Bexar County Courts

Bexar County's approximate population of 2.12 million is about 6.8% of Texas's population of 31.29 million residents. The county seat, San Antonio, is the state's second most populous city. The District Courts in Bexar County handle about 57,000 case filings each year, while the County Courts at Law hear over 34,000 cases. According to the Texas Judiciary Statistical Reports, the county's trial courts typically resolve over 98% of their criminal cases annually.

Bexar County trial courts hear different types of cases based on each court's jurisdiction.

• Criminal District Courts handle all felony cases.
• Civil District Courts resolve all family law cases and civil disputes involving more than $200,000.
• County Courts hear misdemeanors and civil claims under $200,000.
• Juvenile District Courts deal with juvenile delinquency, adoptions, and other legal matters involving minors.
• Probate Courts manage cases related to name changes, wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships.
• Justice of the Peace Courts handle minor criminal offenses and small claims of up to $20,000

Bexar County also has several Municipal Courts that handle cases involving local ordinances and traffic violations. Most of the major trial courts in the county are located in San Antonio, although some are spread across the county.

How to Access Bexar County Court Records

Bexar County, TX, court records are open to the public. The Texas Public Information Act allows public access to case files online or through formal requests. However, certain court records or documents are confidential under state law and may require special permission to access. Examples of confidential court records include the following:

• Juvenile records
• Adoption records
• Mental health commitment records
• Protective order applications with identifying information
• Certain family law documents, such as child custody evaluations
• Sealed or expunged records

Access to these records may be limited to parties in such cases, attorneys, or by judicial approval. Requesters may view some public case records online at no cost, but accessing hard copies may involve fees and require government-issued IDs.

Online

The Bexar County Justice Information Portal offers online access to public court records. Individuals may access criminal and civil case information through the portal using names, case numbers, or other details. The state judiciary also offers court record search services online through the re:SearchTX platform. Furthermore, CourtCaseFinder is another online option for accessing Bexar County court records as well as public court records from other parts of the United States.

Federal cases heard in Bexar County may be accessed online through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records(PACER) service. To use PACER, create a free account online, log in, and search by case number, party name, or court location. Downloading or viewing documents typically costs $0.10 per page; however, fee exemptions apply for low-volume users and eligible individuals.

In-Person

To obtain Bexar County court records in person, requesters may visit the clerk of the court that presided over the case. The District Clerk maintains records of cases filed in the District Courts, while the Bexar County Clerk handles records for County and Probate Courts. Contact the appropriate court clerk before visiting the courthouse to ask about requirements or procedures.

Copies of court records generally cost $1 per page, and certified copies cost an additional $5 fee. Individuals making in-person requests may need to provide valid photo IDs, case details, and required fees. They may also use the public terminals located in Bexar County courthouses to view court records on-site.

Old and Archived Court Records

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) generally holds and offers public access to Bexar County court records created more than 50 years ago. Historic files available at the State Archives typically include probate files, estate records, court minutes, territorial court documents, and pre-1800 dockets. Interested persons may obtain these records by submitting formal requests to:

How To File a Case in Bexar County

The first step in filing a case in Bexar County is identifying the court that has the appropriate legal authority. Afterward, contact the clerk of the court to get information on required forms, filing fees, and submission procedures.

In Bexar County, litigants may file cases in person at the courthouse, by mail, or online through the Texas eFile system. For online filings, launch eFileTexas.gov and select an approved electronic filing service provider (EFSP) to create an account. The EFSP typically guides litigants through uploading documents, entering case details, and submitting payments.

Those intending to file their cases by mail should visit the District Clerk Forms page to download the required documents. After completing the form, review it carefully for accuracy before submitting it. If filing in person, make sure to visit the courthouse during office hours and follow the clerk's instructions.

Each court in Bexar County has its own filing fee schedule. Before filing a case, litigants should contact the clerk or visit the court's official website to view the updated fees. Low-income residents may apply for a fee waiver by submitting a completed Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs form. If approved, they can proceed without paying the required fees.

The following steps are typically required to file a case in Bexar County:

• Identify the type of case and which court has the authority to hear it.
• Complete and submit the petition or complaint forms approved by the court
• Include supporting documents such as contracts, evidence, identification, or other paperwork relevant to the claim.
• Pay the required filing fee or request a fee waiver.
• Submit your completed documents in person, by mail, or online through the Texas eFile system.
• To avoid errors, consult legal professionals or review self-help resources provided by the court.

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

Across the United States, county court systems play a crucial role in delivering access to justice. Legal help and self-help resources are foundational to this access, particularly for self-represented litigants navigating civil, family, probate, or small claims matters. These resources vary by jurisdiction but commonly include self-help centers, online portals, legal aid organizations, and court-affiliated assistance programs.

