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Moore County Court Records Lookup

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Moore County Courts, TX *

Moore County Courts, TX

The county of Moore ensures that those seeking justice are served fairly, regardless of the type of case or the complexity of the matter. The layered court system has different levels of courts that handle issues from minor civil cases to serious felony crimes. The system was created to handle all legal issues affecting the county's residents.

Before taking any step toward justice in Moore County, it is important for one to have some basic knowledge of how the Moore County courts work.

Overview of the Moore County Court System

The Moore County courts are directed by the larger Texas Judiciary System. The Texas court structure is not unified. Instead, the courts are layered and arranged in a more hierarchical form. While there are still multiple courts operating in Moore, each has its own jurisdiction. The top courts hear the most serious cases, while those at the local level solve minor issues within the communities.

In the Moore County court structure, the District Courts and the Constitutional County Court are at the top, hearing more cases, especially the major ones, while serving as appellate courts for the other lower courts. Further down the structure is the Justice of the Peace Court and the Municipal Courts. Here is where they handle matters like small claims, evictions, and traffic violations.

Types of Courts in Moore County, Texas

Types of Courts in Moore County, Texas

Here is a list of courts and their jurisdiction. The information will help people know which court to visit when trying to seek justice.

District Court

The County of Moore is served by the 69th District Court as the only district court. The court is the highest trial court in the county and tackles the most serious cases. They include:

  • Felony criminal
  • Major civil disputes
  • Family law matters
  • Juvenile proceedings
  • Civil cases with claim amounts over $200

The 69th District Court follows the Local Rules of Practice and a Standing Order when dealing with children, property, and conduct of parties in family law matters to ensure fairness.

Primary Location: Moore County Courthouse

County Court at Law

Like many other counties in Texas, Moore County has a County Court at Law between the justice courts and district courts. The cases within its jurisdiction include:

  • Class A and Class B misdemeanor
  • Probate matters
  • Civil cases
  • Family law cases

In August 2022, the Moore County Courts at Law adopted a Standing Order that applies to all divorce and SAPCR cases filed from that date forward. Also, it embraced the updated Local Rules of Practice. Attorneys or any person who is filing on the matters should take the time to review before proceeding. In Moore County, appeals from the Justice of the Peace courts and the Municipal Courts are handled at the County Court at Law as a new trial.

Primary Location: Moore County Courthouse

Commissioners Court

Unlike all the other courts, the Moore County Commissioners Court is not a trial court but a governing body. The body comprises a county judge who presides over it and four commissioners, each one representing a precinct. Their responsibilities include:

  • Managing the county budget
  • Setting local policies and tax rates
  • Overseeing county departments

The commissioners court acts as a bridge between the people and the public by meeting with the people regularly to update them on the policies and hear their opinions on the government.

Primary Location: Moore County Courthouse

Justice of the Peace Courts

Moore County is divided into two precincts that have their own Justice of the Peace (JP) courts. They serve as the first point of contact to the Texas court system. In most cases, they are the ones who listen to the everyday issues of the people.

The JP courts handle:

  • Class C misdemeanor offenses
  • Small claims cases
  • Eviction proceedings
  • Magistrate duties such as issuing arrest warrants, setting bail, and presiding over wedding ceremonies

According to the Texas Courts' official guidance, small claims in Texas JP courts extend to disputes up to $20,000.

Primary Locations: JP Courts Precinct 1 (5th Street Dumas), JP Courts Precinct 2 (Moore County Courthouse)

Municipal Courts

Violations of city ordinances and Class C misdemeanor offenses within city limits are handled by the Municipal Courts. In Moore County, the municipal courts are managed by the cities of Cactus, Dumas, and Sunray, and not the county.

If one is trying to access court records, they will need to contact the Municipal Court and not the county courts because it handles the records independently of the county.

When seeking justice in these courts, one will follow a completely different procedure from that of county courts. For this reason, it is important to confirm before continuing with the processes.

