Johnson County Court Records Search
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Johnson County is located in north-central Texas, with its county seat in Cleburne. The county’s court system processes thousands of criminal, civil, family, and probate matters each year through a structure that includes a District Court, County Court at Law, Justice of the Peace courts, and a municipal court system. Court records generated by these tribunals — from felony indictments and civil judgments to divorce decrees and probate filings — are maintained by the District Clerk and County Clerk, both of whom operate offices at the Johnson County Courthouse in Cleburne. Understanding which office holds the record you need, what tools are available to search for it, and what legal restrictions may apply is essential to an efficient records request.
For anyone beginning a search for court records in Texas, multiple pathways exist. County clerk and district clerk offices serve as the primary custodians of case files and can be contacted directly. Public-access terminals at the courthouse allow walk-in visitors to browse case indexes, and several online tools — maintained by both the county and the state judiciary — provide remote search capabilities. The state courts website at TexasStateCourts.us can help users identify court jurisdictions and locate publicly available case information across Texas counties, including Johnson County.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Johnson County?
Johnson County provides several methods for locating court case information, whether you are searching from home or visiting the courthouse in person.
Online Case Search Tools
The most accessible starting point is the Odyssey Public Access portal, a free web-based system that allows users to search Johnson County court records by party name, case number, attorney, or hearing date. The system covers cases filed in the District Court and County Court at Law, displaying docket sheets, party information, hearing schedules, and case status. Sealed, expunged, or otherwise restricted records will not appear in search results.
For a broader statewide search, the Office of Court Administration maintains re:SearchTX, which aggregates case-index data from participating Texas counties. Johnson County records are included in this database, making it useful for locating cases when the exact county of filing is uncertain.
Through the District Clerk
The District Clerk maintains records for all cases filed in the District Court, including felony criminal matters, civil lawsuits exceeding jurisdictional minimums, and family law cases such as divorce and custody proceedings.
Johnson County District Clerk
2 N. Main St., Cleburne, TX 76033
Phone: (817) 556-6845
Through the County Clerk
The County Clerk handles records for the County Court at Law, which has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, smaller civil disputes, and probate matters. The County Clerk also serves as the recorder of deeds, liens, and vital records.
Johnson County Clerk
2 N. Main St., Cleburne, TX 76033
Phone: (817) 556-6015
Both offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in visitors can review case files and request copies at the clerk counter. To request records by mail, send a written request that includes the full names of the parties, the case number (if known), and the specific documents needed, along with payment for applicable copy fees. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the appropriate clerk.
E-Filing
Texas requires electronic filing in most courts. Attorneys and self-represented parties may submit filings through the Texas eFile system, which routes documents to the correct Johnson County clerk’s office.
Copy and Search Fees (District Clerk)
- Non-certified copy: $1.00 per page
- Certified copy: $1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee
- Exemplified copy: $1.00 per page plus $10.00
- Record search with certificate: $5.00
- Credit card surcharge: 2.65% (minimum $3.00)
Are Court Records Public in Johnson County?
Texas maintains a strong legal presumption in favor of public access to government records, including court files. Two primary legal frameworks govern access to Johnson County court records.
Texas Public Information Act
The Texas Public Information Act, codified at Government Code Chapter 552, establishes the right of any person to request and inspect public records held by governmental bodies. Court clerks are subject to this statute, and requesters are not required to explain their purpose for seeking records. When a governmental body believes a record may be exempt from disclosure, it must seek a ruling from the Texas Attorney General’s Office rather than simply refusing the request.
Court Rules and Confidentiality
Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a governs the sealing of court records. Under this rule, court records are presumed open, and a party seeking to seal a record must demonstrate a specific, serious, and substantial interest that outweighs the public’s right of access. A hearing is required before records can be sealed, and any order to seal must be narrowly tailored.
Certain categories of records are restricted by statute or court rule regardless of any sealing motion:
- Juvenile case records (Family Code Title 3)
- Adoption records (Family Code Chapter 162)
- Records subject to a nondisclosure order under Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter E-1
- Grand jury proceedings and deliberations
- Sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and dates of birth of minor children
- Mental health records
The Local Government Code § 191.006 further addresses the duty of county clerks to preserve and provide access to records in their custody.
Johnson County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Johnson County are divided between the District Court and the County Court at Law based on the severity of the offense. The Johnson County District Attorney prosecutes criminal matters in both courts.
Jurisdiction
The 18th Judicial District Court handles all felony prosecutions in Johnson County. The County Court at Law adjudicates Class A and Class B misdemeanors, which carry potential jail time. Justice of the Peace courts process Class C misdemeanors — offenses punishable only by fine — along with traffic citations and local ordinance violations.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal docket information is available through the Odyssey Public Access portal. Users can search by defendant name, case number, or hearing date to view charges, case status, upcoming court dates, and docket entries. Expunged records, sealed juvenile cases, and matters subject to nondisclosure orders will not appear.
For in-person searches, the District Clerk’s office maintains felony criminal case files, while the County Clerk handles misdemeanor records. Both offices are located at 2 N. Main St. in Cleburne.
Arrest and Jail Records
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office maintains booking records, inmate rosters, and arrest reports. The Sheriff’s Office can be contacted for information about current inmates or recent bookings.
Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
1102 Mustang Trail, Cleburne, TX 76033
Phone: (817) 556-6055
Criminal Filing Fees (County Clerk, effective January 1, 2025)
- Class A or B misdemeanor: $270.00 (state fees $147.00, local fees $123.00)
- Non-jailable misdemeanor: $76.00 (state fees $62.00, local fees $14.00)
- Warrant execution fee: $50.00
- Sheriff arrest fee: $5.00
Statewide Criminal History
For a formal criminal background check that extends beyond Johnson County court records, the Texas Department of Public Safety operates a Crime Records Service where name-based criminal history searches can be requested for a fee. Fingerprint-based checks are available through the DPS for a more comprehensive result.
