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Williamson County Court Records

What Is Williamson County Court Records

Court records in Williamson County encompass all official documentation generated during judicial proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of legal documentation that serves as the official account of court activities and decisions. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, court records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.

Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by Williamson County, such as:

  • Property records (deeds, liens, mortgages)
  • Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
  • Tax records
  • Voting and election records

The Williamson County District Clerk serves as the custodian for records from the following courts:

  • District Courts
  • County Courts at Law
  • Justice of the Peace Courts
  • Municipal Courts
  • Probate Court
  • Family Court
  • Small Claims Court

These records encompass documentation from various case types including:

  • Civil litigation
  • Criminal proceedings
  • Family law matters (divorce, custody, support)
  • Probate and estate cases
  • Traffic violations
  • Small claims disputes

The Texas Rules of Judicial Administration define court records as "any document, information, data, or other item created, collected, received, or maintained by a court or clerk of court in connection with a judicial proceeding." This definition establishes the broad scope of materials considered official court records in Williamson County.

Are Court Records Public In Williamson County

Court records in Williamson County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552) and the common law right of access to judicial records. The Texas judiciary operates under a presumption of openness as established by Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration.

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 from public access, including:

  • Records sealed by court order
  • Juvenile proceedings (with limited exceptions)
  • Mental health proceedings
  • Adoption records
  • Certain family law matters involving minors
  • Records containing sensitive personal information as defined by § 552.147 of the Texas Government Code

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas (which includes Williamson County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state regulations. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than county resources.

The Texas Supreme Court has established specific rules regarding electronic access to court records, balancing public access rights with privacy concerns. These rules are outlined in the Texas Judicial Branch Rules and govern how court records may be accessed electronically.

How To Find Court Records in Williamson County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Williamson County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains multiple access points for court record retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

  1. Identify the appropriate court where the case was filed
  2. Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
  3. Complete a records request form providing case number, party names, or filing date
  4. Present valid photo identification
  5. Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)

Williamson County District Clerk's Office
405 Martin Luther King Street, Box 24
Georgetown, TX 78626
512-943-1212
Williamson County District Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Written Requests:

  1. Submit a written request to the appropriate clerk's office
  2. Include case number, party names, and specific documents requested
  3. Provide return address and contact information
  4. Enclose payment for estimated copy fees
  5. Allow 5-10 business days for processing

Online Access:

  1. Visit the Williamson County Records Search portal
  2. Select the appropriate record type (criminal, civil, family, etc.)
  3. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
  4. Review search results and select desired records
  5. Pay applicable access fees if required

Email Requests:

  1. Email the appropriate clerk's office with detailed request information
  2. Include case number, party names, and specific documents needed
  3. Provide contact information for follow-up
  4. Expect response within 3-5 business days
  5. Arrange payment method for any applicable fees

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, reasonable fees may be charged for copies of public records. The current fee schedule is available on the Williamson County website or by contacting the clerk's office directly.

How To Look Up Court Records in Williamson County Online?

Williamson County provides several online portals for accessing court records electronically. These systems allow for remote research of case information without visiting the courthouse in person. The following online resources are currently available:

Williamson County Court Records Portal

  1. Navigate to the Williamson County Court Lookup page
  2. Select the appropriate case type (criminal, civil, family, probate)
  3. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
  4. Review search results showing basic case information
  5. Select specific cases to view available documents
  6. Pay any applicable access fees for document viewing/downloading

Texas Judicial Branch Website

  1. Visit the Texas Courts Online website
  2. Select "Case Search" from the main navigation
  3. Choose "Williamson County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
  4. Enter search parameters (case number, party name)
  5. Review results showing case status, upcoming hearings, and party information
  6. Note that document access may be limited on this platform

re:SearchTX Portal

  1. Access the re:SearchTX platform
  2. Create a user account or log in with existing credentials
  3. Select Williamson County from the jurisdiction options
  4. Enter search criteria in the appropriate fields
  5. Review search results showing available case information
  6. Pay subscription or per-document fees to access full documents

Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER)

  1. For federal cases involving Williamson County residents
  2. Register for a PACER account at pacer.uscourts.gov
  3. Select the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
  4. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
  5. Review search results and select desired records
  6. Pay applicable PACER fees ($0.10 per page viewed)

Each online system contains different record types and has varying levels of document availability. The most comprehensive access is typically available through the county's direct portal, while state and federal systems may provide more limited information.

