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Fort Bend County Courts

Fort Bend County's population of 958,434 makes up approximately 3.06% of the state's 31 million. Its county seat is Richmond. Each year, Fort Bend County trial courts dispose of more than 50,000 cases. According to data from the Texas Annual Statistical Reports, the District Courts finalize approximately 3,500 felony matters, while the County Courts at Law resolve over 7,000 misdemeanor filings. The Justice of the Peace Courts finalize about 40,000 cases each year.

Fort Bend County's judicial system includes four main trial courts, each responsible for handling the following types of cases.

  • Fort Bend County District Courts adjudicate all felony-related crimes, divorces, and civil claims for over $200,000.
  • Fort Bend County Courts at Law decide legal matters involving misdemeanors, juvenile delinquency, probates, and civil matters involving up to $200,000.
  • Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace Courts have jurisdiction over minor criminal offenses, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims cases below $20,000.
  • Municipal Courts preside over violations of city ordinances and local regulations.

The District and County courthouses are located in Richmond, while Justice of the Peace and Municipal Courts operate from various locations across the county.

How To Access Fort Bend County Court Records

The Texas Public Information Act (PIA) allows anyone to view or request copies of Fort Bend County court records. However, certain records remain confidential to safeguard individual privacy and require a court order for access. These include:

  • Cases involving substance abuse
  • Juvenile records
  • Mental health records
  • Adoption records
  • Sealed court records

To obtain public court records, individuals may be required to provide valid photo IDs and pay processing fees, which vary depending on the type of record. The following outlines how to access public case files in Fort Bend County:

Online

Interested persons may use the Case Records portal to view Fort Bend court records online. After entering case numbers or party names where necessary, the system will display available case summaries, filing dates, and case status. Court records may also be accessed online through the re:SearchTX tool provided by the Texas Judiciary. While basic case information is available at no cost, access to full documents may require a subscription fee.

An alternative way to find Fort Bend County court records online is through CourtCaseFinder, which provides access to local and nationwide court records. Individuals interested in accessing federal court records may view them online through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records service (PACER). To view court documents on PACER, complete the free online registration, log in, and enter case details in the spaces provided. Viewing or downloading records on PACER typically costs $0.10 per page, with certain fee exemptions for low-usage accounts.

In-Person

Fort Bend County, TX, court records may be accessed in person at the relevant courthouse where the case was originally heard. District Court records are available at the District Clerk's Office, while County Court records are accessible in person at the County Clerk's office. Other trial courts, including the Justice of the Peace and Municipal Courts, also maintain and provide access to public case files through their respective clerks.

In Fort Bend County, court clerks typically charge a fee for copies or conducting case searches. Some courthouses also offer public computer terminals where visitors may search case information on-site at no cost, though printed copies may incur additional fees. Requesters should contact the appropriate clerk's office in advance to verify record availability, office hours, and identification requirements.

Old and Archived Court Records

Fort Bend County court records created between 1821 and 1980 may be accessed online through the District Clerk's Historical Records Division. Interested persons may also use the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) to access historic case files dating back to the 1800s, including civil, criminal, and probate matters. To access these records, requesters may submit formal requests to the State Archives reference desk at:

TSLAC - State and Local Records Management

P.O. Box 12927

Austin, TX 78711-2927

Phone: (512) 463-7610

How To File a Case in Fort Bend County

Litigants in Fort Bend may file cases by mail, online, or in person. Before filing a case, contact the District or County clerk's office to determine the local court with jurisdiction over the case. The court clerk may also provide guidance on filing procedures, the required documents, and applicable fees.

For mail filings, litigants must complete the necessary paperwork, including original petition or complaint forms and any supporting documents. Submit the required documents together with the correct filing fee and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the appropriate clerk's office. Forms, filing fees, and other instructions on how to file a case by mail are typically available on the court clerk's website.

