Hardin County Court Records Search
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Hardin County is a rural community in southeast Texas, with its county seat in Kountze. The county’s court system includes two district courts, a constitutional county court, six justice of the peace precincts, and four municipal courts. Court records generated by these courts are maintained by either the Hardin County District Clerk or the County Clerk, depending on where a case was filed. Anyone seeking to review case filings, obtain certified copies of judgments, or research past litigation should understand which office holds the relevant records and what procedures apply.
For those beginning a court records search in Texas, a useful starting point is TexasStateCourts.us, which can help users identify court locations and publicly accessible case information. Additionally, the re:SearchTX platform operated by the Texas Office of Court Administration offers searchable civil case data from district and county courts across all 254 Texas counties. Beyond online tools, records can be obtained directly through the clerk offices at the Hardin County Courthouse, through public access terminals, or by mail.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Hardin County?
The method for locating a Hardin County court record depends on the type of case and the court where it was filed. District court matters — including felony criminal cases, civil lawsuits, family law proceedings, and adoptions — are maintained by the District Clerk. Cases heard in the constitutional county court, such as misdemeanors, probate matters, and certain civil disputes, fall under the County Clerk’s custody.
Step 1: Identify the Correct Office
- District Clerk — handles all records for the 88th and 356th District Courts, including felony criminal, civil, family law, juvenile, and adoption cases
- County Clerk — handles records for the County Constitutional Court, including misdemeanors, probate, civil cases, deeds, liens, and vital records
- Justice of the Peace Courts — maintain their own records for small claims, evictions, and minor offenses
Step 2: Gather Search Information
Before contacting any clerk office, collect as much identifying detail as possible, including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and the court where the case was heard.
Step 3: Choose a Search Method
- In person — Visit the appropriate clerk’s office at the Hardin County Courthouse, 300 West Monroe Street, Kountze, TX 77625, during regular hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM).
- By mail — Send a written request to the relevant clerk’s mailing address with sufficient identifying details and applicable fees.
- Online — Civil case records filed through the County Clerk may be searched through the online records system, which allows lookups by case number, party name, or disposition date. Statewide, re:SearchTX provides a free subscription tier with access to civil case data from district and county courts across Texas.
Key Contact Information
| Office | Phone | Fax | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| District Clerk | (409) 246-5150 | (409) 246-5288 | P.O. Box 2997, Kountze, TX 77625 |
| County Clerk | (409) 246-5185 | (409) 246-3208 | P.O. Box 38, 300 W. Monroe, Ste B-110, Kountze, TX 77625 |
Under Texas law, standard copy charges for public records are $0.10 per page for standard copies. Certified copies and research-intensive requests may carry additional fees. When charges are expected to exceed $40.00, the custodian must provide a written estimate before beginning work, giving the requestor an opportunity to narrow the request.
Are Court Records Public in Hardin County?
Most Hardin County court records are open to public inspection. The Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), codified in Texas Government Code, Chapter 552, establishes a broad presumption of public access to government records. Any person may submit a request to view or copy court records, and no specific reason must be given for making the request.
However, the TPIA and related statutes carve out specific exemptions. Under Texas Government Code § 552.108 and other provisions, the following categories of records are generally exempt from disclosure:
- Records identifying confidential informants or witnesses in criminal investigations
- Juvenile case records
- Medical information submitted in litigation
- Adoption case files
- Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order
- Information that, if released, could endanger a person’s physical safety
- Records whose disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Identifying information of victims in sexual abuse and human trafficking cases
It is also worth noting that under Texas Government Code § 552.0035, access to information collected or maintained by the judiciary is governed by rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Texas rather than the TPIA itself. In practice, this means that court clerks follow both statutory exemptions and judicial administrative rules when determining what records may be disclosed.
If a governmental body wishes to withhold requested information, it must seek an opinion from the Texas Attorney General’s Open Records Division within a specified timeframe. Requestors who believe their requests have been improperly denied may file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office.
Hardin County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Hardin County are prosecuted across multiple court levels. Felony cases are tried in the 88th District Court and the 356th District Court, both located at the Hardin County Courthouse. Misdemeanor cases are handled by the County Constitutional Court, while Class C misdemeanors, traffic violations, and local ordinance violations fall under the jurisdiction of the justice of the peace courts and municipal courts.
District Court Criminal Cases
The District Clerk maintains records for all felony prosecutions. Court docket schedules for the 88th District Court and the 356th District Court are published on the county website. To request copies of felony case records, contact the District Clerk’s office:
Hardin County District Clerk
P.O. Box 2997
Kountze, TX 77625
Phone: (409) 246-5150
Fax: (409) 246-5288
88th District Court Coordinator: Julie Chase — (409) 246-5151
356th District Court Coordinator: Tori Shaw — (409) 246-5155
County Court Misdemeanor Cases
Misdemeanor criminal dockets for the County Constitutional Court are available on the county website. Record requests for misdemeanor cases should be directed to the County Clerk at (409) 246-5185.
Statewide Criminal History Searches
For a comprehensive criminal background check beyond individual case lookups, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) offers a Conviction Name Search — an online database of criminal convictions and deferred adjudications statewide. Users must create an account and pay $1.00 per search. DPS also offers fingerprint-based criminal history searches for a higher fee.
Texas Department of Public Safety
5805 North Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78752-4431
Mailing: P.O. Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773-0001
Phone: (512) 424-2000
Arrest and Jail Records
The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office maintains an online inmate roster showing current detainees at the county detention facility. The roster includes booking dates, charges, and demographic information. For general jail inquiries, the visitation desk can be reached at (409) 246-5249.
Hardin County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Hardin County are distributed among the district courts, the county constitutional court, and the justice of the peace courts based on the amount in controversy and the nature of the claim.
Jurisdictional Breakdown
- District Courts (88th and 356th) — General civil jurisdiction, including lawsuits involving amounts exceeding the county court’s limits, personal injury, contract disputes, tax suits, and injunctive relief
- County Constitutional Court — Civil jurisdiction over cases within statutory monetary limits, appeals from JP courts, and probate matters
- Justice of the Peace Courts — Small claims, evictions, and debt cases within statutory limits
Requesting Civil Court Records
Civil case records from the district courts are obtained through the District Clerk’s office. Civil matters filed in the county court should be requested from the County Clerk’s office. For JP court records, contact the specific precinct where the case was filed:
| JP Precinct | Location | Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precinct 1 | 1102 N. 5th Street, Silsbee, TX 77656 | (409) 385-3740 | (409) 386-0276 |
| Precinct 2 | 3051 FM Hwy 92 North, Silsbee, TX 77656 | (409) 385-7195 | (409) 385-7194 |
| Precinct 3 | P.O. Box 1360, Kountze, TX 77625 | (409) 246-5115 | (409) 246-5191 |
| Precinct 4 | 695 6th Street, Sour Lake, TX 77659 | (409) 287-3211 | (409) 287-4000 |
| Precinct 5 | 160 E. Chance Road, Lumberton, TX 77657 | (409) 755-2862 | (409) 755-7603 |
| Precinct 6 | 42803 Hwy 105, Batson, TX 77519 | (936) 262-8271 | (936) 262-7311 |
Online Civil Records
County Clerk civil case records may be searched through the county’s online records system, which supports lookups by case number, party name, or disposition date. Viewing search results is free, though downloading document images may require registration.
Hardin County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Hardin County, including divorces, child custody disputes, child support enforcement, adoptions, and protective orders, are adjudicated in the district courts. The District Clerk is the custodian of all family law case files.
Divorce Records
Divorce decrees and related pleadings are maintained by the District Clerk. To request copies, provide the names of both parties, their dates of birth, and the approximate date the decree was issued. If the case number is known, include it to expedite the search. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or by fax.
Hardin County District Clerk
P.O. Box 2997
Kountze, TX 77625
Phone: (409) 246-5150
Fax: (409) 246-5288
Adoption and Juvenile Records
Adoption proceedings are filed in the district courts and handled by the District Clerk. These records are confidential under Texas law and are not available for public inspection. Only parties to the case and authorized individuals may access adoption files. Juvenile records are similarly restricted.
Marriage Licenses
The County Clerk issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Hardin County. Both applicants must appear in person at the County Clerk’s office with valid photo identification. The application is completed on-site.
- Marriage license fee: $81.00
- Reduced fee with completion of the Twogether in Texas premarital course: $21.00
- Marriage licenses are issued Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM only
Birth and Death Certificates
While not court records, birth and death certificates are often needed alongside family court proceedings. The County Clerk issues these vital records:
- Birth certificates: $23.00 per copy — restricted to the registrant or immediate family members. Submit a completed birth record application.
- Death certificates: $21.00 for the first copy, $4.00 per additional copy — available only to the decedent’s immediate family. Submit a completed death record application.
Hardin County Clerk
300 West Monroe Street, Suite B-110
Kountze, TX 77625
Phone: (409) 246-5185
Hardin County Probate Court Records
Probate cases in Hardin County are heard in the County Constitutional Court, with the County Clerk serving as custodian of probate records. These cases involve the administration of deceased persons’ estates, the validation of wills, the appointment of guardians and conservators, and related matters involving the property of minors and incapacitated individuals.
Searching Probate Records
To locate a probate case, you will need the cause number, party name, or the filing court. Probate records can be searched through the County Clerk’s online records system or by contacting the office directly. Probate dockets are posted on the Hardin County website, providing schedules for upcoming hearings and case call dates.
Requesting Copies
Written requests for probate records should be directed to:
Hardin County Clerk
P.O. Box 38
300 West Monroe Street, Suite B-110
Kountze, TX 77625
Phone: (409) 246-5185
Fax: (409) 246-3208
Include the decedent’s full name, the cause number if available, and the type of document needed (e.g., letters testamentary, will, inventory, court order). Standard copy fees apply.
Property Records Related to Estates
When probate matters involve real property, ownership and valuation information can be verified through the Hardin County Appraisal District property search. This tool supports searches by owner name, property address, or parcel ID number. The Appraisal District office is located at P.O. Box 670, Kountze, TX 77625, and can be reached at (409) 246-2507.
For additional guidance on locating Texas court records at the state level, the Texas State Law Library maintains a comprehensive guide covering district clerk records, county clerk records, appellate filings, and criminal history resources.