Nueces County Court Records
What Is Nueces County Court Records
Nueces County court records are official documents created and maintained by the judicial system within Nueces County, Texas. These records document legal proceedings, judgments, and other official actions taken by courts operating within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, the district and county clerks are responsible for maintaining these records.
Court records typically include:
- Case filings and pleadings
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing transcripts
- Evidence presented during proceedings
- Docket information
- Case dispositions
The Nueces County District Clerk's Office maintains records for district courts, while the County Clerk's Office maintains records for county courts. These offices serve as the official custodians of court records as mandated by Texas law.
Nueces County District Clerk 901 Leopard Street, Suite 313 Corpus Christi, TX 78401 Phone: (361) 888-0450 Nueces County District Clerk
Nueces County Clerk 901 Leopard Street, Suite 201 Corpus Christi, TX 78401 Phone: (361) 888-0580 Nueces County Clerk
Are Court Records Public In Nueces County
Court records in Nueces County are generally considered public information in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552) and common law principles of open courts. The Texas Constitution and statutes establish a presumption of openness for judicial records.
Members of the public may access most court records with the following considerations:
- Records are available during regular business hours at the respective clerk's offices
- Some records may be accessible online through designated portals
- Certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order
- Records involving juveniles, certain family matters, and mental health proceedings often have restricted access
- Records sealed under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a are not available to the public
Exceptions to public access exist for records that are:
- Sealed by judicial order
- Confidential by statute
- Subject to attorney-client privilege
- Related to ongoing investigations
- Containing sensitive personal information as defined by Texas Government Code § 552.147
The Thirteenth Court of Appeals, which serves Nueces County, maintains public records at its Corpus Christi location in the Nueces County Courthouse.
How To Find Court Records in Nueces County in 2025
Finding court records in Nueces County in 2025 involves several established methods that have been enhanced with technological improvements. The public may access these records through the following procedures:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form specifying the case information
- Present valid identification
- Pay applicable fees for copies (fees vary based on document type and number of pages)
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate clerk's office
- Include case number, party names, and filing date if known
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
- Include payment for applicable fees
Electronic Access:
- Utilize the eFileTexas system for accessing electronically filed documents
- Register for access to the county's online case management system
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
For federal cases in Nueces County, individuals should contact the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which maintains separate record systems from county and state courts.
Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Chapter 70, requestors may need to pay reasonable fees for record retrieval, copying, and certification services.
How To Look Up Court Records in Nueces County Online?
Online access to Nueces County court records has been significantly expanded to improve public accessibility. The digital systems allow for remote research of court proceedings without visiting physical offices. Members of the public may access these records through several online platforms:
- The Nueces County District Clerk provides a public access portal for district court cases at their official website
- The Nueces County Clerk offers online search capabilities for county court records
- eFileTexas serves as the official e-filing system for Texas courts, including those in Nueces County
- The Texas Judicial Branch website provides links to searchable databases
To conduct an online search:
- Navigate to the appropriate court website
- Register for an account if required (some basic searches may be available without registration)
- Enter search criteria such as:
- Case number
- Party name
- Filing date range
- Case type
- Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
- Pay any applicable fees for document downloads or certified copies
Online access may be limited for certain case types or documents pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.142 and other applicable privacy statutes. The Thirteenth Court of Appeals also maintains an online case search system for appellate cases originating in Nueces County.
Can You Search Nueces County Court Records for Free?
Nueces County provides several options for free access to basic court record information, though fees may apply for obtaining copies or accessing certain detailed documents. The availability of free search options is consistent with Texas Government Code § 552.261, which allows governmental bodies to provide certain information without charge.
Free access options include:
- Basic case information searches through the Nueces County District and County Clerk websites
- Public access terminals located at the courthouse (901 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78401)
- Limited information available through the Texas Judicial Branch website
- Docket information viewable at no cost
Fee-based services typically include:
- Printed copies of documents (generally $1.00 per page)
- Certified copies (additional certification fee applies)
- Complete case file access through subscription-based services
- Expedited document retrieval
For federal court records pertaining to Nueces County, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas provides limited free access through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records), though fees apply after exceeding certain usage thresholds.
What's Included in a Nueces County Court Record?
Nueces County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings as required by Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. These records serve as the official account of judicial actions and typically include:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Petitions and complaints in civil cases
- Indictments or information in criminal cases
- Applications in probate matters
- Petitions in family law cases
Procedural Documents:
- Summonses and citations
- Service of process returns
- Motions and responses
- Discovery-related filings (when filed with the court)
Substantive Court Documents:
- Court orders and judgments
- Hearing notices
- Transcripts (when prepared)
- Evidence admitted during proceedings
- Jury instructions and verdicts
Administrative Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Judge assignments
- Attorney information
- Party details
- Docket entries showing chronological case activity
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, these records must be maintained in a manner that ensures their accuracy, security, and accessibility. The completeness of records may vary based on case type and court level, with appellate records containing additional documentation related to the appeal process.
How Long Does Nueces County Keep Court Records?
Nueces County retains court records according to schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the authority of Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. Retention periods vary based on case type, significance, and legal requirements.
Standard retention periods include:
- Civil case records: Minimum of 12 years after final disposition
- Criminal case records:
- Misdemeanors: 5 years after final disposition
- Felonies: 75 years after final disposition
- Capital cases: Permanent retention
- Probate records: 10 years after case closure
- Family law cases: 25 years after judgment
- Juvenile records: Until the individual reaches age 23 (with exceptions)
- Tax cases: 10 years after final judgment
Records of historical significance may be designated for permanent retention. After the mandatory retention period, records may be:
- Transferred to archives
- Converted to electronic format
- Destroyed according to proper procedures
The Nueces County District Clerk and County Clerk follow the Texas Local Government Records Act requirements for proper maintenance and eventual disposition of court records. Certain records, particularly those with historical or precedential value, may be maintained indefinitely at the Thirteenth Court of Appeals or other archival facilities.
Types of Courts In Nueces County
Nueces County's judicial system consists of multiple court levels with varying jurisdictions as established by the Texas Constitution and statutes. These courts operate within a hierarchical structure to address different types of legal matters.
District Courts:
- 28th District Court
- 94th District Court
- 105th District Court
- 117th District Court
- 148th District Court
- 214th District Court
- 319th District Court
- 347th District Court
County Courts:
- County Court at Law No. 1
- County Court at Law No. 2
- County Court at Law No. 3
- County Court at Law No. 4
- County Court at Law No. 5
Specialty Courts:
- Nueces County Probate Court
- Nueces County Juvenile Court
- Nueces County Drug Court
- Veterans Treatment Court
Justice Courts:
- Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
- Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
- Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3
- Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4
- Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5
Municipal Courts:
- Corpus Christi Municipal Court
- Other municipal courts in incorporated areas
Federal cases arising in Nueces County are heard by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which maintains a division in Corpus Christi. Appeals from Nueces County courts are typically heard by the Thirteenth Court of Appeals.
What Types of Cases Do Nueces County Courts Hear?
Nueces County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to jurisdictional limits established by the Texas Constitution and statutes. Each court level is authorized to hear specific types of cases based on subject matter and monetary thresholds.
District Courts (Texas Government Code § 24.007-24.008):
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil matters with amounts in controversy exceeding $250,000
- Family law cases (divorce, child custody, support)
- Title to land disputes
- Election contests
- Civil commitments
- Complex litigation
County Courts at Law (Texas Government Code § 25.1801-25.1802):
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $250,000
- Probate matters
- Mental health proceedings
- Appeals from justice and municipal courts
Justice Courts (Texas Government Code § 27.031):
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy up to $20,000
- Small claims cases
- Class C misdemeanors
- Eviction proceedings
- Debt claims
- Traffic violations
Municipal Courts:
- City ordinance violations
- Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
- Traffic violations within city limits
Specialty Courts:
- Probate Court: Wills, estates, guardianships
- Juvenile Court: Cases involving minors
- Drug Court: Substance abuse-related offenses
- Veterans Treatment Court: Cases involving military veterans
The Thirteenth Court of Appeals hears appeals from these courts, while federal matters are addressed by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
How To Find a Court Docket In Nueces County
Court dockets in Nueces County provide chronological listings of scheduled court proceedings and filed documents. These dockets are maintained pursuant to Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 26 and are accessible through several methods.
To access court dockets:
In-Person Access:
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours
- Request docket information for specific courts or dates
- Review public docket boards posted in courthouse hallways
- Attend scheduled court sessions, which are generally open to the public
Online Access:
- Navigate to the Nueces County District Clerk or County Clerk websites
- Select the docket search function
- Enter search criteria (date range, court, case type)
- Review results showing scheduled hearings and proceedings
- Access the eFileTexas portal for additional docket information
Telephone Inquiries:
- Contact the appropriate clerk's office with case information
- Request current docket status and upcoming hearing dates
- Verify court schedules before attending proceedings
Docket information typically includes:
- Case numbers and styles
- Parties involved
- Scheduled hearing dates and times
- Courtroom assignments
- Presiding judges
- Nature of scheduled proceedings
For appellate cases, docket information is available through the Thirteenth Court of Appeals website. Federal court dockets for cases in Nueces County can be accessed through the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas website.
Which Courts in Nueces County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Nueces County, certain courts do not maintain official verbatim records of their proceedings as defined by Texas Government Code § 27.056. These non-record courts operate under different procedural rules than courts of record.
The following Nueces County courts are not courts of record:
- Justice of the Peace Courts (all precincts)
- Small Claims Courts (handled by Justice Courts)
- Municipal Courts (unless designated as Municipal Courts of Record)
Key characteristics of non-record courts include:
- No official court reporter documenting proceedings
- Appeals from these courts are tried de novo (new trial) in county courts
- Less formal procedures than courts of record
- Generally handle lower-level offenses and smaller civil claims
- Typically do not require attorney representation
Municipal courts may be designated as courts of record by city ordinance pursuant to Texas Government Code Chapter 30. When so designated, they maintain official records of proceedings and appeals are based on the record rather than de novo review.
Appeals from non-record courts in Nueces County are typically heard by the County Courts at Law, where cases receive a completely new trial rather than a review of the lower court proceedings. This contrasts with appeals from courts of record, which are reviewed by the Thirteenth Court of Appeals based on the official record created in the lower court.
Lookup Court Records in Nueces County
Thirteenth Court of Appeals Records