How To Search Williamson County Court Records for Free?

Texas law provides for free public inspection of court records as established in the Texas Public Information Act. While obtaining copies typically involves fees, several options exist for accessing Williamson County court records at no cost:

In-Person Inspection:

  1. Visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours
  2. Request to view specific case files without requesting copies
  3. Present valid identification to the clerk
  4. Use public access terminals to view records on-site
  5. Take notes on case information as needed

Williamson County Law Library
405 Martin Luther King Street, 2nd Floor
Georgetown, TX 78626
512-943-1300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Free Online Resources:

  1. Williamson County Court Docket Search - Provides basic case information including:

    • Case numbers
    • Party names
    • Filing dates
    • Hearing schedules
    • Case status
    • Judge assignments

  2. Texas Judicial Branch Website - Offers free access to:

    • Case status information
    • Upcoming court dates
    • Party and attorney information
    • Judgment information

  3. Williamson County Records Search - Provides free search capabilities for:

    • Criminal case indexes
    • Civil case indexes
    • Family court dockets
    • Probate case information

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.272, "a governmental body shall provide a suitable copy of public information within a reasonable time after the date on which the copy is requested." While inspection is free, standard copy fees apply for document reproduction. Currently, Williamson County charges $1.00 per page for standard copies and $5.00 for certified copies of court documents.

What's Included in a Williamson County Court Record?

Williamson County court records contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include the following components:

Civil Case Records:

  • Petition or complaint initiating the lawsuit
  • Summons and proof of service
  • Answers and counterclaims
  • Motions and supporting memoranda
  • Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
  • Affidavits and declarations
  • Court orders and rulings
  • Final judgment
  • Post-judgment motions
  • Appeal documentation (if applicable)

Criminal Case Records:

  • Charging documents (indictment or information)
  • Arrest warrant or summons
  • Bail/bond information
  • Arraignment documentation
  • Pre-trial motions and orders
  • Evidence inventory lists
  • Plea agreements
  • Trial transcripts (if requested)
  • Verdict forms
  • Sentencing documents
  • Probation reports
  • Appeal documentation (if applicable)

Family Law Records:

  • Petition for divorce or custody
  • Temporary orders
  • Financial affidavits
  • Parenting plans
  • Child support worksheets
  • Property division agreements
  • Final decree
  • Modification petitions
  • Enforcement actions

Probate Records:

  • Will (if testate)
  • Petition for probate
  • Letters testamentary or administration
  • Inventory of estate assets
  • Claims against the estate
  • Accountings
  • Distribution plans
  • Final orders

Case Docket Sheet:

  • Chronological listing of all filings
  • Hearing dates and outcomes
  • Judge assignments
  • Attorney appearances
  • Filing fees paid
  • Service information

The Williamson County District Clerk maintains these records in accordance with Texas state law and judicial administration rules. Some documents may contain redactions of sensitive personal information as required by Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 21c.

How Long Does Williamson County Keep Court Records?

Williamson County retains court records according to schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the authority of Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These retention periods ensure proper preservation of judicial documentation while managing storage resources effectively.

