Howard County Court Records

Howard County Courts, TX *

Howard County spreads across more than 900 square miles of West Texas high plains and oil country. Anchored by Big Spring, this rugged land carries the rhythm of ranching, cotton fields, and hardworking communities. Yet even in such open country, legal troubles still arise, from quiet property disagreements to serious criminal charges that demand attention.

These courts manage a wide array of matters. Criminal cases range from minor traffic violations to felonies. Civil disputes, family law battles, probate proceedings, small claims, and evictions all find their way to Howard County. Landlords check tenant histories. Employers review backgrounds. Families sort through difficult transitions.

Overview of the Howard County Court System

Texas runs a layered judicial system rather than a single unified court. In Howard County, the cases move through the 118th District Court, the County Court, Justice of the Peace courts, and the Municipal Court for the City of Big Spring.

Most activity concentrates at the Howard County Courthouse in Big Spring. The site houses both District and County Court functions, along with the Municipal Court located on an upper floor. Staff often juggle multiple responsibilities in a county this size. Because of that, confirming exactly where you need to go can prevent frustration.

Even with everything centered in one main location, the different courts keep separate calendars and procedures. A little preparation before you head downtown usually pays off.

Types of Courts in Howard County, Texas

District Court

Serious court matters land in the 118th District Court. This multi-county court has a judge who rotates among the counties of Howard, Martin, Glasscock, and Andrews.

Jurisdiction includes:

Felony criminal cases
Major civil disputes
Complex family law matters
Certain probate and title issues

High-stakes issues define this court. Timelines stretch longer here as well. People benefit greatly from having an attorney guide them through the procedural maze of the District Court.

County Court

The County Court serves as the steady middle ground in Howard County's system. It is presided over by the locally elected County Judge and handles a broad mix of cases.

Jurisdiction includes:

Misdemeanor criminal cases
Civil cases involving moderate amounts
Probate and estate administration
Certain family law proceedings

This court usually moves much faster than the District Court, with many cases heard every day.

Justice of the Peace Courts

Justice of the Peace courts bring accessible justice closer to residents across the county's wide geography through its two precincts: Precinct 1 in Big Spring and Precinct 2 in the Coahoma area.

Jurisdiction includes:

Small claims disputes
Traffic violations and Class C misdemeanors
Evictions and landlord-tenant matters
Marriage ceremonies

These courts exist to handle everyday disputes efficiently. Many self-represented parties present their cases here. There is typically no reason to have an attorney working on these cases.

Municipal Court

The City of Big Spring operates its own Municipal Court, located on the third floor of the Howard County Courthouse. Though it shares the building, this court answers to the city authority.

Jurisdiction includes:

Class C misdemeanors within city limits
City ordinance violations
Traffic offenses issued inside Big Spring

Cases here tend to resolve quickly. Many people handle them without an attorney, yet the potential impact on a driving record still deserves careful thought.

How to Access Howard County Court Records

Most Howard County records are available for the public to view under Texas law. Some records are sealed or restricted temporarily, or permanently, for reasons such as juvenile cases or court orders. There is a small copying fee for regular or certified copies of records, depending on the type of copy you need. You can search for records online, view them in person, or request copies by mail.

Online Access

You can search Howard County court records using the statewide public index re:SearchTX. This database allows you to conduct case number and name searches and view associated party information, case file data, dockets, and recent case events. Access to Howard County Court case information is available through the District or County Clerk's page on the Howard County website.

For best results, provide the parties' full names, case numbers (if known), or filing dates (if known). Due to the prevalence of common names, additional information will help yield more accurate results.

Alternative Online Options

Official county websites usually provide access to some of these types of records online, depending on what information the relevant court or record keeper is required to put out. But sometimes those official sources don't fulfill your needs. Commercial record finders like CourtCaseFinder link together the vast public records from many different sources to help you search for different kinds of information across many different courts and record-keeping offices.

In-Person Requests

For certified copies, older files, or direct assistance, head to the courthouse in Big Spring. Ask the clerk's office to help you locate:

Physical case files
Archived documents
Certified copies

Bring full names and approximate dates to speed things up. Current records are often available the same day, though very old paper files may take longer to retrieve.

