Wichita County Court Records Search
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Wichita County sits in north-central Texas along the Red River border with Oklahoma, with the city of Wichita Falls serving as the county seat. The county’s court system handles tens of thousands of cases each year spanning criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, family law matters, and probate proceedings. Accessing these records is essential for attorneys conducting case research, individuals checking their own legal history, employers running background screenings, and members of the public exercising their right to review judicial proceedings. This guide covers the practical steps needed to locate, request, and obtain court records throughout Wichita County’s various courts and offices.
Residents and researchers looking for court case information in Texas can begin by consulting official clerk offices, courthouse public-access terminals, and state-maintained online databases. The statewide judicial branch website TexasStateCourts.us provides general information about court structure, rules, and resources that may assist in identifying where specific records are filed. For Wichita County specifically, the District Clerk and County Clerk each maintain distinct categories of case files, and understanding which office holds the record you need is the first step toward an efficient search.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Wichita County?
Wichita County court cases can be located through several channels depending on the type of case and how quickly you need the information.
Online Case Search
The most widely used electronic tool is the Texas Office of Court Administration’s public case-search portal, which aggregates data reported by county and district clerks statewide. Users can search by party name, case number, attorney, or date range. Results typically include case type, filing date, parties, and disposition status, though the level of detail varies by reporting court.
For Justice of the Peace court cases in Wichita County, the Justice Court Case Search offers a dedicated lookup system covering JP civil and criminal matters.
In-Person Search
Visitors may search records at the following courthouse locations:
| Office | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita County District Clerk | 900 7th Street, Room 230, Wichita Falls, TX 76301 | (940) 766-8190 |
| Wichita County Clerk | 900 7th Street, Room 270, Wichita Falls, TX 76301 | (940) 766-8195 |
Both offices are generally open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding county holidays. Public terminals in the courthouse allow visitors to search indices and review non-confidential case information at no charge.
Steps for an In-Person Search
- Identify whether your case falls under district court jurisdiction (felonies, civil cases over a certain dollar threshold, divorce, family matters) or county court jurisdiction (misdemeanors, probate, smaller civil disputes).
- Visit the appropriate clerk’s office during business hours.
- Provide the case number if known, or supply the full name of a party and approximate date range.
- Review results on the public terminal or request copies from the clerk.
- Pay applicable copy fees before receiving documents.
Mail Requests
Written requests can be mailed to either clerk’s office at the addresses listed above. Include the requester’s full name, contact information, detailed case identifiers (party names, case number, approximate filing year), and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Enclose a check or money order for estimated copy and certification fees payable to the appropriate clerk’s office.
Are Court Records Public in Wichita County?
Under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Chapter 552), government records — including most court documents — are presumed open to public inspection. Any person may request access without stating a reason, and custodians must respond promptly.
Records That Are Generally Public
- Criminal case filings, indictments, judgments, and sentencing orders
- Civil petitions, answers, motions, and final judgments
- Probate applications, inventories, and orders
- Property liens and abstracts of judgment
- Court dockets and hearing schedules
Records That Are Restricted or Confidential
Texas law and court rules designate certain records as sealed or confidential:
- Juvenile case files (Texas Family Code, Title 3)
- Records sealed by court order under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a
- Adoption records (Texas Family Code § 162.006)
- Grand jury proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Certain family violence protective order details involving minors
- Information redacted under the Texas Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act, including Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, bank account numbers, and dates of birth in court filings
Clerks will redact or withhold protected information before releasing copies. If a requester believes records have been improperly withheld, the matter may be referred to the Texas Attorney General for a ruling under the Public Information Act’s dispute-resolution process.
Wichita County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Wichita County are divided between courts of different jurisdiction based on offense severity.
Court Jurisdiction by Offense Level
| Offense Level | Court | Clerk’s Office |
|---|---|---|
| Felonies (state jail, third, second, first degree, capital) | 30th, 78th, and 89th District Courts | District Clerk |
| Class A and B Misdemeanors | County Courts at Law No. 1 and No. 2 | County Clerk |
| Class C Misdemeanors / Traffic | Justice of the Peace Courts, Precincts 1–4 | JP Court Clerk |
Searching Criminal Records
The OCA public case search returns criminal case data by defendant name or case number. In-person searches at the District Clerk’s office on the second floor of the Wichita County Courthouse (900 7th Street, Wichita Falls) provide access to felony files. Misdemeanor records are maintained by the County Clerk in Room 270 of the same building.
Arrest and Booking Records
The Wichita County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records and current jail rosters. Booking information — including charges, bond amounts, and mugshots — may be available through the Sheriff’s Office directly. The office is located at:
Wichita County Sheriff’s Office
900 7th Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301
Phone: (940) 766-8170
Criminal Background Checks
Statewide criminal history reports can be obtained from the Texas Department of Public Safety through its Crime Records Service. The DPS offers both name-based and fingerprint-based searches. Name-based checks are available online for a fee, while fingerprint-based checks provide the most comprehensive results and are often required for licensing and employment purposes.
Key Statutes Governing Criminal Records
- Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 60 (Criminal History Record System)
- Texas Government Code § 411.081–411.085 (Criminal History Record Information)
- Orders of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter E-1, allow eligible individuals to petition the court to seal certain criminal records from public disclosure
Wichita County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Wichita County encompasses lawsuits over contracts, property disputes, personal injury claims, debt collection, foreclosures, and other non-criminal matters.
Courts Handling Civil Cases
- District Courts (30th, 78th, 89th): Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $200 or where specific subject-matter jurisdiction applies (e.g., title to land, election contests). The District Clerk’s office files and maintains these records.
