Brazos County Court Records Search
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Brazos County is situated in the heart of east-central Texas, with Bryan serving as the county seat. The county’s judicial system encompasses thirteen courts spanning multiple levels of jurisdiction, from justice of the peace courts handling small civil disputes to district courts adjudicating serious felonies and complex litigation. Court records generated by these tribunals — including dockets, orders, judgments, motions, affidavits, and transcripts — are maintained primarily by two elected custodians: the Brazos County District Clerk and the Brazos County Clerk. Each office oversees distinct categories of records and applies its own request procedures and fee schedules.
Residents and members of the public who need to locate case information in Texas can begin by consulting official clerk offices, visiting courthouse public-access terminals, or using online case-search tools. The Brazos County courts page provides links to individual courts and clerk contact information, and the statewide resource at TexasStateCourts.us may help users identify publicly available court case data across Texas jurisdictions. The sections below explain in detail how to search for, request, and obtain specific types of court records throughout Brazos County.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Brazos County?
There are three primary methods for locating a case in Brazos County: online portal searches, in-person visits, and written requests submitted by mail, fax, or email.
Online Search — JusticeWeb Portal
The District Clerk maintains an electronic case-search system known as JusticeWeb. This portal replaced an earlier version of the system in September 2019 and now serves as the primary database for criminal, civil, family, and juvenile case records filed in district and county courts at law. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney name. The portal is free to browse, though cookies must be enabled and a supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer 11, or Safari) is required. Probable cause statements from the legacy system remain accessible on the older JusticeWeb platform. A separate Jail Record Search allows the public to check current detention records.
The County Clerk provides a distinct Official Records search portal for deeds, liens, plats, and other recorded instruments, along with a vital records and marriage certificate ordering system.
In-Person Visits
Walk-in requests can be made at any of the offices listed below. Photo identification may be required, and self-service terminals are available at the Brazos County Courthouse. All courthouse offices are located at:
Brazos County Courthouse
Address: 300 E. 26th Street, Bryan, TX 77803
Key office suites within the courthouse:
| Office | Suite | Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|---|
| District Clerk (main) | 1200/1201 | (979) 361-4230 | — |
| County Clerk | 1430 | (979) 361-4128 | (979) 361-4125 |
| 85th District Court | 440 | — | — |
| 272nd District Court | 400 (office) / 409 (courtroom) | (979) 361-4220 | (979) 361-4517 |
| 361st District Court | 429 | (979) 361-4380 | (979) 361-4385 |
| 472nd District Court | 2614 | (979) 361-2600 | — |
| County Court at Law No. 1 | 2200 | (979) 361-4250 | — |
| County Court at Law No. 2 | 2401 | (979) 361-4260 | — |
Mail, Email, and Fax Requests
Written requests should include the full case number or the names of the parties involved, the type of record sought, and the requester’s return address. Requests may be directed to the District Clerk by email at ggarcia@brazoscountytx.gov or by mail to:
Brazos County District Clerk
300 E. 26th Street, Suite 1200
Bryan, TX 77803
Payments by mail must be made by money order or cashier’s check. In-person payments may be made by cash or credit card.
Copy Fees (District Clerk)
- Regular (uncertified) copy: $0.50 per page
- Certified copy: $1.00 per page
Are Court Records Public in Brazos County?
Texas public-records law establishes a strong presumption of openness. The Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552) requires governmental bodies to make records available for public inspection unless a specific exception applies. Court records are additionally governed by Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration, which affirms that court records are open to the general public while authorizing courts to seal or restrict access in defined circumstances.
Records generally available to the public include:
- Criminal case dockets, indictments, judgments, and sentencing orders
- Civil petitions, answers, motions, and final judgments
- Probate filings such as applications to probate a will and orders of administration
- Property records, including deeds, deeds of trust, and liens
- Marriage license records
Records that may be restricted or confidential include:
- Juvenile case records
- Adoption and termination-of-parental-rights proceedings
- Family violence protective order applications (certain details)
- Grand jury proceedings
- Sealed records by court order
- Vital records (birth and death certificates), which are available only to eligible family members under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191
- Mental health commitment records
The District Clerk’s office and County Clerk’s office each apply these rules within their respective domains. Requests for records not readily available may be submitted through the county’s Open Records Request portal, particularly for records maintained by the Sheriff’s Office or other county departments.
Brazos County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Brazos County are distributed across several courts depending on the severity of the offense:
- District Courts (85th, 272nd, 361st, 472nd): Felony prosecutions and appeals from lower courts. Under Texas Government Code §25.0232, the District Clerk serves both district and county courts, meaning all criminal filings at these levels pass through the District Clerk’s office.
- County Courts at Law (No. 1 and No. 2): Class A and Class B misdemeanors punishable by jail time, as well as misdemeanor appeals from justice and municipal courts.
- Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1–4): Criminal cases involving Class C misdemeanors punishable only by fine.
- Municipal Courts: The City of Bryan Municipal Court (401 S. Tabor Ave, Bryan, TX 77803; Phone: (979) 209-5400) and the City of College Station Municipal Court (300 Krenek Tap Road, College Station; Phone: (979) 764-6325) handle violations of city ordinances and certain Class C misdemeanors.
Searching Criminal Records
- Use the JusticeWeb portal to search felony and misdemeanor cases by defendant name or case number.
- Visit the District Clerk’s office at Suite 1200, 300 E. 26th Street, Bryan, to review paper files or use public-access terminals.
- For arrest and booking records, use the Jail Record Search or contact the Sheriff’s Office Records Unit.
Brazos County Sheriff’s Office — Records Unit
Address: 1835 Sandy Point Road, Bryan, TX 77807
Phone: (979) 361-4900
Open Records Portal: Submit a request online
The Sheriff’s Office provides incident reports, arrest records, and detention information. Requests may be filed through the county’s open-records portal or in person.
Criminal History Background Checks
For formal criminal history searches beyond Brazos County, the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service offers name-based searches through the PATCH system. Each search requires one credit at $1.00 per credit, plus a 2.25% processing fee and a $0.25 transaction fee. Fingerprint-based state and FBI checks are also available through DPS.
Locally, the Bryan Police Department issues criminal-history clearance letters for a $5 fee.
Brazos County Civil Court Records
Civil jurisdiction in Brazos County is divided among three court levels:
- District Courts: Original jurisdiction over civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $500, including personal injury, breach of contract, real property disputes, tax suits, and condemnation proceedings. The filing fee for a civil case at the district level is $350.
- County Courts at Law: Concurrent civil jurisdiction for disputes involving amounts up to $250,000. These courts also hear appeals from justice courts.
- Justice of the Peace Courts: Exclusive jurisdiction over civil cases involving $200 or less, original jurisdiction over cases up to $20,000 (under Texas Government Code §27.031), and exclusive jurisdiction over forcible entry and detainer (eviction) actions.
How to Search Civil Case Records
Civil cases filed in district or county courts at law are searchable through the JusticeWeb portal. The database includes case type, parties, filing dates, scheduled hearings, and docket entries.
Justice of the Peace court records must generally be obtained from the individual precinct office:
| Court | Location | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| JP Precinct 1 | 300 E. 26th St, Suite 1100, Bryan | (979) 361-4230 |
| JP Precinct 2 | Bryan area | Contact District Clerk for details |
| JP Precinct 3 | College Station area | Contact District Clerk for details |
| JP Precinct 4 | Bryan area | Contact District Clerk for details |
Recorded Documents and Property Records
Real estate instruments — deeds, deeds of trust, liens, plats, and powers of attorney — are filed with the County Clerk and searchable through the Official Records search portal. The County Clerk’s deed records for Brazos County date back to 1841.
County Clerk filing fees (effective January 1, 2024):
- First page of a recorded document: $25
- Each additional page: $4
- Each additional grantor/grantee name beyond five: $0.25
- Plat recording: $72
- DBA / Assumed Name certificate: $25 plus $4 per additional page
- DD214 military discharge: No charge
- Certified copy: $1 per page plus a $5 certification fee
- Plain copy: $1 per page
Note: Effective 2025, Senate Bill 16 requires photo identification for real-property filings.
Property valuation and tax information can be accessed through the Brazos Central Appraisal District search tool.
Brazos County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Brazos County — including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and protective orders — are heard in the district courts. The District Clerk’s office at Suite 1200 of the courthouse is the filing office and records custodian for all family cases.
Searching Family Case Records
Family cases are searchable by party name or case number through the JusticeWeb portal. However, certain records are restricted. Juvenile proceedings, adoption files, and termination-of-parental-rights records are generally confidential under Texas Family Code and require a court order for access. Some details in protective order cases may also be sealed.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses are issued exclusively by the County Clerk’s office. Both applicants must appear in person with valid government-issued photo identification and proof of Social Security numbers. Applicants who have been previously divorced must observe a 31-day waiting period from the date the divorce was finalized. Applicants under 18 should contact the County Clerk’s office directly for requirements.
Current marriage license fees:
- Standard marriage license: $81 (no personal checks accepted)
- License with completed Twogether in Texas premarital education course: $21
- Informal (common-law) marriage license: $46
- Certified copy of a marriage license: $21
- Waiver of 72-hour waiting period (emergency or active military): $95 (no charge for military)
After the license is purchased, there is a waiting period of 72 to 90 days before the ceremony may take place (unless waived). Certified copies of marriage certificates can be ordered through the County Clerk’s online portal.
Divorce Records
Divorce decrees and related pleadings are filed with the District Clerk and can be searched through JusticeWeb. Certified copies may be requested in person or by mail from the District Clerk’s office at the fees listed above ($1 per certified page).
Vital Records: Birth and Death Certificates
While not court records, birth and death certificates are frequently requested alongside family-related proceedings. These records are maintained by the County Clerk and, for city-limit events occurring after January 1, 2019, by the applicable city secretary’s office.
- City of Bryan Vital Statistics: 300 S. Texas Ave, Bryan, TX 77803; Phone: (979) 209-5007
- Brazos County Clerk (pre-2019 and unincorporated-area records): (979) 361-4128; for records before 1970, call the County Clerk directly
Fees and eligibility:
| Record | Fee | Additional Copies | Eligible Requestors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified birth certificate | $23 | — | Self, parent, sibling, spouse, grandparent |
| Certified death certificate | $21 | $4 each | Parent, child, sibling, spouse, grandparent, grandchild |
Requests require a completed application form, valid photo identification, and — for mail requests — a notarized proof-of-identity affidavit with payment by money order or cashier’s check. Orders may also be placed through the County Clerk’s online system. The statewide Texas Vital Records portal offers an alternative for obtaining certificates from any Texas county.
Brazos County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Brazos County are handled within the county court system. The Constitutional County Court and the County Courts at Law have jurisdiction over proceedings related to wills, estates, guardianships, and heirships. The probate department within the County Clerk’s office manages filings, and case records can be searched through the JusticeWeb portal.
Types of Probate Proceedings
Brazos County probate courts handle applications to probate a will (whether independent or dependent administration), determination of heirship when there is no will, appointment of guardians for incapacitated adults and minors, creation and modification of trusts, and related estate litigation.
Probate Fees
- Opening a new probate case: $360
- Attorney ad litem retainer (required in guardianship and heirship cases): $500
- Additional filing fees vary; contact the probate department at (979) 361-4126 for current amounts
The County Clerk also maintains the Wards Bill of Rights, a document required to be provided in guardianship proceedings.
How to Request Probate Records
- Search the JusticeWeb portal using the decedent’s or ward’s name to identify the case number.
- For certified copies, visit the County Clerk’s office at Suite 1430, 300 E. 26th Street, Bryan, or submit a mail request with the case number and payment ($1 per page plus $5 certification fee).
- In-person payments accepted in cash or credit card; mail payments must be by money order or cashier’s check.
- For records not available through the portal, submit an Open Records Request specifying the case details.
Probate records are generally public, though guardianship files may contain medical or financial information that the court has ordered sealed. Mental health commitment records are confidential. If a record has been restricted, the requester may need to file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate interest in accessing the sealed material.