Jim Wells County, Texas Court Records
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Jim Wells County is located in the South Texas region, with its county seat and largest city being Alice. The county courthouse at 200 North Almond Street serves as the central hub for civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic proceedings. Court records generated through this system — covering everything from felony prosecutions to estate administration — represent the official account of judicial activity and carry legal weight for parties, researchers, attorneys, and members of the public.
Texas court records can be searched through a combination of official channels. The county and district clerk offices maintain physical case files, and several online tools exist for locating case information from a computer or mobile device. TexasStateCourts.us provides a general orientation to the Texas court system and can help you identify which court handled a specific type of case. Beyond that statewide resource, Jim Wells County operates its own online case search portal that covers criminal, civil, and probate records filed locally.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Jim Wells County?
Jim Wells County provides an online portal and in-person options for locating court case information.
Online Case Search
The Jim Wells County CourtView Portal is the county's primary online case management system. It contains publicly available information generated from computerized records maintained by Jim Wells County. You can search by attorney information, case number, case type, and case name to locate criminal, civil, and probate records. For property-related filings maintained by the County Clerk, the county also offers a separate official land and public records search.
For appellate and statewide district court case searches, the Texas Judicial Branch case search provides additional coverage beyond the local portal.
In-Person Requests
Both the County Clerk and the District Clerk accept in-person record requests at the Jim Wells County Courthouse:
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| County Clerk (J.C. Perez III) | 200 N. Almond St., Ste. 103, Alice, TX 78332 | (361) 668-5702 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–Noon / 1:00–5:00 p.m. |
| District Clerk (R. David Guerrero) | 200 N. Almond St., Ste. 207, Alice, TX 78332 | (361) 668-5717, ext. 6 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
Mail Requests
Written requests may be submitted to either clerk's office by mail:
- County Clerk: P.O. Box 1459, Alice, TX 78333
- District Clerk: P.O. Drawer 2219, Alice, TX 78333
Include the case number (if known), the names of the parties, the filing date, the type of record requested, and appropriate payment by check, money order, or cashier's check. Payments to the District Clerk must be made payable to R. David Guerrero, District Clerk.
Electronic Filing
All attorneys practicing in Jim Wells County district court are required to submit filings through eFile Texas. Self-represented (pro se) litigants who need assistance can call the District Clerk's office at (361) 668-5717, option 6 to schedule an appointment.
Are Court Records Public in Jim Wells County?
Texas law treats most court records as public documents. The Texas Public Information Act, codified at Texas Government Code Chapter 552, establishes that every person has a right to access complete information about the conduct of government affairs. Government agencies must make public records reasonably available upon request, without requiring the requester to state a reason.
That said, certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure or subject to mandatory redaction:
- Information classified as confidential by constitutional provision, statute, or court order
- Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Materials protected by attorney-client privilege
- Active law enforcement investigation records
- Sensitive crime scene imagery
- Birth and death records (restricted to eligible persons)
- Trade secrets and confidential financial information
- Crime victim or claimant identifying information
When a record contains both public and exempt information, the agency is generally required to release the non-exempt portions after redacting protected content. If you believe a denial is improper, you may seek review from the Texas Attorney General's Open Records Division.
Jim Wells County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Jim Wells County move through different courts depending on the severity of the offense.
79th Judicial District Court — Felony Cases
The 79th Judicial District Court has original jurisdiction over all felony criminal matters in Jim Wells County. District Clerk R. David Guerrero maintains all criminal filings and case records for this court.
79th Judicial District Court
Address: 200 N. Almond Street, Suite 207, Alice, TX 78332
Mailing Address: P.O. Drawer 2219, Alice, TX 78333
Phone: (361) 668-5717, Press 6
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Passport Acceptance Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. (by appointment)
Jim Wells County Court at Law — Misdemeanor and Concurrent Jurisdiction
Under Texas Government Code Section 25.1272, the Jim Wells County Court at Law holds concurrent jurisdiction with the District Court over Class A and Class B misdemeanor criminal cases, as well as family law, civil matters, and contested probate proceedings.
Jim Wells County Court at Law
Address: 200 N. Almond Street, Suite B-111, Alice, TX 78332
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2158, Alice, Texas 78333
Phone: (361) 668-5898
Fax: (361) 668-4351
Email: countycourtatlaw@co.jim-wells.tx.us
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–Noon / 1:00–5:00 p.m.
Justice Courts — Class C Misdemeanors and Traffic
Justice of the Peace courts across Jim Wells County's precincts handle Class C misdemeanor offenses and traffic citations. They also sit as small claims courts for money disputes not exceeding $20,000. Pct. 6 Justice of the Peace, Honorable Noe Cadena, can be reached at (361) 664-9987. Additional precinct contact information is available on the Jim Wells County Justices of the Peace page.
Arrest Records and Jail Information
Arrest records and current jail roster information are maintained by the Jim Wells County Sheriff's Office, which is the chief law enforcement agency for the county. The Sheriff's Office handles criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, courthouse security, service of subpoenas, and operation of the county jail. Current custody status can also be verified through VINELink, the statewide victim notification service.
