Lubbock County Court Records
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Lubbock County sits in the South Plains region of West Texas, with the city of Lubbock at its center. Its multi-tiered court system handles everything from felony prosecutions in the district courts to probate filings at the County Clerk's office. Whether you're an attorney, researcher, journalist, or member of the public, this guide explains where to find court records, which offices maintain them, how much copies cost, and what access restrictions apply.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Lubbock County?
Start with official state and county resources. The state judiciary posts publicly available case data at TexasStateCourts.us, which can help you identify the right court before you dig deeper. At the county level, Lubbock County offers three main ways to look up cases: an online public access portal, a statewide e-filing research platform, and public terminals inside the courthouse.
Online Search Through the Lubbock County Public Access Portal
The main online tool is the Lubbock County Public Access portal. Attorneys, outside agencies, justice partners, and citizens can all use it to search unrestricted civil, family, and criminal records maintained by both the District Clerk and the County Clerk, plus Justice of the Peace records. Here's how to get started:
- Go to https://publicrecords.lubbockcounty.gov/Portal and create a free registered user account.
- After submitting your registration, validate your email address within 3 days.
- Once logged in, search by party name, case number, or attorney name.
A registered account gives you access to the case index — general case details, party information, attorney assignments, and scheduling data. Document images are not available through the free account. Attorneys may request elevated access to view additional records.
re:SearchTX Statewide Electronic Record Access
For cases filed electronically, the re:SearchTX platform lets you view filed documents alongside eFileTexas, the mandatory statewide electronic filing system. Once a document is filed and accepted through eFileTexas, it becomes visible in re:SearchTX based on user permissions. Attorneys should register with re:SearchTX directly — the Lubbock County District Clerk's Office no longer individually e-serves orders and notices under TRCP Rule 21(f)(10).
In-Person Access at the Courthouse
Public access computer terminals are available inside the Lubbock County Courthouse at 904 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401. These terminals let you search court records and view documents — including some that may be restricted from online viewing — and request copies from the custodian of record.
The two primary clerk offices are:
| Office | Location | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| District Clerk | 904 Broadway, Room 105, Lubbock, TX 79401 | (806) 775-1322 | dcarchives@lubbockcounty.gov |
| County Clerk | 904 Broadway, Room 207, Lubbock, TX 79401 | (806) 775-1076 | Countyclerk@lubbockcounty.gov |
For questions about online access, email onlineaccess@lubbockcounty.gov.
Are Court Records Public in Lubbock County?
Texas law creates a strong presumption in favor of public access to government records. Under the Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552), records held by government bodies — including court documents — are generally open to the public. That means most filings, dockets, judgments, orders, and motions in Lubbock County courts can be inspected and copied by anyone.
There are exceptions. Records submitted solely for in-camera review to determine discoverability are not accessible. Certain categories are sealed or restricted by statute or court order, including:
- Juvenile case records
- Adoption records
- Documents filed under seal pursuant to a protective order
- Records subject to nondisclosure orders under Government Code Chapter 411
- Documents filed ex parte or in camera, which must be submitted over the counter rather than through e-filing
Birth and death certificates are classified as confidential under Texas law and may only be accessed by qualifying relatives or authorized individuals. To order birth certificates, death certificates, or marriage and divorce verification letters, contact the Texas Department of State Health Services.
It's also worth knowing that the County Clerk's office does not perform name-based searches for the existence of a case. As referenced in Attorney General Opinion WW-607 (1959), the County Clerk has no statutory duty to search records and guarantee their correctness. Searches authorized by statute are limited to Federal Tax Liens under Texas Property Code Section 14.004(d).
Lubbock County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases are split between two offices depending on the severity of the offense. Felony cases go to the District Clerk; misdemeanor criminal cases are maintained by the County Clerk. The four Justice of the Peace courts handle their own criminal records for Class C misdemeanor offenses.
Felony Records (District Clerk)
Search district court felony records through the Lubbock County Public Access portal, or contact the District Clerk's archives department at (806) 775-1322 or dcarchives@lubbockcounty.gov. When searching for felony cases through the e-filing system, the case number format is DC-2023-CR-XXXX (using hyphens). For magistrate cases, the format is PFF-2023-MAG-XXXX. If you need help locating a case number, call (806) 775-1577 or (806) 775-1578.
Misdemeanor Records (County Clerk)
To get copies from a misdemeanor criminal case through the County Clerk:
- Call (806) 775-1046 with the case number and case name to confirm copy costs.
- Send your request by mail to: Lubbock County Clerk, 904 Broadway, Room 207, Lubbock, TX 79401. Include the case number, parties involved, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Pay by cashier's check or money order payable to Lubbock County Clerk. Personal checks are not accepted for criminal records.
- Copies cost $1.00 per page plus $5.00 for certification if needed.
If you prefer to pay by credit card, call (806) 775-1044 and submit payment through the online payment portal. Credit card transactions carry an additional vendor fee of $2.50 or 2.95%, whichever is greater. Requests received after 10:00 a.m. will be mailed the next business day.
Misdemeanor court cost and fine payments can also be made online through the same portal. Under Article 102.072 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, $2.00 from every payment transaction is applied toward an administrative fee.
Criminal History Through the Texas DPS
If you need broader criminal background information, the Texas Department of Public Safety offers two options:
- Fingerprint-based search: Schedule an appointment through IdentoGO/FAST or call (888) 467-2080. Fees are $10.00 for fingerprinting and $15.00 for processing.
- Name-based conviction search: Use the DPS Criminal History Conviction Name Search tool online. Results include convictions and deferred adjudications for Class B misdemeanors and above.
Sheriff's Office Resources
The Lubbock County Sheriff's Office maintains an active jail search tool where you can look up current inmates by name, booking number, or Sheriff's Office number. A downloadable jail roster is also available in PDF and Excel formats on the county website.
Lubbock County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Lubbock County go to either the district courts — for larger claims or general jurisdiction disputes — or the three County Courts at Law, which handle cases exceeding $200 but not more than $200,000. The District Clerk maintains district court civil files, while the County Clerk's civil division handles records for cases filed in the County Courts at Law.
District Court Civil Filing Fees
Based on the District Clerk's published fee schedule:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New Civil Suit | $377.00 |
| Expunction | $350.00 |
| Nondisclosure | $350.00 |
| Subsequent Civil Filing | $80.00 |
| New/Transferred-In Civil Suit | $377.00 |
| District Clerk Issuance (citation, subpoena, etc.) | $8.00 |
| Paper Copies | $1.00/page |
| Digital/Electronic Copies | $0.10/page (minimum $1.00) |
| Certified Copy (additional) | $5.00 |
The District Clerk's Office does not accept personal checks over $30.00. Accepted payment methods include cash, credit card, cashier's check, and money order.
Requesting County Court Civil Records
To request copies of civil case records from the County Clerk:
- Call (806) 775-1048 with the case number to confirm copy costs.
- Mail your request to: Lubbock County Clerk, P.O. Box 10536, Lubbock, TX 79408-3536.
- Include payment of $1.00 per page plus $5.00 for certification if needed. Personal checks under $30.00 are accepted with a copy of the writer's driver's license and a phone number.
- Alternatively, request copies online and pay by credit card. The vendor charges $2.50 or 2.95% (whichever is greater) on credit card transactions.
Civil case files are public records. Walk-in visitors can obtain copies at the County Clerk's office during business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Electronic Filing
Since July 1, 2014, all civil documents must be filed electronically through an approved service provider at eFileTexas.gov. Self-represented (pro se) parties may still file paper documents in person at the District Clerk's Office. Civil case numbers follow the format DC-2023-CV-XXXX (using hyphens). For e-filing questions, call (806) 775-1577 or email agongora@lubbockcounty.gov.
District Clerk forms for civil, family, criminal, and miscellaneous matters are available on the county website.
Lubbock County Family Court Records
Lubbock County does not have a dedicated family court. Divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, protective orders, and suits affecting the parent-child relationship (SAPCR) are all heard in either the district courts or the County Courts at Law. Regardless of which court handles the case, all divorce and family law files are maintained by the District Clerk's Office, not the County Clerk.
Accessing Family Court Records
Search family case records through the Lubbock County Public Access portal using a party name or case number. For e-filed family cases, the case number format is DC-2023-FM-XXXX. To request copies of family law records, contact the District Clerk's archives department at (806) 775-1322 or dcarchives@lubbockcounty.gov.
Family Law Filing Fees (District Clerk)
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New Family Suit | $392.00 |
| Divorce (No Children) | $377.00 |
| Adoption/Adoption with Termination | $365.00 |
| Adult Adoption | $350.00 |
| Application for Protective Order | $350.00 (paid by respondent) |
| Name Change | $350.00 |
| Suit for Writ of Habeas Corpus (Child) | $392.00 |
| New/Transferred-In (Non-SAPCR) | $392.00 |
| New/Transferred-In (SAPCR) | $45.00 |
| SAPCR Subsequent Actions (modification, enforcement) | $30.00 |
| SAPCR Subsequent Actions (contempt, license suspension, etc.) | $15.00 |
| Subsequent Family Filing (Non-SAPCR) | $80.00 |
Marriage and Divorce Verification
For marriage licenses, contact the County Clerk's marriage license division at (806) 775-1054. The Texas Department of State Health Services issues marriage and divorce verification letters for marriages that took place in Texas since 1966. You'll need a valid driver's license and the marriage date to request verification.
Domestic Violence Protective Orders
Applications for protective orders are filed through the District Clerk and carry a $350.00 filing fee, paid entirely by the respondent. These cases may be restricted from public online access depending on the circumstances and any court-ordered sealing provisions.
Lubbock County Probate Court Records
The County Court handles probate and guardianship matters in Lubbock County. That includes probating wills, granting letters testamentary, appointing administrators and guardians, settling accounts of personal representatives, and managing all business related to estates under administration. The County Court also makes available standard forms such as the Annual Account for Guardianship of the Estate, the Inventory, Appraisement, and List of Claims, and the Guardianship Bill of Rights.
Original wills must be filed with the County Clerk within 3 business days after a probate application is filed. Citations are only issued after the original will has been deposited with the clerk's office.
Requesting Probate Record Copies
The County Clerk's office does not perform probate searches and will not look up cases by name. To request copies, follow these steps:
- Call (806) 775-1047 with the case number and case name to confirm costs.
- Mail your request to: Lubbock County Clerk, 904 Broadway, Room 207, Lubbock, TX 79401. Include the case number, case name, and payment.
- Copy fees are $1.00 per page, with an additional $5.00 for certification.
- Pay by cashier's check or money order payable to Lubbock County Clerk. Personal checks under $30.00 are accepted with a copy of the writer's driver's license and a contact phone number. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
To pay by credit card, call the same number and submit through the online payment portal (use the Civil tab on the payment screen). Enter case numbers without commas. Credit card transactions carry a vendor fee of $2.50 or 2.95%, whichever is greater. Requests received after 10:00 a.m. are mailed the next business day.
Probate and guardianship case files are generally public records. You can visit the County Clerk's office during regular business hours — Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — to review files and get copies in person. The county also provides a Probate Frequently Asked Questions document that covers basic requirements under the Texas Estates Code. If you need legal advice about a probate matter, contact the State Bar of Texas Legal Referral Service at (800) 252-9690 or 1-877-9TEXBAR.