- County Courts at Law No. 1 and No. 2: Civil matters within their concurrent or exclusive jurisdiction, including appeals from JP courts. The County Clerk maintains these files.
- Justice of the Peace Courts: Small claims and civil suits involving amounts up to $20,000, as well as eviction (forcible detainer) cases. Records are kept at the individual JP court location.
Filing and Copy Fees
Fees for civil filings are set by statute and may be updated periodically. Common civil fee categories include:
- Filing a new civil suit (district court): varies based on case type; check with the District Clerk’s office for current amounts
- Filing a new civil suit (county court at law): statutory filing fee applies
- Copies of court documents: typically $1.00 per page for standard copies; certified copies carry an additional certification fee
- Issuance of subpoenas, citations, and writs: individual fees apply per document
Civil Case Search Methods
- Online: Use the OCA case search to look up civil filings by party name, case number, or attorney.
- In person: Visit the District Clerk (Room 230) or County Clerk (Room 270) at 900 7th Street, Wichita Falls.
- By mail: Submit a written request with party names, case number, and the specific documents needed, along with prepayment for copies.
E-Filing
Texas requires electronic filing in most civil cases through the statewide eFileTexas portal. Self-represented litigants in some case types may file paper documents, but attorneys must e-file. The system accepts filings around the clock, with documents considered filed as of the submission timestamp.
Liens and Judgments
Abstracts of judgment and other lien records filed with the Wichita County Clerk create a public record that may affect real property in the county. These records can be searched through the County Clerk’s official records index. The Wichita County Clerk’s office maintains deed records, assumed name certificates, and other recorded instruments alongside court-related filings.
Wichita County Family Court Records
Family law proceedings in Wichita County are heard primarily in the district courts, with the District Clerk’s office maintaining the associated records.
Types of Family Court Cases
- Divorce and annulment
- Child custody, conservatorship, and possession/access
- Child support establishment and modification
- Suits affecting the parent-child relationship (SAPCR)
- Adoptions
- Protective orders related to family violence
- Termination of parental rights
- Name changes (when filed under the Family Code)
Confidentiality Considerations
Family court records occupy a more restricted space than general civil filings. While most divorce and custody case files are technically public, Texas law imposes specific protections:
- Adoption records are sealed and accessible only by court order or through the Texas Vital Statistics Unit mutual consent registry.
- Protective order applications involving family violence are public, but certain identifying details of minor children may be redacted.
- Financial information exchanged during discovery (such as sworn financial statements) may be subject to standing orders that limit public access.
- Parties may file a motion to seal sensitive records under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a, which requires a public hearing and specific findings before records can be restricted.
Obtaining Family Court Records
To request copies of family case documents, contact:
Wichita County District Clerk
900 7th Street, Room 230
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
Phone: (940) 766-8190
Provide the case number or the full legal names of both parties and the approximate year of filing. Certified copies of divorce decrees are frequently requested for proof of marital status; the District Clerk can certify such copies for the applicable fee.
Marriage Licenses and Vital Records
The Wichita County Clerk issues marriage licenses and maintains records of licenses issued in the county. Applicants must appear together in person with valid identification. There is a statutory waiting period of 72 hours after issuance before the ceremony may be performed, unless waived by completing an approved premarital education course.
Birth and death certificates filed in Texas are maintained by the Texas Department of State Health Services – Vital Statistics Unit. Local copies of birth and death records may also be obtained from the county clerk’s office for events that occurred in Wichita County.
Wichita County Probate Court Records
Probate jurisdiction in Wichita County is exercised by the county courts at law, with the County Clerk’s office serving as the filing repository for all probate matters.
Types of Probate Proceedings
Wichita County’s probate docket includes the following case types:
- Independent and dependent administration of decedents’ estates
- Probate of wills (with or without administration)
- Muniment of title proceedings
- Determination of heirship
- Guardianship of incapacitated adults
- Guardianship of minors
- Small estate affidavits
- Temporary and permanent guardianship applications
- Trust proceedings filed with the court
Where Probate Records Are Filed
All probate filings are maintained by:
Wichita County Clerk – Probate Division
900 7th Street, Room 270
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
Phone: (940) 766-8195
Searching Probate Records
Probate records can be searched through several methods:
- In person: Visit the County Clerk’s office and use the probate index to locate case files by decedent name or case number.
- Online: The OCA case search includes some probate case data reported by the county.
- By mail: Send a written request to the County Clerk with the decedent’s full legal name, approximate date of death, and case number if available.
Guardianship Records
Guardianship cases involve court oversight of an individual’s person, estate, or both. Under Texas Estates Code, Title 3, guardianship proceedings require the appointment of an attorney ad litem for the proposed ward, investigation reports, and periodic accountings filed with the court. Annual reports filed by guardians are part of the case record and are generally accessible to the public, though medical and psychological evaluation reports attached to guardianship applications may be restricted.
Common Probate Fees
Probate filing fees in Wichita County are established by the Texas Legislature and may be supplemented by local court costs. Typical fee categories include:
- Filing an application to probate a will or for administration
- Filing a guardianship application
- Certified copies of letters testamentary or letters of guardianship
- Copies of court orders and inventories
For current fee amounts, contact the County Clerk’s office directly or consult the statutory fee schedule under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 118.
Wills Deposited for Safekeeping
Texas law permits individuals to deposit original wills with the county clerk for safekeeping during their lifetime, pursuant to Texas Estates Code § 252.001. The deposited will is sealed and cannot be opened except upon the testator’s death or by court order. After the testator’s death, the custodian of the will must deliver it to the clerk of the court with jurisdiction within 30 days.