Smith County Court Records Search
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Smith County is one of the larger jurisdictions in East Texas, with its county seat in Tyler. The county operates a multi-tiered court system that includes district courts, county courts at law, and justice of the peace courts, all of which generate records that residents, attorneys, and researchers may need to access. The District Clerk’s office manages records for felony criminal cases, civil litigation at the district level, and family law matters, while the County Clerk maintains misdemeanor criminal records, probate filings, and official public records such as deeds, liens, and vital statistics. Understanding which office holds the records you need is the first step toward a successful search.
Texas maintains a decentralized court system, and residents looking for case information can begin by consulting TexasStateCourts.us, which provides general information about the state’s court structure. From there, searches can be conducted through official clerk portals, public-access terminals located in the courthouse, or by contacting the appropriate clerk’s office directly. Smith County also offers a browser-based judicial records search tool that allows the public to look up case data without visiting the courthouse in person.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Smith County?
Smith County provides several methods for locating court case information, ranging from free online searches to formal written requests.
Online Case Search
The primary electronic resource is the Smith County Court Records Inquiry database, which is accessible at no charge. This portal allows users to search by:
- Party name (plaintiff or defendant)
- Case number
- Attorney name
- Filing date range
The database covers district court civil and criminal cases, county court at law cases, and justice of the peace matters. Results typically display the case number, parties, case type, filing date, and docket entries.
For statewide or cross-county research, the Official Public Records Search portal provides an additional avenue for locating recorded documents in Smith County, including deeds, liens, judgments, and other instruments filed with the County Clerk.
In-Person Access
Visitors may search records at the following offices:
Smith County District Clerk
Address: 100 North Broadway, Suite 204, Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-1660
Fax: (903) 590-1661
Smith County Clerk
Address: 100 North Broadway, Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-4605
Public-access computer terminals are available during business hours at both offices. Staff can assist with locating specific filings, though they cannot provide legal advice.
Written and Mail Requests
To request records by mail, send a written request to the appropriate clerk’s office specifying:
- Full names of the parties involved
- The case number, if known
- The type of record sought (e.g., judgment, order, filing)
- A return address and contact phone number
- Payment for applicable copy fees (check or money order)
Responses may take several business days depending on the complexity of the request and current office workload.
Copy and Certification Fees
Smith County charges the following fees for document reproduction, consistent with Texas Government Code and the county’s public information policy:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copies (1–15 pages) | $1.00 per page |
| Standard copies (16+ pages) | $15.00 per document |
| Certified copies | $1.00 per page plus certification fee |
| Research time (if applicable) | Varies based on staff time |
Fees must typically be paid in advance. Requests submitted by mail should include a check or money order payable to the appropriate clerk.
Are Court Records Public in Smith County?
Texas has one of the broadest public-access frameworks in the country. The Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552) establishes a strong presumption that government records, including court records, are open to the public. The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the Texas Supreme Court’s open-records policy further reinforce this principle for judicial records specifically.
Records That Are Generally Public
- Case filings, motions, and pleadings in civil and criminal matters
- Judgments, orders, and decrees
- Docket sheets and case indexes
- Probate instruments (wills admitted to probate, inventories, appraisements)
- Real property records (deeds, liens, mortgages)
- Marriage licenses
- Misdemeanor and felony case dispositions
Records That May Be Restricted or Sealed
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure under Texas law:
- Juvenile records – Sealed under Texas Family Code Title 3 and accessible only by court order
- Adoption records – Confidential under Texas Family Code § 162.006
- Grand jury proceedings – Secret by statute (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 20.02)
- Sealed cases – Records sealed by court order under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a
- Expunged records – Removed from public access under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55
- Nondisclosure orders – Restricted under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter E-1
- Certain personal identifiers – Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, bank account numbers, and dates of birth may be redacted from publicly available documents
Individuals who believe their personal information has been improperly included in a public filing may petition the court for redaction. The Smith County policy on public information requests outlines the county’s procedures for handling such matters.
Smith County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Smith County are divided between the district courts and the county courts at law based on the severity of the offense. The 7th, 114th, 241st, and 321st Judicial District Courts handle felony prosecutions, while the County Courts at Law hear misdemeanor cases, including Class A and Class B misdemeanors.
Where Criminal Records Are Maintained
- Felony cases: District Clerk’s office — (903) 590-1660
- Misdemeanor cases: County Clerk’s office — (903) 590-4605
- Justice of the Peace courts: Handle Class C misdemeanors and traffic offenses; records maintained by each JP precinct
Searching Criminal Case Records
The Smith County Court Records Inquiry database includes criminal case information. Users can search by defendant name, case number, or date range. Results display charges, case status, hearing dates, and disposition information when available.
For in-person access, the District Clerk’s office at 100 North Broadway, Suite 204, Tyler, TX 75702, maintains felony case files that can be reviewed during regular business hours.
Criminal Background Checks
Smith County court records searches are limited to cases filed within the county. For statewide criminal history information, individuals may submit a request to the Texas Department of Public Safety, which maintains the state’s centralized criminal records repository. Fingerprint-based background checks and name-based searches are available through DPS for authorized purposes.
Arrest Records and Jail Information
The Smith County Sheriff’s Office processes arrest records and maintains the county jail roster. Individuals seeking information about current inmates or recent bookings should contact the Sheriff’s Office directly. Arrest records that result in criminal charges will also appear in the District Clerk’s or County Clerk’s records once a case is filed.