To file a case in person, visit the clerk's office during regular business hours with all completed forms, required documents, and fees. Litigants may call ahead or check the clerk's website for office hours, directions, and any recent changes to filing procedures. Meanwhile, online filings are processed through the Texas eFile system. To use the statewide platform, litigants must create new accounts, select an approved electronic filing service provider (EFSP), and submit documents electronically. Guidelines for online case filing and account setup are available through the E-Filing Information page provided by the Fort Bend District Clerk.

Court filing fees in Fort Bend County are listed on the county's Fee Schedule. However, litigants who are unable to afford these fees may request a waiver by submitting a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs form. After reviewing the request, the court may grant a full or partial waiver or deny the request based on the individual's financial circumstances.

Litigants may follow the steps below to file a case in Fort Bend County:

  • Contact the District or County Clerk for details on where and how to file certain cases
  • Complete all required court forms, including petitions, complaints, or supporting affidavits
  • Include all supporting documents, such as exhibits, certificates, or cover sheets required for your case type
  • Pay the filing fee as required by the court clerk or submit the fee waiver application.
  • Serve the other party with the filed documents and obtain proof of service.

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.

In Fort Bend County, nonprofit legal aid organizations and community law clinics typically offer legal guidance to indigent litigants. These groups may also offer assistance with completing court forms, free referral services, and low-cost representation.

The following legal aid programs and referral services are available in Fort Bend County:

Here are some state-level self-help resources for individuals who need legal help in Fort Bend County:

Other legal aid services and self-help resources are listed below:

Types of Courts in Fort Bend County, Texas

Fort Bend County ensures access to justice and legal protections through its district, county, justice, and municipal courts. Below is the contact information and jurisdictional overview for each court:

Fort Bend County District Courts

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Jurisdiction covers all felony charges and civil litigations above the $200,000 threshold.
  • Address and Contact Information

240th District Court

1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 3E

Richmond, TX 77469

Phone: (281) 341-8600

268th District Court

1422 Eugene Heimann Circle

Richmond, TX 77469

Phone: (281) 341-8610

328th District Court

1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 3C

Richmond, TX. 77469

Phone: (281) 341-4406

387th District Court

1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 3H

Richmond, TX 77469

Phone: (281) 238-3290

400th District Court

1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 3B

Richmond, TX 77469

Phone: (281) 341-4422

434th District Court

1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 3I

Richmond, TX. 77469

Phone: (281) 633-7653

458th District Court

1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 3F

Richmond, TX 77469

Phone: (832) 471-4905

505th District Court

1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 1C

Richmond, TX 77469

Phone: (281) 238-3244

Fort Bend County Courts at Law

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - They handle misdemeanors, probate estates, guardianships, and civil cases that do not exceed $200,000. Appeals from the justice and municipal courts are also within the County Courts' jurisdiction.
  • Address and Contact Information -

County Court at Law 1

1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 2C

Richmond, TX. 77469

Phone: (281) 633-7415

County Court at Law 2

1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 2B

Richmond, TX 77469

Phone: (281) 341-4446 (Civil, Criminal, and Juvenile cases)

Phone: (281) 341-4443 (Probate matters)

County Court at Law 3

1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 2D

Richmond, TX. 77469

Phone: (281) 341-4429

County Court at Law 4

1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 2E

Richmond, TX 77469

Phone: (281) 238-1995

County Court at Law 5

1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 1B

Richmond, TX. 77469

Phone: (281) 238-3270

County Court at Law 6

1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Room 1E

Richmond, TX. 77469

Phone: (832) 471-1173

Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace Courts

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - These courts hear civil cases involving claims of $20,000 or less, landlord-tenant disputes, and minor criminal offenses.
  • Address and Contact Information -

JP Precinct 1, Place 1

22333 Grand Corner Drive

Katy, TX 77494

Phone: (281) 238-1460

JP Precinct 1, Place 2

8100 FM 359, South

Fulshear, TX 77441

Phone: (281) 341-3742

JP Precinct 2, Place 1

303 Texas Parkway (FM 2234)

Room 107

Missouri City, TX 77489-1133

Phone: (281) 403-8080

JP Precinct 2, Place 2

3114 Rosenberg Street

Needville, TX 77461

Phone: (346) 481-6990

JP Precinct 3

151 Stadium Drive, Suite 102

Sugar Land, TX 77498

Phone: (281) 491-6016

JP Precinct 4

1517 Eugene Heimann Circle, Suite 100

Richmond, TX 77469

Phone: (832) 471-2550

Fort Bend County Municipal Courts

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - They handle city code violations, traffic infractions, and other minor offenses not punishable by jail time.
  • The Municipal Court locations in Fort Bend County are listed below:

Arcola Municipal Court

13222 Highway 6,

Arcola, TX 77583

Phone: (281) 431-1852

Fulshear Municipal Court

6611 West Cross Creek Bend Lane

Fulshear, TX 77441

Phone: (281) 346-2405

Meadows Place Municipal Court

Meadows Place City Hall

1 Troyan Drive,

Meadows Place, TX 77477

Phone: (281) 983-2942

Missouri City Municipal Court

3845 Cartwright Road,

Missouri City, TX 77459

Phone: (281) 403-8669

Needville Municipal Court

9022 Main Street

Needville, TX 77461

Phone: (979) 793-4253

Orchard Municipal Court

9714 Kibler Street

Orchard, TX 77464

Phone: (979) 478-6893

Richmond Municipal Court

600 Morton Street,

Richmond, TX 77469

Phone: (281) 342-0578

Rosenberg Municipal Court

2110 4th Street,

Rosenberg, TX 77471

Phone: (832) 595-3450

Stafford Municipal Court

2602 South Main Street,

Stafford, TX 77477

Phone: (281) 261-3930

Sugar Land Municipal Court

1200 Highway 6 South

Sugar Land, TX 77487

Phone: (281) 275-2560

Thompsons Municipal Court

520 Thompsons Oil Field Road

Thompson's, TX 77481

Phone: (281) 343-9929

Federal Courts in Fort Bend County

The following are the federal courts in the county:

United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas (Houston Division)

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - This court hears federal-level criminal prosecutions, complex civil litigation, and administrative reviews.
  • Address and Contact Information -

Bob Casey United States Courthouse

515 Rusk Avenue

Houston, TX 77002

Phone: (713) 250-5500

United States Bankruptcy Court - Southern Texas District (Houston Division)

  • Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - It oversees all bankruptcy proceedings, creditor claims, and financial reorganization for individuals and entities.
  • Address and Contact Information -

Bob Casey United States Courthouse

515 Rusk Avenue

Houston, TX 77002

Phone: (713) 250-5500

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fort Bend County Courts

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions related to Fort Bend County, TX, courts.

Are Court Records Public in Fort Bend County?

Yes, anyone may obtain Fort Bend County court records or view them online. However, sealed juvenile adoption, mental health, and domestic violence cases are restricted under the Texas Public Information Act. Only parties to the case, their legal representatives, or those with a court order may view confidential court records.

How Do I Search for a Criminal Case in Fort Bend County?

Misdemeanor and felony criminal cases may be accessed online through the Fort Bend County Case Search portal. To obtain paper copies of these records, requesters may submit mail or in-person requests to the District or County Clerk. The Justice of the Peace and Municipal Courts in the county typically preside over minor criminal cases. Record seekers may obtain these records by visiting the clerk of court that handled the case.

Where Can I Find Eviction Records in Fort Bend County?

Eviction records are available at Fort Bend County's Justice of the Peace Courts. The clerk at each court processes requests for records in person, by phone, or by mail. To retrieve the correct eviction records, requesters may need to provide details such as the case number, filing date, or names of the parties involved.

Can I File a Small Claims Case Online?

Yes. Fort Bend County residents may file small claims cases online through the eFileTexas.gov portal. The Justice of the Peace Courts accept electronic filings for small claims, provided that all required documents are properly completed and submitted through an approved electronic filing service provider (EFSP). Detailed instructions and eFiling rules are available on the Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace Court website.

Do Fort Bend County Courts Offer Public Computers for Case Searches?