Residents filing or facing lawsuits without the means to hire an attorney may be eligible for free or low-cost legal help. Local legal aid offices and volunteer attorneys in Bexar County typically offer free or reduced-cost support. Examples of legal aid provided in the county include:

• Free Legal Representation for Low-income Persons
• San Antonio Legal Services Association
• Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center
• Private Lawyer Referral Services
• San Antonio Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service

On the other hand, self-help resources and legal help offered in Texas include the following:

• Free Legal Representation for Low-income Individuals
• Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid
• Free Legal Services for Low-income Tenants
• Texas Legal Services Center - Eviction Helpline
• Texas Tenants' Union
• Private Lawyer Referral Services
• Texas State Bar Lawyer Referral Service

Other legal aid services and self-help resources available to Bexar County residents include the following:

• Bexar County Family Justice Center - Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse in the county may get legal, medical, and social services in this center.
• Catholic Charities of San Antonio Legal and Migration Services - They provide affordable legal assistance for immigration matters, naturalization, and humanitarian relief.
• St. Mary's University Center for Legal and Social Justice - Law students, under the supervision of licensed attorneys, provide free legal services to eligible low-income residents in civil matters such as family law, immigration, and housing disputes.
• Alamo Area Resource Center - They offer legal services and aid to individuals living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses.
• Texas Law Help - This is an ideal resource for self-represented litigants in Bexar and other counties in Texas.

Types of Courts in Bexar County, Texas

The court system in Bexar County includes district, county, juvenile, probate, municipal, and federal courts. These courts decide criminal cases and resolve civil disputes involving residents, businesses, and government entities. Below is a list of each court, its jurisdiction, and contact details.

Bexar County Criminal District Courts

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Handles all felony cases, including capital murder and drug trafficking.
• Address and Contact Information -

144th Criminal District Court

175th Criminal District Court

186th Criminal District Court

187th Criminal District Court

226th Criminal District Court

227th Criminal District Court

290th Criminal District Court

379th Criminal District Court

399th Criminal District Court

437th Criminal District Court

Bexar County Civil District Courts

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - They have exclusive jurisdiction over civil disputes where the amount in controversy exceeds $200,000.
• Address and Contact Information -

37th Civil District Court

45th Civil District Court

57th Civil District Court

73rd Civil District Court

131st Civil District Court

150th Civil District Court

166th Civil District Court

224th Civil District Court

225th Civil District Court

285th Civil District Court

288th Civil District Court

407th Civil District Court

408th Civil District Court

438th Civil District Court

Bexar County Juvenile District Courts

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - They preside over cases involving juveniles, including delinquency, child protection, and custody matters.
• Address and Contact Information -

289th Juvenile District Court

386th Juvenile District Court

436th Juvenile District Court

Bexar County Probate Courts

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Handles probate matters such as wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health commitments.
• Address and Contact Information -

Bexar County Courts

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - They share jurisdiction with the District Courts over many civil and criminal cases. Misdemeanors and monetary disputes between $500 and $200,000 are exclusive to the County Courts.
• Address and Contact Information -

County Court 1

County Court 2

County Court 3

County Court 4

County Court 5

County Court 6

County Court 7

County Court 8

County Court 9

County Court 10

County Court 11

County Court 12

County Court 13

County Court 14

County Court 15

Bexar County Justice of the Peace Courts

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - They handle minor criminal offenses, small claims, traffic violations, and civil disputes involving amounts up to $20,000.
• Address and Contact Information -

Precinct 1, Place 1

Precinct 2, Place 1

Precinct 3, Place 1

Precinct 4, Place 1

Bexar County Municipal Courts

Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - These courts exercise jurisdiction over traffic, civil, and other minor violations within city limits.

The Municipal Court locations in Bexar County are listed below:

Alamo Heights Municipal Court

Balcones Heights Municipal Court

Castle Hills Municipal Court

China Grove Municipal Court

Converse Municipal Court

Elmendorf Municipal Court

Fair Oaks Ranch Municipal Court

Grey Forest Municipal Court

Helotes Municipal Court

Hill Country Village Municipal Court

Hollywood Park Municipal Court

Kirby Municipal Court

Leon Valley Municipal Court

Live Oak Municipal Court

Olmos Park Municipal Court

San Antonio Municipal Court

Selma Municipal Court

Shavano Park Municipal Court

Somerset Municipal Court

Terrell Hills Municipal Court

Universal City Municipal Court

Von Ormy Municipal Court

Windcrest Municipal Court

Federal Courts in Bexar County

The following are the federal courts in the county:

United States District Court for the Western District of Texas (San Antonio Division)

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - This federal court adjudicates federal civil and criminal cases, from high-profile crimes to constitutional disputes and interstate conflicts.
• Address and Contact Information

United States Bankruptcy Court for Texas Western District (San Antonio Division)

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - It oversees bankruptcy filings for individuals, businesses, and organizations within the San Antonio Division
• Address and Contact Information -

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bexar County Courts

The following are answers to some of the commonly asked questions about Bexar County, TX courts: