Harris County Courts

Harris County is home to over 5 million residents, accounting for 16% of Texas's total population of about 31 million. According to data from the Office of Harris County Administrator Court Backlog, the county records an average of 57,700 criminal case filings yearly.

The judicial system in Harris County comprises four trial courts tasked with handling various case types, including the following:

• Harris County District Courts handle felonies, land title disputes, civil claims exceeding $200,000, divorces, election contests, and other family law matters
• Harris County Courts at Law oversee misdemeanors, juvenile delinquency, civil matters involving up to $200,000, and probate cases
• Harris County Justice of the Peace Courts preside over minor offenses, traffic violations, eviction cases, and small claims up to $20,000
• Municipal Courts resolve ordinance violations and traffic infractions

Most trial court proceedings are held in Houston, the county seat and judicial hub of Harris County. However, some Justice and Municipal Courts operate in other parts of the county, providing convenient access to judicial services for residents.

How To Access Harris County Court Records

According to the Texas Public Information Act, members of the public have the right to access or request copies of Harris County court records. These records are available through various means, including online portals, in-person visits to the District Clerk's Office, or formal written requests.

However, some records are exempt from public disclosure. They include records of cases related to substance abuse treatment, juveniles, mental health proceedings, and adoption cases, as well as sealed court records. These records are restricted to protect individuals' privacy and are accessible only through court orders. Interested persons may be required to provide valid photo IDs and pay applicable fees to access public court records using any of the following methods:

Online

Public court records are accessible through the Harris County Case Search portal, where users may search for case information by case number, party name, or filing date. The system allows users to view basic case details, court dates, and document filings, depending on the type of case and its availability. Record seekers may also find court records online on the Texas re:SearchTX, a subscription-based search platform.

Alternatively, CourtCaseFinder offers online access to Harris County court records. Requesters may use the search tool to find local court records and other public court records across the United States.

Federal court records for cases heard in Harris County may be accessed through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records service (PACER). The platform requires a free account registration and typically charges $0.10 per page viewed.

In-Person

Requesters may obtain Harris County court records by visiting the relevant courthouse where the case was filed. Each clerk's office maintains and disseminates public case files to interested persons. They may also provide details on which case records are available and what documentation or fees may be required.

Court clerks typically charge $1 per page for copies of court records, with an additional $5 fee for certified copies. Public-access terminals may be available at some Harris County courthouses, allowing users to search and view court records. It is advisable to contact the relevant court clerk's office by phone before making an in-person request.

Old and Archived Court Records

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) typically maintains and provides access to historic case files that may not be available at the local Clerk's Office. Some case files preserved by TSLAC date back to the 1800s, including civil, criminal, and probate matters. To access these records, individuals may search the Texas Digital Archive or submit a written request with detailed case information about the case to the State Archives at:

How To File a Case in Harris County

Individuals looking to file a case in Harris County may contact or visit the District Clerk or County Clerk. These court clerks can provide information on which court division handles specific cases and the necessary steps required for filing a case.

Residents may file cases online, in person, or by mail, depending on the court's procedures. Online filing service is generally available through the eFileTexas system for most civil, family, and probate cases. Generally, detailed guidelines for online case filing and account setup are available on the Harris County Clerk's E-Filing Information page.

Alternatively, individuals choosing to file a case in person may visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours or schedule an appointment. Meanwhile, courts that permit filings by mail typically provide downloadable forms and submission instructions on their official websites. It is strongly recommended to confirm all filing requirements with the clerk in advance to avoid processing delays.

Harris County court filing fees are listed on the county's official Fee Schedule. Those who cannot afford the filing fees may apply for a fee waiver by submitting a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs form. The court will review the application and determine eligibility based on financial need. Legal aid organizations may assist with completing and submitting this request.

The following steps are generally required to file a case in Harris County:

• Complete a court-approved petition or complaint form
• Attach supporting documents such as contracts, medical records, photos, police reports, affidavits, or any evidence relevant to the claim
• Provide accurate contact information, including full names, addresses, and phone numbers of all parties involved must be provided
• Pay the filing fee or submit a fee waiver request form
• Arrange for service of process: After filing, the plaintiff must officially notify the opposing party and submit documentation of service to the court

Legal Help and Self-Help Resources

County court systems across the United States play a vital role in delivering access to justice. particularly for individuals representing themselves in civil, family, probate, or small claims matters. A significant aspect of ensuring access to justice is the availability of legal assistance and self-help resources. These resources vary by jurisdiction but commonly include self-help centers, online legal portals, nonprofit legal aid organizations, and court-affiliated assistance programs.

Litigants, particularly those with low income, may obtain legal guidance through nonprofit legal aid organizations and community-based law clinics in Harris County. These groups generally provide free or affordable legal assistance and referrals to reduced-cost legal representation.