Yes. The District and County Clerk offices in Fort Bend County provide public computer terminals for searching court records. These terminals, located in the clerk's office at the courthouse, are accessible during regular business hours. Always check with the specific clerk's office for availability and any usage guidelines.

How Do I Appeal a Court Decision in Fort Bend County?

To appeal a court decision in Fort Bend County, file a written notice of appeal with the trial court's clerk. This must be done within 30 days of the final judgment, per Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 25.1. Ensure a copy of the notice is served to all other parties involved. Next, submit the case record and a written appellate brief detailing the legal grounds for your appeal to the appropriate appellate court. Contact the clerk's office for specific forms and deadlines.

How Do Fort Bend County Courts Handle Traffic Tickets?

In Fort Bend County, a traffic ticket may be resolved by paying the fine or contesting it. Traffic offenders may pay the ticket fine online, by mail, or in person at the appropriate Justice of the Peace or Municipal Court listed on the citation. Those who wish to contest the citation must appear in court on the scheduled date or request a final court hearing in advance. After reviewing the case, the judge may uphold the fine, reduce it, or dismiss the ticket through defensive driving or deferred disposition.

How Do I Obtain a Copy of a Divorce Record in Fort Bend County?

Divorce cases in Fort Bend County are exclusive to the District Courts. Interested persons may request copies of divorce records from the District Clerk's Office in person or by mail. The clerk typically requires details such as the names of both parties, the date of divorce, and the case number (if available) to locate the record. Requesters may also be required to present valid identification and pay applicable copy or certification fees.

Fort Bend County, TX - Courthouses

Fort Bend County District Court

Court Type: District Court
Street Address: 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle
Website URL: https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/administration-of-justice/district-courts
Phone: 281-341-4509
Fax: 281-341-4519
Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Judge: Hon. R. O'Neil Williams
Judge Phone: 281-341-8610
Judge Fax / Email: 268dc@fortbendcountytx.gov
Clerk: Beverley McGrew Walker
Clerk Email: distclerk@fortbendcountytx.gov
Parking: Free parking is available
Forms & Filing: Filing Information
Divisions / Services: Probation
Dockets / Schedule / Calendar: Docket Search
Jury Service: Jury Information
Languages: Multiple
Email: distclerk@fortbendcountytx.gov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FBDistrictClerk/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fbdistrictclerk
ADA: The Commission’s ADA Coordinator is the Director of Facilities Management & Planning, located at 1517 Eugene Heimann Circle, Suite 500, in Richmond, Texas, 77469
ADA Phone: 281-633-7045
About / Additional Info: There are the 240th District Court, 268th District Court, 328th District Court, 387th District Court, 400th District Court, 434th District Court, 458th District Court, 405th District Court in Foard County District Court
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Sugar Land Municipal Court

Court Type: Municipal Court
Street Address: 1200 Highway 6 S.
Website URL: https://www.sugarlandtx.gov/175/Municipal-Court
Phone: (281) 275-2560
Fax: (281) 275-2648
Hours: 8AM - 5PM (M-F)
Email: municipalcourt@sugarlandtx.gov
About / Additional Info: The Sugar Land Municipal Court is a Court of Record, handling cases involving Class C misdemeanors. Generally, such cases are punishable by fine only.
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Missouri City Municipal Court

Court Type: Municipal Court
Street Address: 3845 Cartwright Rd.
Website URL: https://www.missouricitytx.gov/108/About-Municipal-Court
Phone: (281) 403-8669
Fax: (281) 403-8987
Hours: 7:30AM - 4PM (M-F)
About / Additional Info: The mission of Municipal Court is to: Collect all fines for the court, Issue capias and warrants for failure to appear, Maintain defensive driving and time payment files, Prepare cases for court (either jury or non-jury trials) including the subpoena of witnesses, Treat the citizens who appear in Municipal Court in a courteous and efficient manner and assure them of a fair, impartial, and timely disposition of their cases.
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Rosenberg Municipal Court