Expunction and Nondisclosure
Individuals who qualify under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 may petition to have arrest records expunged. Those who completed deferred adjudication may seek an order of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter E-1, which restricts public access to the case while allowing certain government agencies to retain the information. Expunction and nondisclosure petitions are filed through the District Clerk’s office.
Smith County Civil Court Records
Civil disputes in Smith County are heard across multiple court levels depending on the amount in controversy and the nature of the claim.
Jurisdictional Breakdown
| Court | Jurisdiction |
|---|---|
| District Courts (7th, 114th, 241st, 321st) | Civil cases with amounts in controversy exceeding $200; appeals from lower courts |
| County Courts at Law | Civil cases within statutory limits; appeals from JP courts |
| Justice of the Peace Courts | Small claims up to $20,000; evictions (forcible detainer); debt claims |
Accessing Civil Case Records
Civil case records are maintained by the District Clerk (for district-level cases) and the County Clerk (for county court at law cases). Both can be searched through the online Court Records Inquiry system by entering party names, case numbers, or filing dates.
The Official Public Records Search is particularly useful for locating recorded judgments, abstracts of judgment, tax liens, mechanic’s liens, and other instruments that have been filed with the County Clerk as part of or following civil litigation.
Requesting Civil Records by Mail
Written requests should be directed to:
Smith County District Clerk
100 North Broadway, Suite 204
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-1660
Include the case number or party names, a description of the documents needed, and a check or money order covering copy fees. Standard copy fees apply: $1.00 per page for documents of 15 pages or fewer, or $15.00 per document for longer filings.
Small Claims and Eviction Records
Justice of the Peace courts maintain their own records for small claims and eviction proceedings. Smith County has multiple JP precincts, each with its own office. Contact information for individual precincts is available through the Smith County government directory.
Smith County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Smith County are handled primarily by the district courts, with certain cases assigned to specific courts that focus on domestic relations. These proceedings include divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, protective orders, and termination of parental rights.
Divorce Records
Divorce decrees and related filings are maintained by the District Clerk’s office. A certified copy of a divorce decree can be obtained by visiting the office at 100 North Broadway, Suite 204, Tyler, TX 75702, or by submitting a written request with the applicable fee.
For a divorce verification certificate (as opposed to the full decree), individuals may contact the Texas Department of State Health Services — Vital Statistics Unit, which maintains statewide indices of divorce records. Fees for vital statistics requests are separate from court copy fees:
- Divorce verification letter: Available through the Vital Statistics Unit
- Certified decree copy: Available through the District Clerk
Child Custody and Support
Custody and support orders are part of the district court case file and can be accessed through the same methods used for other civil filings. Modifications to existing orders are filed as new motions within the original case and appear on the case docket. The Texas Office of the Attorney General also maintains records related to child support enforcement cases.
Protective Orders
Applications for protective orders under Texas Family Code Title 4 are filed in district court. While the existence of a protective order is generally a matter of public record, certain details — particularly the addresses of protected persons — may be restricted.
Adoption Records
Adoption proceedings are confidential under Texas Family Code § 162.006. Adoption case files are sealed and accessible only by court order or to the parties involved under limited statutory exceptions. These records are not available through any public search portal.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage license records are maintained by the County Clerk’s office rather than the District Clerk. Applications and issued licenses can be located through the Official Public Records Search or requested in person at the County Clerk’s office. The current fee for a marriage license in Texas is set by statute and may include an additional amount for applicants who have not completed a premarital education course.
Birth and Death Certificates
Although not court records, birth and death certificates are frequently requested alongside family court filings. In Smith County, these are handled through the County Clerk’s Vital Statistics section:
- Death certificate — First certified copy: $21.00; each additional copy ordered at the same time: $4.00
- Birth certificate — Certified copies are available to eligible applicants as defined by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191
Requests can be made in person at the County Clerk’s office or through the Texas Department of State Health Services for statewide records.
Smith County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Smith County are heard in the county courts at law, which have jurisdiction over estates, guardianships, and mental health proceedings. The County Clerk’s office serves as the repository for probate case files.
Types of Probate Records Available
- Wills admitted to probate and applications to probate a will
- Letters testamentary and letters of administration
- Estate inventories, appraisements, and lists of claims
- Guardianship applications, annual reports, and accountings
- Heirship determinations
- Small estate affidavits
- Mental health commitment proceedings (access restricted)
How to Search Probate Records
Probate case information can be searched through the Smith County Court Records Inquiry database by selecting the appropriate case type. In-person research is available at the County Clerk’s office during business hours.
Smith County Clerk
Address: 100 North Broadway, Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-4605
Requesting Copies
Copy fees for probate records follow the same schedule as other court records. Certified copies of probate instruments such as letters testamentary are frequently required by financial institutions and title companies when administering an estate. When ordering by mail, specify the decedent’s name, case number if known, and the specific documents needed.
Guardianship Records
Guardianship cases involve the appointment of a guardian for an incapacitated adult or a minor. While most guardianship filings are public, records related to the ward’s medical condition or financial accounts may be restricted under Texas Estates Code provisions. Annual reports filed by guardians are part of the court file and can generally be reviewed, though sensitive attachments may be sealed.
Mental Health Proceedings
Applications for court-ordered mental health services are filed in the county courts at law. These records carry heightened confidentiality protections under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 571 and are not available through public search databases. Access is limited to the parties, their attorneys, and authorized agencies.