County-level legal aid programs and referral services for Harris County residents include the following:

• Houston Lawyer Referral Service - This platform offers referrals for legal representation across various civil matters, including low-cost consultations
• Harris County Indigent Defense Program - This program offers publicly funded defense services to indigent individuals facing criminal charges in Harris County. It includes the Harris County Public Defender's Office and the Managed Assigned Counsel (MAC) Program.

Here are some state-based self-help resources available to Harris County residents:

• Texas Free Legal Answers - This virtual pro bono legal advice clinic allows eligible low-income residents to submit general civil legal questions online and get answers from licensed volunteer attorneys
• State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Information Service - This organization provides referrals and guidance to individuals seeking low-cost or pro bono legal assistance
• Texas Lawyer Referral Service - This certified nonprofit service offers lawyer referrals across various Texas counties, including Harris

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

• Bay Area Turning Point - The organization supports survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault with free legal advocacy and resources in Harris County
• Lone Star Legal Aid Clute Office - This office provides referrals or reduced-cost representation for civil cases such as housing, family law, and public benefits
• Beacon Law Homeless Program - This platform provides pro bono legal representation for homeless persons in the county
• Boat People SOS, Texas - This organization offers legal aid, citizenship services, and social assistance programs to immigrant and refugee communities
• Harris County Law Library - This service is open to residents to access legal resources and self-help materials
• Disability Rights Texas - This state program is for low-income residents with disabilities
• Texas Law Help Resource Finder - This is an online tool that helps users locate comprehensive legal information on various civil legal matters
• Texas Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner (OCCC) - This organization assists low-income Texans in resolving consumer credit issues and financial disputes

Types of Courts in Harris County, Texas

Harris County residents are served by several courts, including district, county, justice, municipal, and federal courts. The following outlines the jurisdiction and contact information for each court:

Harris County District Courts

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Felony criminal cases, major civil cases exceeding $200,000, family law matters, juvenile cases, probate cases, and appeals from lower courts.
• Address and Contact Information

Harris County Criminal District Court

Harris County Family District Court

Harris County Civil Court

Harris County Civil Courts at Law

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Misdemeanors, civil cases involving amounts not exceeding $200,000, probate matters, and juvenile matters. They also handle family law cases such as divorce and child custody, and appeals from the justice and municipal courts.
• Address and Contact Information -

Harris County Civil Courts at Law #1

Harris County Civil Court at Law #2

Harris County Civil Court at Law #3

Harris County Civil Court at Law #4

Harris County Justice of the Peace Courts

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Traffic citations, truancy, landlord-tenant disputes, civil disputes involving debt collection, small claims, and other minor civil claims for up to $20,000.
• Address and Contact Information -

Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 - Place 1

Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 - Place 2

Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 - Place 1

Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 - Place 2

Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 - Place 1

Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 - Place 2

Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 - Place 1

Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 - Place 2

Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 - Place 1

Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 - Place 2

Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 6 - Place 1

Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 6 - Place 2

Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 7 - Place 1

Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 7 - Place 2

Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 8 - Place 1

Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 8 - Place 2

Harris County Municipal Courts

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Class C misdemeanors, such as traffic violations and city ordinance violations, occurring within city limits.
• The Municipal Court locations in Harris County are listed below:

Baytown Municipal Court

Bellaire Municipal Court

Bunker Hill Village Municipal Court

Deer Park Municipal Court

El Lago Municipal Court

Galena Park Municipal Court

Hedwig Village Municipal Court

Houston Municipal Court - Clear Lake

Houston Municipal Court - Downtown

Houston Municipal Court - Kingwood

Houston Municipal Court - North Command Station

Humble Municipal Court

Hunters Creek Village Municipal Court

Jacinto City Municipal Court

Jersey Village Municipal Court

Katy Municipal Court

La Porte Municipal Court

Nassau Bay Municipal Court

Pasadena Municipal Court

Piney Point Village Municipal Court

Seabrook Municipal Court

Shoreacres Municipal Court

South Houston Municipal Court

Southside Place Municipal Court

Spring Valley Village Municipal Court

Taylor Lake Valley Municipal Court

Tomball Municipal Court

Webster Municipal Court

West University Place Municipal Court

Federal Courts in Harris County

The following are the federal courts in Harris County:

United States District Court - Southern District of Texas

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - Handles federal cases, including civil rights lawsuits, federal criminal prosecutions, and immigration matters.
• Address and Contact Information -

United States Bankruptcy Court - Southern District of Texas

• Jurisdiction/Cases Heard - All cases filed under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, including debt restructuring, asset liquidation, and creditor disputes.
• Address and Contact Information -

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Harris County Courts

Below are the commonly asked questions about Harris County courts in Texas: