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Dawson County Court Records Lookup

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Dawson County Court Records Lookup

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Dawson County Courts, TX *

Dawson County Courts, TX

Dawson County was founded in 1876. It was named in honor of Nicholas Mosby Dawson, a soldier of the Texas Revolution who died in the Dawson Massacre. Dawson County is located in the Llano Estacado (South Plains) region of West Texas, with Lamesa as its county seat. As of 2025, the county has a population of 11,981.

Dawson County has a well-structured court system that operates under the Texas State Judicial system. The court system includes district, county, and justice courts that handle a wide range of legal matters.

Overview of the Dawson County Court System

The Dawson County court system falls under the Texas court structure that consists of three layers: the 106th District Court at the top locally, the County Court in the middle, and the Justice of the Peace and Municipal Courts at the base. These courts are located within the Dawson County Courthouse.

These courts are responsible for handling different legal matters within the county. The JP and the Municipal county local courts handle entry-level matters, county courts sit above them, handling mid-level civil and criminal cases, and district courts sit at the top of the trial court tier, handling the most serious civil and criminal matters. To help manage court records, the Dawson County Courts have a District Clerk and a County Clerk.

It is important to clearly understand what each of these courts is responsible for handling and the court cases it handles. This gives you confidence when filing cases within Dawson County.

Types of Courts in Dawson County, TX

Types of Courts in Dawson County, TX

Understanding the different types of courts in Dawson County is important. Filing a case in the wrong court can result in dismissal and loss of non-refundable filing fees. And also in some cases, statutes of limitations can expire during that wasted time, meaning you could permanently lose your right to pursue the case.

District Court

The 106th District Court serves multiple counties within the state of Texas and is located at the Dawson County courthouse. Below is a list of the legal matters that fall under the court's jurisdiction:

  • Civil cases involving $200 and above
  • Felony criminal cases
  • Child custody and family law
  • Divorce and marriage dissolution
  • Land title disputes
  • Election contests
  • Juvenile matters
  • Protective orders
  • Injunctions and writs

Within the State of Texas, small rural counties share the same district courts and the same judge. This is the case with the 106th District Court, as the court's judge serves four counties, Dawson, Gaines, Garza, and Lynn, with no specialization, as seen with other bigger counties. To ensure all the case filings and records are well managed, the responsibility is assigned ot the District Clerk.

County Court of Law

In Dawson County, the County Court of Law is the county-level trial court, which is presided over by an elected judge. The Court is located at the county courthouse.

  • Class A and Class B misdemeanors
  • Probate cases
  • Guardianship cases
  • Juvenile cases
  • Civil cases between $200 to $10000
  • Mental health and mental illness commitment proceedings
  • Appeals from the JP court and the Lamesa Municipal court

Managing all the case records is the responsibility of the county clerk, who is also located in the same location as the court. One of the main differences between the district court and the county court is the presiding judge. The county court judge presiding is also responsible for the commissioners court, the county's governing body.

Justice of the Peace Court

Dawson County's Justice of the Peace Court operates from a single countywide precinct. This precinct serves all the county residents. The court is presided over by an elected judge and helped by the appointed head clerk. The court has jurisdiction over:

  • Traffic citations and parking violations
  • Hot checks and bad checks
  • Truancy and compulsory school attendance cases
  • Issuance of arrest and search warrants
  • Emergency mental health hearings
  • Inquests
  • Performance of marriage ceremonies

Unlike most other Texas counties with multiple JP precincts, Dawson County has a single precinct at the county courthouse that handles legal matters for the entire county.

Municipal Court

Located at the Lamesa City Hall, the Lamesa Municipal Court handles cases within the city limits and primarily covers Class C misdemeanor citations, among other legal matters.

  • Traffic and parking violations
  • Class C misdemeanors, such as public intoxication and minor alcohol offense
  • City ordinance violations

If you receive a citation or face a violation that falls under the municipal court, but you are outside the city, this case goes straight to the JP Court.

