazos County District Clerk Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Brazos County Clerk 300 E. 26th Street, Suite 120 Bryan, TX 77803 Phone: (979) 361-4114 Brazos County Clerk Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Are Court Records Public In Brazos County
Court records in Brazos County are generally considered public information in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act (PIA), codified in Texas Government Code Chapter 552. The Public Information Act provides a mechanism for citizens to inspect or copy government records, including most court documents.
However, certain exceptions and limitations apply:
- Records involving juveniles are typically confidential under Texas Family Code § 58.007
- Mental health proceedings may be sealed pursuant to Texas Health and Safety Code § 571.015
- Adoption records are confidential under Texas Family Code § 162.022
- Records sealed by court order are not accessible to the public
- Cases involving sexual assault victims may have identifying information redacted
- Certain family law matters may have restricted access
It is important to note that while courts maintain public records, the judiciary has its own open records policy and is not directly subject to the Texas Public Information Act. The Texas Supreme Court has established rules governing access to judicial records that balance transparency with privacy concerns and the efficient administration of justice.
Members of the public seeking access to court records should be aware that while most records are public, specific statutory provisions or court orders may limit access to certain documents or information contained within those documents.
How To Find Court Records in Brazos County in 2025
Members of the public seeking court records in Brazos County in 2025 have multiple methods available to access these documents. The primary access points are through the offices of the District Clerk and County Clerk, which serve as the official custodians of court records.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Brazos County District Clerk 300 E. 26th Street, Suite 1200 Bryan, TX 77803 Phone: (979) 361-4230 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Brazos County County Clerk 300 E. 26th Street, Suite 120 Bryan, TX 77803 Phone: (979) 361-4114 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
When requesting records, the following information is helpful:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of filing or case disposition
- Type of case (civil, criminal, family, etc.)
- Specific documents needed from the case file
Written requests may be submitted by mail to the appropriate clerk's office. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information in response to proper requests. The standard timeframe for response is within 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time.
Electronic access is also available through the Brazos County Judicial Records Search system, which provides remote access to many court documents. For specialized records or assistance with complex searches, direct contact with the clerk's office is recommended.
How To Look Up Court Records in Brazos County Online?
Brazos County provides comprehensive online access to court records through several digital platforms. The Brazos County official website serves as the primary portal for accessing these electronic records.
To access court records online, users may utilize:
- The Judicial Records Search portal available through the County Clerk's website
- Court Dockets section of the county website
- Today's Docket feature for current proceedings
- Civil eFiling system for recently filed documents
The online search functionality typically allows users to search by:
- Case number
- Party name (plaintiff, defendant, petitioner, respondent)
- Attorney name
- Filing date range
- Case type
Users should note that pursuant to the local e-filing rules for Brazos County, certain documents may be available only in redacted form online, while complete versions remain accessible at the clerk's office. Additionally, some sensitive case types may have limited online accessibility in accordance with Texas Rules of Judicial Administration.
For technical assistance with the online records system, users may contact:
Brazos County Information Technology Department 200 S. Texas Avenue, Suite 210 Bryan, TX 77803 Phone: (979) 361-4300 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Can You Search Brazos County Court Records for Free?
Brazos County provides both free and fee-based options for accessing court records. Basic record searches are available at no cost, while obtaining copies or certified documents typically incurs fees as established by state law and local regulations.
Free access options include:
- In-person review of non-confidential court files at the clerk's offices during regular business hours
- Basic case information searches through the online Judicial Records Search portal
- Viewing of court dockets on the county website
- Public access terminals located at the District and County Clerk offices
Fee-based services include:
- Printed copies of court documents ($1.00 per page as established by Texas Government Code § 51.318)
- Certified copies ($5.00 per document pursuant to Texas Local Government Code § 118.011)
- Electronic copies requested remotely ($1.00 per page plus any applicable certification fees)
- Research assistance from clerk staff for complex searches ($5.00 per name searched)
The fee schedule is established in accordance with Texas Local Government Code § 118.011 for county clerks and Texas Government Code § 51.318 for district clerks. Fees collected are used to offset the costs of maintaining the records system and providing public access services.
Individuals experiencing financial hardship may apply for a fee waiver by filing a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs pursuant to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145.
What's Included in a Brazos County Court Record?
A complete Brazos County court record contains comprehensive documentation of all proceedings related to a specific case. These records are maintained by either the District Clerk or County Clerk depending on the court of jurisdiction.
Standard components of a court record include:
- Case information sheet with basic identifying information
- Original petition or complaint (civil cases) or indictment/information (criminal cases)
- Answers, motions, and responses filed by parties
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing notices and scheduling documents
- Transcripts of proceedings when prepared
- Evidence admitted during hearings or trials
- Jury selection records and verdict forms (if applicable)
- Final disposition documents
- Post-judgment filings such as appeals notices or enforcement actions
For criminal cases, additional documents typically include:
- Arrest warrants and probable cause affidavits
- Bond information
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
- Plea agreements
- Sentencing information
- Probation or parole documents
Family law cases may contain sensitive information such as financial disclosures, custody evaluations, and child support calculations. Access to these documents may be restricted pursuant to Texas Family Code provisions designed to protect privacy interests.
How Long Does Brazos County Keep Court Records?
Brazos County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the authority of Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These schedules specify minimum retention periods based on case type and disposition.
General retention periods include:
- Civil case records: Minimum of 12 years after final disposition
- Criminal felony cases: 75 years from date of final disposition
- Criminal misdemeanor cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Family law cases: 25 years after final judgment
- Probate cases: Permanent retention
- Juvenile cases: Until the individual reaches age 21 (non-violent offenses) or age 31 (violent offenses)
- Tax cases: 10 years after final judgment
Records of significant historical value may be designated for permanent retention regardless of case type. The District and County Clerks work in conjunction with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to identify records warranting permanent preservation.
After the mandatory retention period expires, records may be:
- Transferred to archival storage
- Microfilmed or digitized for permanent retention while original paper documents are destroyed
- Destroyed in accordance with proper disposition procedures
Individuals seeking older records should contact:
Brazos County Archives 300 E. 26th Street, Suite 1100 Bryan, TX 77803 Phone: (979) 361-4270 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Types of Courts In Brazos County
Brazos County's judicial system consists of multiple courts with varying jurisdictions and authority levels. Each court type handles specific categories of cases as defined by Texas law.
The courts operating within Brazos County include:
- District Courts (85th, 272nd, and 361st Judicial Districts)
- County Courts at Law (No. 1 and No. 2)
- Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-4)
- Municipal Courts (Bryan and College Station)
The Tenth Court of Appeals, located in Waco, serves as the appellate court for Brazos County cases. This court, composed of a Chief Justice and two Justices, hears appeals from the district and county courts.
The Justice of the Peace Courts were established under Article Five, Section One of the 1876 Constitution of the State of Texas. These courts handle small claims, minor criminal matters, and serve important administrative functions including conducting inquests and performing marriages.
County Court at Law 2 and other county-level courts maintain regular dockets, with jury trials scheduled weekly and special magistrate dockets on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Each court maintains its own staff, including clerks, court reporters, and bailiffs, who assist in the administration of justice and maintenance of court records.
What Types of Cases Do Brazos County Courts Hear?
The various courts in Brazos County adjudicate different types of cases based on subject matter jurisdiction and monetary thresholds established by Texas law. This hierarchical structure ensures efficient case management and appropriate judicial expertise.
District Courts handle:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil matters with amounts in controversy exceeding $250,000
- Family law matters including divorce, child custody, and support
- Juvenile cases
- Real property disputes
- Contested probate matters
County Courts at Law preside over:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $250,000
- Appeals from Justice of the Peace and Municipal courts
- Uncontested probate matters
- Mental health commitments
- Some family law matters concurrent with District Courts
Justice of the Peace Courts handle:
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy up to $20,000
- Class C misdemeanors
- Traffic violations
- Small claims
- Eviction proceedings
- Magistrate duties including issuing arrest warrants
- Death inquests
Municipal Courts adjudicate:
- City ordinance violations
- Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
- Traffic violations within city limits
Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established in the Texas Government Code, with specific provisions for Brazos County courts outlined in §§ 25.0231-25.0232 regarding the County Courts at Law.
How To Find a Court Docket In Brazos County
Court dockets in Brazos County are publicly accessible documents that list scheduled court proceedings, including hearings, trials, and other matters before the court. These dockets serve as the official schedule of court activities.
To access court dockets, members of the public may:
- Visit the Court Dockets section of the Brazos County website
- View Today's Docket for immediate information about current proceedings
- Contact the clerk's office for the specific court of interest
- Visit the courthouse in person to view posted docket information
The online docket system allows users to select specific courts, including:
- Associate Court (Misdemeanor) - Judge Dana Zachary
- Associate Court (Felony) - Judge Misty Swan
- County Courts at Law
- District Courts
For mobile access, the county provides a specialized interface through the Today's Docket feature, which is optimized for smartphone and tablet viewing.
Docket information typically includes:
- Case number
- Party names
- Type of proceeding scheduled
- Date and time of hearing
- Assigned courtroom
- Presiding judge
Docket schedules are subject to change, and parties with matters before the court should verify the current status of their hearing by contacting the appropriate clerk's office directly.
Which Courts in Brazos County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Brazos County, certain courts do not maintain an official record of proceedings, meaning they do not create a verbatim transcript of all testimony and arguments presented. These "non-record" courts operate under different procedural rules than courts of record.
The following Brazos County courts are not courts of record:
- Justice of the Peace Courts (all precincts)
- Small Claims Courts (handled by Justice of the Peace Courts)
These non-record courts have significant implications for litigants:
- Appeals from these courts are handled de novo (new trial) rather than based on a review of the record
- No court reporter is present to transcribe proceedings
- Formal rules of evidence and procedure may be applied less stringently
- Proceedings are generally less formal than in courts of record
The Justice of the Peace Courts in Brazos County, while not courts of record, maintain dockets and case files documenting filings, orders, and judgments. These documents are maintained by the court clerks and are generally available for public inspection.
Appeals from these non-record courts are directed to the County Courts at Law, where the case receives a completely new hearing rather than a review of the lower court proceedings. This de novo appeal process is established by Texas Government Code § 26.042(e).
Lookup Court Records in Brazos County
Search Brazos County court records online
Access judicial records through the County Clerk
Find District Court records and documents
Check court schedules and case information
Learn about Justice of the Peace courts and records