Criminal Case Payments
Criminal case fines, fees, and court costs can be paid online through Certified Payments, by phone using the number provided on the District Clerk's page, or by mailing a check, money order, or cashier's check payable to R. David Guerrero, District Clerk. All payments must include the case number and the defendant's full name.
Jim Wells County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Jim Wells County cover a broad range of non-criminal disputes — personal injury, property disagreements, breach of contract, evictions, foreclosures, and medical negligence, among others. These matters are divided between the 79th Judicial District Court and the County Court at Law depending on the amount in controversy and the nature of the claim.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case records from both courts are searchable through the Jim Wells County CourtView Portal. You can search by case number, party name, or attorney. The portal reflects case status, docket entries, and associated documents for publicly accessible civil cases.
Copies of Civil Court Records
- Non-certified copies of district court records: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies of district court records: $5.00 per page
- Payments must be made payable to R. David Guerrero, District Clerk
Small Claims Matters
Justice of the Peace courts function as small claims courts for civil money disputes not exceeding $20,000, offering a simplified process that doesn't require legal representation. JPs across Jim Wells County's precincts handle these filings locally. Online payments for JP citations can be made through nCourt or by phone at (877) 793-7971.
Property Records
Real estate instruments — including deeds, leases, mortgages, assignments, and foreclosure filings — are recorded and maintained by the Jim Wells County Clerk. These documents can be searched online through the Jim Wells County Official Records Search portal. Property appraisal data, tax records, and valuation information are maintained separately by the Jim Wells County Appraisal District.
Jim Wells County Appraisal District
Address: 1600 East Main Street, Suite 100, Alice, TX 78333
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 607, Alice, TX 78333
Phone: (361) 668-9656
Fax: (361) 668-6423
Jim Wells County Family Court Records
Family law proceedings in Jim Wells County — including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and domestic violence matters — fall under the concurrent jurisdiction of the 79th Judicial District Court and the Jim Wells County Court at Law, as established by Texas Government Code Section 25.1272. The District Clerk's Office maintains all filings related to district-level family proceedings.
Divorce Records
Divorce petitions and final decrees are filed with and maintained by the 79th Judicial District Clerk. To request a copy of a divorce decree, contact the District Clerk's Office at (361) 668-5717, ext. 6 to confirm the process and current fees. You can submit requests in person at Suite 207 or by mail to P.O. Drawer 2219, Alice, TX 78333. Non-certified copies cost $1.00 per page; certified copies are $5.00 per page.
The Jim Wells County CourtView Portal also allows online searching of family court cases by case number or party name.
Marriage Records and Licenses
Marriage licenses are issued by the Jim Wells County Clerk's Office. Both applicants must appear in person with valid identification. The standard marriage license fee is $82; couples who have completed an approved premarital education course may qualify for a reduced fee. Certified copies of existing marriage licenses cost $7.00 per copy, payable by check or money order to the Jim Wells County Clerk.
To request a certified copy by mail, send a completed Application for a Certified Copy of Marriage License along with the full names of both applicants as they appear on the license, the date and place of marriage, a valid photo ID copy, payment, and your mailing address to: P.O. Box 1459, Alice, TX 78333.
Birth and Death Records
The Jim Wells County Clerk maintains local birth and death records occurring within the county. Certified copies are restricted to eligible persons — the record subject, immediate family members (children, spouses, parents, grandparents, siblings), legal guardians, or those who can demonstrate a direct and tangible legal interest.
Fees for certified copies obtained from the County Clerk:
- Birth certificate: $23.00 per copy
- Death certificate: $21.00 for the first certified copy; $4.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
To request either record type, complete the Application for Certified Copy of Birth or Death Certificate, have it notarized, attach a clear copy of a government-issued photo ID, and submit with payment (check or money order payable to the Jim Wells County Clerk) either in person or by mail to P.O. Box 1459, Alice, TX 78333.
The Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section also issues statewide birth and death certificates for records across Texas.
Jim Wells County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Jim Wells County are handled by the Jim Wells County Court at Law, which holds concurrent jurisdiction over probate and guardianship proceedings alongside the constitutional county court. Judge Honorable Rumaldo Solis, Jr. presides over the Court at Law. The County Clerk's Office is the official custodian of probate filings and records.
Jurisdiction and Case Types
The Jim Wells County Court at Law hears the following probate-related matters:
- Probate of wills for decedents who resided in Jim Wells County
- Administration of intestate estates (no will)
- Appointment of executors, administrators, and personal representatives
- Guardianship proceedings for incapacitated adults and minors
- Conservatorship matters
- Distribution of estate assets
- Trust-related proceedings
Searching Probate Records
Probate case records are searchable online through the Jim Wells County CourtView Portal, which includes a dedicated probate case category. In-person searches can be conducted at the County Clerk's Office at Suite 103 during regular business hours. Certified copies of probate instruments follow the same fee structure maintained by the County Clerk's office.
Requesting Probate Records
Contact the Jim Wells County Clerk by phone at (361) 668-5702 or visit the office at 200 N. Almond Street, Suite 103, Alice, TX 78332, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to Noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mail requests should be directed to P.O. Box 1459, Alice, TX 78333 with payment by check or money order. The full Jim Wells County Clerk Fee Schedule, updated effective 2024, is available directly through the County Clerk's official page for current filing and copy costs across all probate case types.