How to Access Dawson County Court Records

How to Access Dawson County Court Records

Under Texas law, most case files, court records, docket sheets, and trial dates are public records. This applies to Dawson County's Court records, too. But some records may be sealed or accessible only to the parties involved, such as family cases and cases involving minors. These records may also be redacted for privacy or made confidential for other reasons.

Online Access

There are different online platforms you can use to access court records in Dawson County. The primary platform is re:SearchTX. This is the official Texas judicial tool for searching case information, viewing documents, and tracking court records across all Texas counties.

Alternative Online Options

To access court records, you also have other online alternatives. Sites like CourtCaseFinder pull together public records from multiple sources, giving you access to court cases, arrests, divorces, and other public filings without having to know in advance whether the record is with the District Clerk or the County Clerk. All of the information is given in one report rather than multiple documents.

In-Person Requests

If you want certified copies, older documents, or anything that simply has not made it online, a visit to the Dawson County Courthouse is your best option. The District Clerk on the 4th floor handles district court filings and case records, while the County Clerk on the ground floor covers probate, vital records, and county court documents. They are your best source for knowledge of where the more obscure documents could be stored.

Archived Records

Dawson County has been around since 1905, and a good portion of its older court records exist only in hard copy or on microfilm; you will not find them through any online portal. Historical Dawson County records are available on microfilm through the University of Texas Permian Basin, and some digitized versions can also be found on FamilySearch.

For Attorneys and Legal Professionals

There are multiple reasons that an out-of-county attorney would need to access Dawson County court records. For example, a Lubbock attorney handling an oil and gas dispute, or a family law matter that crosses county lines, may need to pull case history, verify judgments, or file documents in a court they have never walked into.

For the attorneys, you need to use e-filing when filing criminal, family cases, probate, or civil cases within Dawson County Courts. Which means you can file directly into the 106th District Court or the County Court through eFile Texas. And for access to records, you can comfortably use re:SearchTX. To obtain certified court records, you must request them directly from the district or county clerks.

How to File a Case in Dawson County

How to File a Case in Dawson County

Filing your case wrongly within the Dawson County Court system can have major negative impacts on you and your case. First, the case can be dismissed, which may also result in wasted filing fees. Hence, the need for a well-defined case filing process that ensures no errors.

Step 1: Choose the Correct Court

The first step is determining which court has the right authority over your case. Within the Dawson County Court system, you need to know the four different types of courts and the different legal matters that each of these courts handles. This is the first step in the filing process, which is very important. If you are not sure of the correct court, you can contact the District Clerk or the County Clerk to confirm before filing.

Step 2: Complete Required Forms

After you know the correct court you are filing your case under, the next step is to get the right forms. The eFile Texas self-help section offers a guided interview system for common filings, including divorces, name changes for adults, and landlord-tenant matters. The same platform will help you with district court cases, Justice of the Peace court case filings, and county court cases. You will need to go directly to efile Texas. Select your case type from the list, and the system generates your forms.

Step 3: File Your Case

There are two ways you could take to file your cases within Dawson County. Either in person or online. For attorneys and self-represented litigants choosing to e-file, the official portal is eFile Texas. And for the in-person filing, this is done at the District Clerk's office or the County Clerk's office, based on your case.

Step 4: Pay Filing Fees

Filing fees in Dawson County vary depending on which court you are filing in and what type of case it is. At the district court level, civil filing fees follow the Texas statewide schedule published by the Office of Court Administration. If you cannot afford the filing fees, you must apply for a waiver.

Step 5: Serve the Other Party

The defendant must also be formally notified after filing. You must request that the Dawson County District Clerk or County Clerk issue a citation. And then, arrange for a constable, sheriff, or private process server to serve the initial court papers. You personally cannot serve the papers.

Step 6: Monitor Your Case

After the case is successfully filed, it is your responsibility to monitor it. For case status and docket information, attorneys and registered users can track filings through re:SearchTX, while the District Clerk's office and the County Clerk can provide case updates directly over the phone.

Dawson County Courthouse Directory

The Dawson County Courthouse is the central hub for all county court operations. Under one roof, it houses the 106th District Court, the County Court at Law, the Justice of the Peace Court, the District Clerk, the County Clerk, and the County Judge's office.