Archived Records

Due to their age, some older documents have been archived in a long-term storage facility. Therefore, they need to be specifically requested. The District Clerk and County Clerk have compiled historical records for the public. Some of the very old cases are only available in paper form. Searching online, visiting the court offices, and speaking with clerks will provide the best results for locating Howard County court records.

For Attorneys and Legal Professionals

Filing cases is done through the statewide electronic filing system; however, attorneys may choose to file electronically or not, depending on the case and type of filing. Many filings are still completed and filed in person or by mail, particularly older documents and simpler cases. A small processing fee may be charged for certain e-filed transactions. Not all e-filed documents and pleadings are immediately available for public view through the portal; a certified copy of the record or in-person review at our office may be needed.

Attorneys practicing from outside of Howard County should familiarize themselves with the statewide Texas Rules of Court as well as the Howard County Local Rules. The clerk's office will answer procedural questions during normal business hours. However, the clerk's office cannot provide legal advice. Also, please note that there may be a delay in production of older documents and/or certified copies, which can affect calendars and deadlines.

How to File a Case in Howard County

Filing the first time correctly prevents unnecessary frustration in a county where staff already handles many roles. Details matter. A misfiled document or incomplete packet can send you right back out the door.

Step 1: Choose the Correct Court

There is perhaps no more important step at the very beginning of your case than filing in the proper division. If a person files in the wrong court, it can cause substantial delays and additional costs. Furthermore, in most jurisdictions, the suit can be dismissed for improper filing and start all over.

In Howard County, both felonies and misdemeanors are filed in the 118th District Court. The County Court handles matters such as moderate civil suits, probate matters, and misdemeanors. Small claims suits, traffic citations, and eviction suits are filed in the Justice of the Peace court. Offenses occurring within the city limits of Big Spring are filed in Big Spring Municipal Court. If you are unsure of where to file your suit, contact the clerk's office for assistance in selecting the proper division.

Step 2: Complete Required Forms

Most case types have standardized forms that can be completed online at the state's self-help website. Local forms can also be found on the Howard County website. Please make sure to complete ALL sections and include any necessary supporting documents.

Step 3: File Your Case

Filing may be accomplished through the statewide electronic filing system, in person at the clerk's window, or by mail. Not all case types are eFile-enabled; please contact the Clerk's Office before filing. If filing by mail, please make sure to include the correct filing fee or fee waiver request, the proper number of copies, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return. Filing in person allows for clerks to catch obvious errors before acceptance of the filing.

Step 4: Pay Filing Fees

Fees for Justice of the Peace court and small claims matters are the lowest, while District Court cases will cost more. It is always best to contact the clerk's office for current fees, as these are subject to change. If paying these fees would cause a person to suffer hardship, they may apply for a waiver of fees by filing a Request to Waive Court-Filed Filing Fees (FL-314) along with proof of their financial situation. Each waiver request is reviewed on an individual basis.

Step 5: Serve the Other Party

After filing your case, you have to notify the other side through proper service of process. The person serving the documents must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a party in the case. Service can be done through personal delivery, a constable or Sheriff, the court clerk, or certified mail, where allowed. File your proof of service with the court before any hearing, or the case may be delayed or dismissed.

Step 6: Monitor Your Case

Once your case is filed, stay on top of it by checking its progress through re:SearchTX or by calling the clerk's office directly. Hearing dates can change with little notice, so making regular checks helps you avoid surprises. Keep your case number close at hand and carefully review all documents before every scheduled appearance.

Howard County Courthouse Directory

Howard County's main courthouse in Big Spring houses several courts under one roof, while Justice of the Peace precincts extend coverage across the county.

118th District Court

Handles serious felony cases, major civil disputes, complex family law matters, and certain probate issues. Serves Howard County as part of a multi-county judicial district.

Big Spring

Address: 312 Scurry St, Big Spring, TX 79720

Phone: (432) 264-2223 (District Clerk)

Website: howard.tx.us/page/howard.district.clerk