Johnson County Civil Court Records
Civil disputes in Johnson County are distributed among the District Court, County Court at Law, and Justice of the Peace courts depending on the amount in controversy and the nature of the claim.
Jurisdictional Thresholds
The 18th District Court hears civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $250,000, as well as cases involving title to real property and contested elections. The County Court at Law handles civil matters up to $250,000. Justice of the Peace courts have jurisdiction over civil claims up to $20,000, including small claims, evictions, and debt cases.
How to Search Civil Records
Civil case records are searchable through the Odyssey Public Access portal using party names, case numbers, or attorney names. The statewide re:SearchTX platform also indexes Johnson County civil filings. For documents not available electronically, the District Clerk’s office can provide copies upon request.
Civil Filing Fees (District Clerk, effective January 1, 2024)
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New civil suit | $350.00 |
| Counterclaim or cross-claim | $80.00 |
| Family law motion to modify | $80.00 |
| Issuance of citation | $8.00 |
| Service by certified mail | $90.00 |
| Writ of execution or attachment | $275.00 |
| Abstract of judgment | $8.00 |
| Posting of notice | $15.00 |
Civil Filing Fees (County Clerk, effective January 1, 2025)
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New civil suit | $350.00 |
| Writ of garnishment | $350.00 |
| Occupational driver’s license petition | $350.00 |
| Nondisclosure petition | $350.00 |
| Counterclaim | $80.00 |
Property Records
Real property records — deeds, liens, mortgages, and easements — are filed with the Johnson County Clerk’s recording division. Recording fees are $25.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page. UCC filings range from $35.00 to $50.00 depending on the document type. Property record inquiries can be directed to the County Clerk’s office at (817) 556-6015. The Clerk also operates a satellite office for certain services:
Johnson County Clerk – Satellite Office
Burleson area (contact the main office for current address and hours)
Email: ccrecords@co.johnson.tx.us
Johnson County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Johnson County — including divorce, child custody, child support modifications, protective orders, adoption, and paternity — are heard by the 18th Judicial District Court. The District Clerk maintains all family court case files.
Divorce and Custody
Dissolution of marriage cases are filed with the District Clerk and generate a public docket that can be searched through the Odyssey portal. Basic information such as the case number, filing and disposition dates, and the names of the parties is available online. However, certain attachments — financial affidavits, psychological evaluations, and records pertaining to minor children — may be restricted from public access. Filing a new divorce action costs $350.00, while motions to modify custody or support are $80.00.
Protective Orders
Applications for protective orders under the Texas Family Code are filed in the District Court. The filing fee is $350.00, but it is assessed against the respondent rather than the petitioner. Sensitive personal information in protective order files, such as the petitioner’s home address, may be redacted or restricted.
Marriage Licenses
The County Clerk issues marriage licenses from the main courthouse in Cleburne. Applicants must appear together with valid identification. Current fees are:
- Standard license: $81.00 (cash)
- With premarital education course: $21.00 discount
- Non-resident couple: $181.00
- Informal (common-law) marriage declaration: $46.00
- Duplicate license: $51.00
- Certified copy of marriage record: $6.00 plus $1.00 per page
Electronic certified copies of marriage records can be ordered through the Clerk eCertify portal.
Adoption
Adoption proceedings are filed in the District Court with a filing fee of $350.00. Adoption records are sealed under Texas Family Code Chapter 162 and are not accessible to the public. Only parties to the adoption or individuals with a court order may obtain copies.
Vital Records
The Johnson County Clerk issues certified copies of birth and death certificates for events that occurred in the county. Fees are:
- Birth certificate (certified): $23.00
- Birth certificate (verification letter): $22.00
- Death certificate (certified): $21.00
- Death certificate (each additional copy): $4.00
- Death verification letter: $20.00
Johnson County Probate Court Records
Probate jurisdiction in Johnson County is shared between the Constitutional County Court and the County Court at Law. These courts handle the administration of decedents’ estates, the probate of wills, guardianship proceedings over minors and incapacitated adults, trust disputes, and related matters. The County Clerk maintains all probate case files.
Searching Probate Records
Probate dockets can be searched through the Odyssey Public Access portal by entering the decedent’s or ward’s name, or a known case number. Docket sheets will reflect filed applications, court orders, inventories, appraisals, and final accountings. For records that are not available electronically — particularly older cases or voluminous estate files — the County Clerk’s office can assist with retrieval during business hours. A record search with certificate costs $5.00.
Opening a Probate Case
Filing an application to probate a will or for administration of an estate in Johnson County requires submitting the original will (if one exists), a death certificate, an application for probate, and information identifying all known heirs or beneficiaries. The process is governed by the Texas Estates Code.
Probate Filing Fees (County Clerk, effective January 1, 2025)
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application for probate | $360.00 |
| Issuance of citation | $8.00 |
| Posting of notice | $25.00 |
| Personal service (sheriff) | $90.00 |
| Certified mail postage | Actual cost |
| Proposed order | $2.00 |
| Oath of personal representative | $2.00 |
| Bond approval | $5.00 |
Guardianship
Guardianship applications for incapacitated persons are filed through the same process and heard by the County Court at Law. These cases are generally public, though medical evaluations and certain sensitive reports may be restricted. The court may appoint an attorney ad litem or guardian ad litem to represent the interests of the proposed ward.
Copies and Certified Documents
Certified copies of probate documents are available from the County Clerk at $1.00 per page plus $5.00 for the certification seal. Local court rules and additional procedural guidance can be found on the Johnson County District Courts page. The statewide e-filing portal accepts electronic probate filings for Johnson County.