Court Type: Municipal Court
Street Address: 2110 4th Street
Website URL: https://www.rosenbergtx.gov/192/Municipal-Court
Phone: (832) 595-3450
Fax: (832) 595-3451
Hours: 7:30AM - 5:30PM (M-Th), 8AM - 5AM (F)
Judge: Phyllis Ross
Judge Phone: (832) 595-3450
Clerk: Lucilo A. Jimenez H.
Clerk Phone: (832) 595-3450
Clerk Email: ljimenez@rosenbergtx.gov
About / Additional Info: To protect the community and municipal court staff, face coverings or masks are required for all those appearing for proceedings at the City of Rosenberg Municipal Court. A variety of individuals are compelled to appear at the City of Rosenberg Municipal Court and for the protection of them and staff, face coverings or masks will continue to be required for those who appear in court. This protocol will be in place until further notice.
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Stafford Municipal Court

Court Type: Municipal Court
Street Address: 2602 South Main St.
Website URL: https://www.staffordtx.gov/departments/municipal-court/home.html
Phone: (281) 261-3930
Fax: (281) 261-3935
Hours: 8AM - 5PM (M-F)
Judge: Debra Sinclair
Clerk: Nicole Nguyen
Clerk Phone: (281) 261-3930
Clerk Email: nnguyen@staffordtx.gov
About / Additional Info: The Municipal Court Department processes court cases where an allegation of city code violation has been made or a defendant is accused of a Class C misdemeanor within the territorial city limits. Such violations are generally punishable by fines up to $500, but fines of up to $2,000 may be assessed for violations relating to fire safety, zoning, public health and sanitation.
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Fulshear Municipal Court

Court Type: Municipal Court
Street Address: 29255 FM 1093 #12C
Website URL: https://fulsheartexas.gov/government/municipal_court.php
Phone: (281) 346-2405
Fax: (281) 346-2556
Hours: 8AM - 5PM (M-F)
Judge: Kelly Crow
Clerk Phone: (281) 346-2405
Email: court@fulsheartexas.gov
About / Additional Info: The City of Fulshear Municipal Court accepts credit card payments online. Online credit card payments will be charged a $1.50 processing fee and a convenience fee of 3%. Customers making credit card payments in the office will only be charged the 3% convenience fee. This link provides direct access to your citation. We accept Visa, Master Card, and Discover.
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Richmond Municipal Court

Court Type: Municipal Court
Street Address: 600 Morton Street
Website URL: https://www.richmondtx.gov/departments/municipal-court
Phone: (281) 342-0578
Fax: (832) 595-0344
Hours: 8AM - 4:30PM (M-F)
Email: court@richmondtx.gov
About / Additional Info: To protect the community and court staff, face coverings, or masks are required for all those appearing for proceedings at the City of Richmond Municipal Court. Social distancing will be enforced, where possible, to reduce courtroom occupancy. These protocols will be in place until further notice.
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Fort Bend County, TX - Sheriff's Office

Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office

Location Type: Sheriff's Office
Street Address: 1840 Richmond Pkwy
Phone: 281-341-4665
Fax: 281-341-4701
Website URL: https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/sheriff-s-office
Jail/Corrections: https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/sheriff-s-office/bureaus-divisions/detention-division/visitation
Sex Offenders: https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/sheriff-s-office/information/sex-offenders
Public Records: https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/sheriff-s-office/public-information-office/
Sheriff: Eric Fagan
Sheriff Phone: 281-341-4665
Sheriff Fax: 281-341-4701
Sheriff Email: FBCSOPIO@fortbendcountytx.gov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FortBendCountySheriffsOffice
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fbcso
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fort-bend-county-sheriff%27s-office
About/Additional Info: It is the mission of persons employed by the Sheriff's Office of Fort Bend County to protect the lives, property, and rights of all people in this County. In accomplishing this mission, Sheriff's Office employees shall be, at all times, courteous, impartial, and diligent. In the execution of their duties, they shall be guided by those constitutional and legal principles, which are the foundation of the United States of America and the State of Texas.
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Bend_County,_Texas
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