Dawson County Courthouse

Lamesa

Address: 400 S. 1st Street, Lamesa, TX 79331

Phone: (806) 872-7544 (General)

District Clerk: (806) 329-3315

County Judge: (806) 200-2012

JP Court: (806) 329-3324

District Court: (806) 329-3313

Website: co.dawson.tx.us

Lamesa Municipal Court

Lamesa

Address: 601 S. 1st Street, Lamesa, TX 79331

Phone: (806) 872-4343

Email: courtclerk@ci.lamesa.tx.us

Website: ci.lamesa.tx.us/government/city_departments/municipal_court

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

Navigating the Dawson County court system on your own is manageable for straightforward matters, but knowing where to turn for guidance, free or otherwise, can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Free Legal Assistance

The Legal Aid Society of Lubbock has a physical presence at the Dawson County Courthouse, 4th Floor, 400 S. 1st Street, Lamesa, open on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays by appointment only. Their Lamesa direct line is (806) 872-7544. Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas serves low-income residents across 114 North and West Texas counties, including Dawson County; call their Legal Aid Line at (888) 529-5277 or apply online.

Local Legal Support

Dawson County does not have a local law school clinic or standalone volunteer attorney program, but residents can access the State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service at (800) 252-9690 for a referral to a licensed attorney in the area. Also, residents can access the Legal Aid Society of Lubbock, which serves Dawson County directly and even operates remote legal clinics in Dawson County and nearby counties like Gaines and Terry.

FAQs

Which court in Dawson County handles divorce cases?

Divorce cases in Dawson County are filed with the 106th District Court, not the County Court. The District Clerk handles all divorce filings on the 4th floor of the Dawson County Courthouse. If children are involved, custody and support matters are resolved in the same court as part of the same proceeding.

Can I pay a traffic citation from Dawson County without going to the courthouse?

Yes. Citations issued through the Justice of the Peace can be paid online or by calling 1-800-701-8560. For citations issued within Lamesa city limits through the Municipal Court, contact the Court Clerk for available payment options.

Where do I go to contest an eviction in Dawson County?

Eviction suits in Dawson County are handled by the Justice of the Peace Court. Both landlords and tenants can appear before the court without an attorney. If either party disagrees with the ruling, the case can be appealed to the County Court at Law.

How do I find out if someone has an active warrant in Dawson County?

Warrant information in Dawson County is not published in a single public database. Your best starting point is contacting the Dawson County Sheriff's Office. For court-issued warrants tied to specific cases, the District Clerk at (806) 329-3315 or the JP court at (806) 329-3324 can direct you further depending on the case type.

What happens if I miss my court date at the Lamesa Municipal Court?

Missing a Municipal Court date in Lamesa typically results in a warrant being issued for your arrest and additional fees being added to your case. Contact the Court Clerk as soon as possible at (806) 872-4343 or courtclerk@ci.lamesa.tx.us.

Can I get a copy of a marriage or divorce record in Dawson County?

These two records sit in different offices. Marriage licenses go back to 1905 and are held by the County Clerk. Divorce records are maintained by the District Clerk since divorces are filed in the 106th District Court.

Does Dawson County have a separate probate court?

No. Dawson County does not have a dedicated probate court. All probate matters, including wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health proceedings, are handled by the County Court at Law. The County Clerk's office next door manages all related filings and records.

I am not sure which Dawson County court handled my case. Where do I start?

This is a common problem, especially for older cases. A good first stop is CourtCaseFinder, which pulls together public court records from multiple sources and can help you identify which court and which clerk holds your records without having to call around. Once you have narrowed it down, you can go directly to the District Clerk, County Clerk, or JP court to request the specific documents you need.

Can a small claims case in Dawson County be filed against a business?

Yes. The Justice of the Peace Court handles small claims cases against both individuals and businesses, provided the disputed amount does not exceed $20,000. You do not need an attorney to file. Bring any supporting documentation, contracts, receipts, photos, or written communications, and be prepared to state your case clearly.

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