Court records in Atascosa County, Texas can be searched through several channels. AtascosaCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through official court websites, the District Clerk's office, the County Clerk's office, and public terminals located at the Atascosa County Courthouse in Jourdanton.
Atascosa Court System & Jurisdictions
Atascosa County falls within the 81st and 218th Judicial District Courts, which serve Atascosa, Frio, Karnes, La Salle, and Wilson Counties. Several courts operate within the county, each handling specific case types:
- 81st & 218th District Courts — Felony criminal cases, civil matters where the amount in controversy exceeds $200, family law cases (divorce, custody, adoptions, protective orders), juvenile cases, and contested probate matters. These courts rotate through the five counties they serve.
- County Court at Law — Atascosa County has a constitutional county court presided over by the County Judge. This court handles Class A and Class B misdemeanors, civil cases within its jurisdictional limits, probate matters, and appeals from Justice of the Peace courts.
- Justice of the Peace Courts — Atascosa County has multiple JP precincts. These courts handle Class C misdemeanors (including traffic tickets), small claims disputes up to $20,000, evictions, and debt claims. The Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 maintains warrant information on its website.
If you are unsure which court handled a particular case, start by searching with the District Clerk for felony, civil, family, and probate cases, or the County Clerk for misdemeanor cases. Traffic citations and small claims are typically filed through the relevant JP court.
Atascosa Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding upcoming court dates in Atascosa County depends on which court is hearing the case:
- District Court calendars — The 81st & 218th District Court website posts scheduling information, including settings for Atascosa County terms. Because these courts rotate among five counties, hearing dates in Jourdanton follow a set rotation schedule.
- County Court settings — Contact the County Clerk's office for the County Court docket. The County Clerk posts notices of court appointments and may have calendar information available on-site.
- Justice of the Peace Courts — Each JP precinct maintains its own docket. Contact the specific precinct office for scheduled hearing dates.
You can also check the Texas Judicial Branch website for statewide court information. If you are a party to a case or an attorney of record, your hearing notice will typically arrive by mail or through the e-filing system.
How to Get a Copy of a Atascosa Court Document
The office you contact depends on the type of case:
- District Clerk — Maintains records for district court cases, including felony criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. The District Clerk's online portal allows free case index searches. Document images can be purchased online; you are allotted five images before a subscription is required.
- County Clerk — Maintains misdemeanor criminal records, county civil cases, and recorded documents such as marriage licenses.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies include the clerk's seal and signature, confirming the document is a true copy of the court record. These are typically required for legal proceedings, background checks, or filing with another court.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the clerk's authentication. They are sufficient for personal reference.
How to Request
- Online — Search and purchase document images through the District Clerk's online records portal.
- In person — Visit the clerk's office at the Atascosa County Courthouse. Bring the case number or party names to help staff locate the file.
- By mail — Send a written request with the case number, party names, document description, and a check or money order for applicable fees.
Atascosa County District Clerk
Atascosa County Clerk
Restricted Records
Certain records are not publicly accessible, including sealed cases, juvenile records, and some family law documents. Under Texas law, records related to adoptions and cases where a court has ordered sealing or expunction are restricted. Ask the clerk whether a particular record is available before submitting payment.
For marriage and divorce verification, the Texas Department of State Health Services can issue letters confirming whether a marriage or divorce was recorded at the state level. Local marriage licenses are filed with the County Clerk.
Atascosa Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Texas are established by the Texas Government Code and the Texas Local Government Code. The following table reflects standard fees commonly charged by Texas county and district clerks. Contact the specific clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated by statute or local order.
| Service | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic case index search (online) | Free |
| Document image (online, per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (first page) | $5.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $1.00 |
| Noncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certificate under seal | $5.00 |
| Mail request handling | Varies — include a self-addressed stamped envelope |
Payment methods: The clerk's offices generally accept cash, checks, and money orders for in-person and mail requests. Online purchases through the District Clerk's records portal may accept credit or debit cards. Confirm accepted payment methods before visiting or mailing a request.
For criminal history searches beyond local court records, the Texas DPS Criminal History Name Search provides statewide results for a fee set by the Department of Public Safety. Incarceration records can be checked through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice offender search at no charge.