The following retention periods apply to various court records in Williamson County:

Criminal Cases:

  • Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
  • Non-capital felony cases: 75 years from final disposition
  • Misdemeanor cases: 20 years from final disposition
  • Criminal docket sheets: Permanent retention

Civil Cases:

  • Cases with judgments affecting title to real property: Permanent retention
  • Tax cases: 25 years after final judgment
  • Other civil cases: 12 years after final disposition
  • Civil docket sheets: Permanent retention

Family Law Cases:

  • Divorce records: Permanent retention
  • Child custody determinations: Until youngest child reaches age 18 plus 10 years
  • Adoption records: Permanent retention
  • Child support cases: 10 years after youngest child reaches age 18

Probate Cases:

  • Wills admitted to probate: Permanent retention
  • Estate administration: Permanent retention
  • Guardianship records: 10 years after termination of guardianship

Justice Court Records:

  • Civil cases: 4 years after final disposition
  • Criminal cases: 5 years after final disposition
  • Small claims: 4 years after final disposition

Grand Jury Records:

  • Indictments: Permanent retention
  • No-bills: 3 years

Court Exhibits:

  • Civil cases: 30 days after final disposition if not claimed
  • Criminal misdemeanors: 6 months after final disposition if not claimed
  • Criminal felonies: 1 year after final disposition if not claimed

These retention periods represent minimum requirements. In practice, Williamson County maintains many records beyond these minimums, particularly those with historical significance. The county has implemented digital preservation systems to maintain electronic versions of many court records indefinitely.

Types of Courts In Williamson County

Williamson County's judicial system consists of several court levels, each with specific jurisdiction and authority. The following courts operate within the county:

District Courts
405 Martin Luther King Street
Georgetown, TX 78626
512-943-1100
Williamson County District Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • 26th District Court
  • 277th District Court
  • 368th District Court
  • 425th District Court
  • 468th District Court

County Courts at Law
405 Martin Luther King Street
Georgetown, TX 78626
512-943-1100
Williamson County Courts at Law
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • County Court at Law #1
  • County Court at Law #2
  • County Court at Law #3
  • County Court at Law #4

Justice of the Peace Courts
Williamson County Justice Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  • Precinct 1: 1801 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Suite 100, Round Rock, TX 78664 (512-244-8611)
  • Precinct 2: 350 Discovery Blvd., Suite 205, Cedar Park, TX 78613 (512-260-4763)
  • Precinct 3: 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown, TX 78626 (512-943-1501)
  • Precinct 4: 211 W. 6th Street, Taylor, TX 76574 (512-352-4144)

Municipal Courts (Selected)

  • Georgetown Municipal Court: 101 E. 7th Street, Georgetown, TX 78626 (512-930-3625)
  • Round Rock Municipal Court: 301 W. Bagdad Avenue, Round Rock, TX 78664 (512-218-5490)
  • Cedar Park Municipal Court: 911 Quest Parkway, Cedar Park, TX 78613 (512-260-4300)

The court hierarchy in Williamson County follows the Texas state judicial structure:

  1. Municipal/Justice Courts (lowest level)
  2. County Courts at Law
  3. District Courts
  4. Third Court of Appeals (Austin)
  5. Texas Supreme Court (civil) or Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (criminal)

Each court level has specific jurisdictional limits and case types as defined by the Texas Government Code and Constitution.

What Types of Cases Do Williamson County Courts Hear?

Williamson County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with each court type having specific jurisdictional authority as established by Texas law. The following case types are heard within the county court system:

District Courts:

  • Felony criminal cases
  • Civil matters with amounts in controversy over $250,000
  • Family law cases (divorce, child custody, support)
  • Juvenile matters
  • Real property disputes
  • Contested probate matters
  • Civil appeals from lower courts
  • Administrative agency appeals

County Courts at Law:

  • Misdemeanor criminal cases
  • Civil matters with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $250,000
  • Probate and guardianship proceedings
  • Mental health commitments
  • Eminent domain cases
  • Appeals from justice and municipal courts
  • Concurrent jurisdiction with district courts in some civil matters

Justice of the Peace Courts:

  • Civil cases with amounts in controversy up to $20,000
  • Small claims cases (up to $20,000)
  • Class C misdemeanors
  • Traffic violations
  • Eviction proceedings
  • Debt claims
  • Repair and remedy cases
  • Magistrate functions (search warrants, arrest warrants)
  • Inquests

Municipal Courts:

  • City ordinance violations
  • Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
  • Traffic violations within city limits
  • Parking violations
  • Code enforcement cases
  • Limited magistrate functions

The Texas Judicial Branch establishes these jurisdictional boundaries through the Texas Government Code and Constitution. Case assignment follows these jurisdictional rules, with more serious or higher-value cases being heard in the higher courts.

Specialized dockets exist within some Williamson County courts, including:

  • Drug Court (rehabilitation-focused approach for substance abuse cases)
  • Veterans Court (addressing specific needs of military veterans)
  • Mental Health Court (specialized handling of cases involving mental illness)
  • Family Violence Court (focused on domestic violence cases)

These specialized dockets implement evidence-based practices to address underlying issues while maintaining public safety and accountability.

How To Find a Court Docket In Williamson County

Court dockets in Williamson County provide a chronological listing of scheduled court proceedings, including hearings, trials, and other judicial events. Members of the public may access these dockets through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

  1. Visit the Williamson County Court Lookup portal
  2. Select the appropriate court type (District, County, Justice)
  3. Choose either the case search or calendar search option
  4. Enter search criteria (date range, judge, case type)
  5. Review results showing scheduled proceedings
  6. Note that some specialized dockets may have restricted online access

In-Person Docket Review:

  1. Visit the clerk's office for the relevant court
  2. Request to view the current docket or calendar
  3. Provide the specific date or case information of interest
  4. Clerks can print daily docket sheets upon request (fees may apply)

Telephone Information:

  1. Contact the appropriate clerk's office by phone
  2. Provide case number or party name
  3. Request information about upcoming hearings
  4. Basic docket information is typically provided without charge

Courtroom Postings:

  1. Visit the courthouse on the day of scheduled proceedings
  2. Check electronic displays or bulletin boards near courtrooms
  3. Daily dockets are typically posted outside each courtroom
  4. These postings show cases scheduled for that specific day

Attorney Access:

  1. Attorneys of record receive electronic notifications
  2. Texas attorneys can access dockets through the re:SearchTX portal
  3. Electronic filing system provides docket updates to registered users

The Williamson County District Clerk maintains docket information for district and county courts, while justice courts maintain their own docket systems. Municipal courts within the county operate independent docketing systems accessible through their respective city offices.

Docket information typically includes:

  • Case number
  • Party names
  • Attorney information
  • Hearing type
  • Scheduled date and time
  • Assigned courtroom
  • Presiding judge

Which Courts in Williamson 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. According to Texas Government Code § 27.042, the following Williamson County courts are not courts of record:

Justice of the Peace Courts:

  • All four Justice of the Peace precincts in Williamson County operate as courts not of record
  • Appeals from these courts proceed to County Courts at Law as trials de novo (new trials)
  • While case documents are maintained, verbatim transcripts of proceedings are not automatically created
  • Parties may arrange for court reporters at their own expense, but this is not standard practice

Municipal Courts (Unless Designated):

  • Most municipal courts in Williamson County cities operate as courts not of record
  • These include municipal courts in smaller municipalities within the county
  • Appeals from these courts proceed as trials de novo in County Courts at Law
  • Case documents and judgments are maintained, but not verbatim transcripts

Some municipalities have established "Municipal Courts of Record" under Chapter 30 of the Texas Government Code. These courts do maintain official transcripts, and appeals from these courts are based on the record rather than conducted as new trials. Currently, the following Williamson County municipalities have designated courts of record:

  • Round Rock Municipal Court of Record
  • Cedar Park Municipal Court of Record

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for several reasons:

  • Appeal procedures differ substantially
  • Evidence preservation requirements vary
  • Procedural formality tends to be greater in courts of record
  • Attorney representation is more common in courts of record

This classification system is established by the Texas Legislature through the Government Code and municipal enabling legislation. The status of specific municipal courts may change through local ordinance and state approval processes.

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