Primary Location: Municipal Courts of Cactus, Dumas, and Sunray

How to Access Moore County Court Records

How to Access Moore County Court Records

Many of Moore County's court records are available to the public under Texas law, so case files and documents can be accessed. Records such as juvenile cases or cases sealed by order of the court are restricted to maintain privacy. Here are the main ways of accessing the available court records:

Many of Moore County's court records are available to the public under Texas law, so case files and documents can be accessed. Records such as juvenile cases or cases sealed by order of the court are restricted to maintain privacy. Here are the main ways of accessing the available court records:

Online Access

Thanks to the state, records can be accessed from the comfort of people's homes using the re:SearchTX portal. It will give access to the index of court records just by filtering the search with case number, name, date range, and party. Also, Moore County is not left behind; through the County Clerk's Public Inquiry portal, people can access the clerk's records, like real property and probate filings.

Alternative Online Options

To search through records from outside Moore County, third-party sites like CourtCaseFinder can be helpful. It provides access to other counties as well as other states, which widens the scope of search and makes finding records more convenient. One should simply provide the name and the state, and receive access to the files they need. Once the record is located, it is important to verify the new information with the relevant official website.

In-Person Requests

The clerks are the ones to go to when someone cannot get records online. The records can be accessed from the district court at the District Clerk's office and those of the county courts at the County Clerk's office. Having the case numbers, approximate filing dates, and full names ready makes it easier for clerks to find court records faster.

Archived Records

Searching for archived records can be quite a process. Since they are not available online and are not usually at the Clerk's office, the best way to track them down is at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The files here date back over a hundred years. To access them, make a formal request and receive the approval before proceeding. Also, the District Clerk or the County Clerk can help locate older files.

For Attorneys and Legal Professionals

Filing in the 69th District Court requires the use of the eFile Texas portal, which serves the entire state of Texas. The rule applies to civil cases only. For criminal filings, an attorney will need a different process depending on whether the filing originates from the District Attorney's office or from defense counsel.

Appeals from Moore County are heard at the Seventh Court of Appeals in Amarillo. Federal matters from Moore County are handled at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Moore County consistently publishes monthly OCA Appointments and Fees reports for county and district courts on the District Clerk's page.

How to File a Case in Moore County

How to File a Case in Moore County

Filing a case without the help of an attorney can be complicated, especially if one lacks prior experience. Knowing the basic general steps can help ease the burden. Here are a few general steps one can follow.

Step 1: Choose the Correct Court

The type of case someone is filing determines the court in which they will file. Moore County has different courts at different levels of operation. The District Court is at the highest level, and its main assignment is to handle serious felony level cases and civil cases. The County Court at Law follows, and they handle general mid-level criminal and civil cases. At the lower level are the Justice of the Peace courts and Municipal Courts, dealing with minor issues. Choosing the right court is the first step toward a successful filing process.

Step 2: Complete Required Forms

Filing a case requires filing out specific forms, with each case type having its own forms. Texas has most of these forms standardized and available at Texas Law Help. The site has form libraries for civil, family, and small claims matters. One must ensure they take their time and fill in the forms accurately and completely. If filing a family law case, it is important to review the adopted local rules.

Step 3: File the Case

After completing the paperwork, the next step is to take the forms to the respective clerk's office for filing. The process can be done either by mailing or visiting the clerk's office in person. Bring or mail the completed forms to the appropriate clerk's office. If one is filing with the help of an attorney in the District Court, they must use the eFile Texas system. If filing without an attorney, one can file in person at the District Clerk's office. For county court filings, the county clerk's office is the place to visit.

Step 4: Pay Filing Fees

Filing fees vary depending on the type of case and the court in which one is filing the case. Current fee schedules for Moore County courts are posted on the District Clerk's office and updated monthly through the OCA reports. Filings in district courts are always higher compared to those filed in the lower courts. In case a resident cannot afford the fee, they can apply for a waiver by filing a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs.

Step 5: Serve the Other Party

Filing is not complete without legally notifying the other party of the lawsuit. The process is called "service of process" and begins with the clerk issuing a citation and documents that are to be served. In Texas, service can be done by a constable, sheriff, or private process server. Not following the process can disqualify the entire filing process. After service, the court must be notified.

Step 6: Monitor the Case

For the district court, one can search for updates at re:SearchTX. County cases can best be followed by calling the County Clerk. In case one is unsure where to look, they can call the clerk's office for updates on paperwork and upcoming hearings for their case. One should do everything possible to avoid missing a case because it can push a judge to issue a warrant for arrest or make a default judgment.

Moore County Courthouse Directory

Nearly all major court offices in Moore County are located at or near the Moore County Courthouse in Dumas. Below are some important court contacts.

Moore County Courthouse

Hosts the District Courts, County Court at Law, and County Commissioners Court.

Dumas

Address: 715 S. Dumas Avenue, Dumas, TX 79029

District Courts: (806) 935-2700

County Court at Law: (806) 935-2440

County Commissioners Court: (806) 935-5588 or (806) 935-6885

Justice of the Peace Courts

Handle minor issues affecting residents daily.

JP Precinct 1

Address: 116 E 5th Street, Sunray, TX 79086

Phone: (806) 935-3920

Website: co.moore.tx.us/page/moore.jp1

JP Precinct 2

Address: 116 E 5th St, Sunray, TX 79086

Phone: (806) 948-5362

Website: co.moore.tx.us/page/moore.jp2

Municipal Courts

Operate within city borders and handle violations against city ordinances.

Dumas Municipal Court

Address: 124 E 7th St, Dumas, TX 79029

Phone: (806) 935-3158

Website: govrec.com/home/cityofdumascitx

Sunray Municipal Court

Address: 116 E 5th St, Sunray, TX 79086

Phone: (806) 948-5362

Cactus Municipal Court

Address: 201 S Highway 287, Cactus, TX 79013

Phone: (806) 966-5458

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

Legal processes can be frustrating, and one might need help with them. But not everyone can afford a lawyer, meaning they have to do it alone. Below are some tools that can simplify the process.

Free Legal Assistance

Several organizations offer legal support to the people of Moore. First, Legal Aid of Northwest Texas can offer legal assistance to residents. For those who cannot afford a private attorney, they can contact the office for help in civil cases. Also, Texas Law Help is a good option to access free legal information, guides, and forms. Lastly, the Texas State Law Library provides access to legal databases and research tools.

Local Legal Support

Moore County has some local legal support to make the legal process less frustrating. Instead of people struggling to go through the process alone, the available resources can point them in the right direction. The District Clerk's office posts information about self-help resources and provides links to different sites. Additionally, the 69th District Court and the County Court at Law have local rules and standing orders with guides that can make the filing process easy.

FAQs

What types of cases does the 69th District Court handle?

The 69th District Court is the top trial court in the county. It has the responsibility of dealing with serious and complex legal issues. For instance, it handles issues like major civil disputes, felony criminal cases, juvenile cases, and family law matters.

Can one file a small claims case in Moore County without an attorney?

Small claims are the less complex matters that have a claim of $20,000 and below. These types of cases are filed at the Justice of the Peace court. There is no need for a lawyer because of the informal process structure. In case one finds the process to be challenging, they can use freely available resources at Texas Law Help or the clerk's office, and they will offer guidance.

What happens if someone misses a court date in Moore County?

Missing a court date is not something to take lightly. It can trigger a judge to make drastic decisions against someone, like issuing a warrant for arrest for criminal cases or a default judgment for civil cases. If one has a valid reason for missing a court date, they can either contact their lawyer immediately or the court to seek advice on the next step.

When is it helpful to use a third-party records finder?

If one is thinking of conducting a broader search or is not sure of the court that might be holding the records they are trying to access, they can consider third-party platforms like CourtCaseFinder. These make the process simpler because they have aggregated information from different courts in Texas and beyond.

What is the e-filing requirement for Moore County courts?

In Moore County District Court, civil cases filed with a lawyer must be filed through a statewide electronic filing portal called eFile Texas. Self-represented litigants do not have to use the tool, as they are also allowed to file in person at the relevant clerk's office.

Other Counties in Texas

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