Jones County Court Records Search
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Jones County, Texas sits in the west-central part of the state with its county seat in Anson. The county's court system is organized across several levels — from the 259th District Court at the top to Justice of the Peace and Municipal Courts handling local matters at the base. Court records in Jones County are split between two primary custodians: the County Clerk handles misdemeanor criminal filings, probate, civil cases under the county court's jurisdiction, and vital records, while the District Clerk maintains records for felony cases, family law matters such as divorce and custody, and major civil litigation heard by the district court.
Anyone researching Jones County court history can begin with TexasStateCourts.us, which provides orientation to the Texas court system and links to public access resources statewide. Beyond that, records can be searched through clerk offices, online portals, and public access terminals depending on the case type and court involved.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Jones County?
Because Texas does not operate a single unified statewide database covering all court levels, the first step is identifying which court handled the case. A felony charge or divorce case will sit with the District Clerk, while a Class A or B misdemeanor or a probate matter will sit with the County Clerk. Once you identify the right custodian, you have several options for accessing records.
Online Search — re:SearchTX
The most efficient tool for searching court records across Jones County is re:SearchTX, the official Texas court case search portal operated by the Office of Court Administration. It covers district and county court cases from all 254 Texas counties, allowing searches by party name, case number, attorney, or court. A free subscription tier is available and provides access to civil cases from district, county, and justice courts.
In-Person Access
Both the County Clerk and the District Clerk maintain their offices at the Jones County Courthouse:
Jones County Courthouse
Address: 100 Courthouse Square, Anson, TX 79501
| Office | Phone | Fax | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| County Clerk (LeeAnn Jennings) | (325) 823-3762 | (325) 823-3979 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–5:00 PM |
| District Clerk (Lacey Hansen) | (325) 823-3731 | (325) 823-3289 | Contact office for hours |
For in-person requests, bring as much identifying information as possible: full party names, approximate filing date, and case number if known.
Mail Requests
Written requests may be submitted by mail to either clerk. Include the names of the parties involved, the approximate year of filing, and the type of records sought. Copy fees apply, so it's worth calling ahead to confirm the total cost before submitting payment.
Land Records Search
The County Clerk also maintains an online land records index dating back to 1991, accessible through the LGS Online Solutions portal. This is useful for deed, lien, and property-related record research separate from court case searches.
Are Court Records Public in Jones County?
Texas law generally makes court records open to the public, but the framework differs from the Texas Public Information Act (PIA), which covers executive branch agencies. Court and judiciary records are instead regulated by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration, which covers public access to judicial agency records. The Texas Judicial Branch's open records policy explains that courts and judicial branch agencies are not subject to the PIA or the federal Freedom of Information Act, but Rule 12 provides a comparable access framework for judicial records.
Records that are generally public include most civil filings, felony case records, misdemeanor court records, probate documents, and real property records.
Records subject to restriction or confidentiality include:
- Juvenile delinquency records and records identifying minors involved in court proceedings
- Family court records involving children, which may be sealed or restricted by court order
- Adoption records, which are confidential under Texas law
- Personal identifying information (Social Security numbers, financial account numbers) subject to redaction under the Texas Rules of Evidence
- Records sealed by court order following an expunction or order of nondisclosure
- Certain mental health and medical records submitted as evidence
Requesters denied access to a record they believe is public may seek review through the court that maintains the record or consult the applicable rules for judicial records access.
Jones County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Jones County are distributed between two court levels based on offense classification.
Felony Cases — 259th District Court
The 259th District Court in Anson has original jurisdiction over all felony criminal matters filed in Jones County. Felony charges range from state jail felonies through first-degree felonies and are prosecuted by the Jones County District Attorney. Felony case records — including indictments, pleas, judgments, and sentencing orders — are maintained by the District Clerk.
Jones County 259th District Court / District Clerk
Address: Jones County Courthouse, 100 Courthouse Square, Anson, TX 79501
Mailing: P.O. Box 308, Anson, TX 79501
Phone: (325) 823-3731
Fax: (325) 823-3289
Misdemeanor Cases — Constitutional County Court
Class A and B misdemeanor cases — covering offenses such as assault, theft, and DWI — are filed in the Jones County Constitutional County Court, with records maintained by the County Clerk.
Jones County Constitutional County Court / County Clerk
Address: Jones County Courthouse, 100 Courthouse Square, Anson, TX 79501
Mailing: P.O. Box 552, Anson, TX 79501
Phone: (325) 823-3762
Fax: (325) 823-3979
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
Arrest Records and Custody Status
Arrest records are maintained primarily by the arresting agency rather than the courts. For current inmate custody status in Jones County, the VINELink offender tracking system provides 24-hour notifications and custody lookups. The Jones County Sheriff's Office handles detention:
Jones County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff: Danny Jimenez
Mailing: P.O. Box 821, Anson, TX 79501
Physical: 402 2nd Street, Anson, TX 79501
Phone: (325) 823-3201
Fax: (325) 823-2099
Copy Fees for Criminal Records
Per the Jones County Clerk Fee Schedule (effective January 1, 2024):
- Plain copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 plus $1.00 per page
Appeals
Criminal convictions from Jones County courts may be appealed to the Eleventh Court of Appeals, which has intermediate appellate jurisdiction over Jones County and 27 other West Texas counties.
Jones County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Jones County span two court levels depending on the amount in controversy and the nature of the dispute.
District Court Civil Jurisdiction
The 259th District Court handles major civil matters, including cases involving damages exceeding the county court's jurisdictional ceiling, land title disputes, election contests, and injunctions. Records are maintained by the District Clerk at the courthouse.
County Court Civil Jurisdiction
The Jones County Constitutional County Court handles civil disputes involving amounts between $200 and $100,000. This includes contract disputes, debt collection matters, and other civil claims falling within that range.
Justice of the Peace — Small Claims
The Jones County Justice of the Peace Court handles small claims cases involving amounts up to $20,000, as provided under Texas Government Code § 27.031. This court is the most accessible and cost-effective option for residents looking to resolve minor monetary disputes.
Jones County Justice of the Peace Court
Mailing: P.O. Box 345, Anson, TX 79501
Phone: (325) 823-3761
Fax: (325) 823-4205
Filing fees for small claims in Texas justice courts typically range from $54 to $86 depending on the amount sought and whether service by a constable or sheriff is required. Forms and filing guidance for small claims plaintiffs are available through the Texas Justice Court Training Center.
Civil case records from all Jones County courts can be searched through re:SearchTX. For certified copies of civil case documents, contact the appropriate clerk's office directly with the case number, parties' names, and the specific documents needed.
Jones County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Jones County — including divorce, child custody, child support enforcement, adoptions, and termination of parental rights — are heard in the 259th District Court. Records for these proceedings are maintained by the District Clerk.
Divorce Records
To obtain a certified copy of a final divorce decree, contact the District Clerk's office at (325) 823-3731 with the case number or the full names of both parties and the approximate year of the divorce. The Texas Department of State Health Services' Vital Statistics Unit also maintains an index of divorces filed in Texas since 1968 and can issue verification letters — though these letters are not legal substitutes for a certified copy of the decree itself.
Child Support
Child support enforcement in Jones County is handled through the Child Support Program of the Texas Office of the Attorney General, which assists with establishing, modifying, and enforcing support orders.
Marriage Records
The County Clerk issues marriage licenses and maintains certified marriage records for Jones County. Per the 2024 fee schedule:
- Standard marriage license: $81.00
- Marriage license with a Twogether in Texas premarital education certificate: $21.00
- Informal (common-law) marriage declaration: $46.00
- Certified copy of marriage license: $20.00
The Texas Vital Statistics Unit also maintains a statewide marriage record index from 1966 forward and can issue verification letters online, by mail, or in person at its Austin headquarters. These verifications do not serve as legal replacements for a certified copy from the County Clerk.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death records for Jones County are maintained by both the County Clerk (as local registrar) and the Texas Department of State Health Services. Per the 2024 fee schedule, birth certificates cost $23.00 and death certificates cost $21.00 for the first copy, with each additional copy ordered at the same time priced at $4.00.
Under Texas Government Code § 552.115, birth records are restricted until the 75th anniversary of the date of birth, and death records are restricted until the 25th anniversary of the date of death. Certificates can also be ordered through the DSHS online vital records portal, which processes most orders within 20–25 business days.
Jones County Probate Court Records
Probate proceedings in Jones County fall under the jurisdiction of the Jones County Constitutional County Court, with the County Clerk maintaining all probate records. This includes estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and heirship determinations.
The County Clerk maintains the Judge's Probate Docket, the Claim Docket, and individual case files for all matters that have passed through the probate division. Wills admitted to probate and inventories of estate assets are part of the public record unless sealed by court order.
Key Probate Filing Fees (Effective January 1, 2024)
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application for Probate (initial filing, no attorney ad litem) | $360.00 |
| Application for Probate (with Attorney Ad Litem fee deposit) | $860.00 |
| Determination of Heirship (with Attorney Ad Litem fee deposit) | $860.00 |
| Application for Guardianship (with Attorney Ad Litem fee deposit) | $120.00 |
| Small Estate Affidavit | $158.00 |
| Wills for Safekeeping | $15.00 |
| Letters of Testamentary | $2.00 |
| Letters of Administration | $2.00 |
| Letters of Guardianship | $2.00 |
| Issuance of Citation | $8.00 |
| Service of Citation by Jones County Sheriff or Constable | $125.00 |
| Probate Name Search (per name) | $40.00 |
Individuals wishing to deposit a will for safekeeping during their lifetime may do so with the County Clerk for a $15.00 fee. The will is sealed and indexed but remains confidential until needed following the testator's death.
To request probate records, contact the Jones County Clerk's Office at (325) 823-3762 during office hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00 PM–5:00 PM). Certified copies of probate documents are available at the standard rate of $5.00 plus $1.00 per page. Researchers can also search probate case records through re:SearchTX, which indexes county court cases including probate filings across all Texas counties.
For property records connected to probate matters — such as deeds transferring title after estate administration — the County Clerk's land records index covering documents recorded since 1991 is available through the LGS Online Solutions portal. Recording fees for real property documents are $25.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page.