Wise County Court Records Search
TexasStateCourts.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on TexasStateCourts.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.
Wise County occupies a stretch of north-central Texas with its county seat in Decatur. The county is part of the 271st Judicial District, and its court system includes a District Court, two statutory County Courts at Law, four Justice of the Peace courts, and several Municipal Courts spread across the county’s cities and towns. Court records produced by these tribunals — ranging from felony indictments and civil judgments to probate filings and family law decrees — are maintained by either the District Clerk or the County Clerk, depending on the court of origin.
Residents and researchers looking for Texas court records can start with the clerk offices in Decatur, the county’s online public-access portal, or the state judiciary’s centralized resources. TexasStateCourts.us may help users identify publicly available case data across Texas courts. Records can also be reviewed at public-access terminals inside the courthouse, requested by mail from the appropriate clerk, or searched through the statewide tools maintained by the Texas Office of Court Administration and the Department of Public Safety.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Wise County?
The fastest way to search for a Wise County case is through the county’s joint online records portal, which consolidates data from the District Court, County Courts at Law, Justice of the Peace courts, and the Sheriff’s Office. This system allows searches by case number, party name, attorney, or filing date and covers criminal, civil, family, and probate dockets.
Online search options:
- Wise County Courts/Sheriff Public Access Portal — Search criminal case records, civil, family, and probate case records, jail records, and incident reports at no charge.
- Wise County Clerk Self-Service Portal — The County Clerk’s self-service site provides index-level access to recorded documents, including property filings and certain court records maintained by the County Clerk’s office.
In-person access:
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise County District Clerk | 101 N. Trinity St., Ste 102, Decatur, TX 76234 | (940) 627-5535 | Mon–Fri, regular business hours |
| Wise County Clerk | 200 N. Trinity St., Decatur, TX 76234 | (940) 627-3351 | Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Records Room 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
The District Clerk handles records from the 271st District Court, while the County Clerk maintains files from the County Courts at Law, including misdemeanor criminal, civil (up to $250,000), and probate matters. Justice of the Peace courts keep their own records at each precinct location.
By mail: Written requests should be directed to the appropriate clerk at the mailing addresses listed above. Include the case number or full party names, approximate filing dates, and a phone number so staff can confirm findings and quote copy fees before fulfilling the order.
Are Court Records Public in Wise County?
Texas follows a strong presumption of public access to court case records. This presumption arises from common law, from rules and standards adopted by the Texas Supreme Court, and from the state’s broader policy of transparency articulated in the Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552). While the judiciary itself operates under Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration rather than the PIA, the practical effect is that the vast majority of case filings, dockets, orders, and judgments are available for public inspection.
Records generally open to the public:
- Criminal case files, charges, and dispositions in District and County Courts at Law
- Civil complaints, answers, and final judgments
- Probate applications, inventories, and orders
- Court calendars and docket sheets
- Property records and recorded instruments held by the County Clerk
Records that are restricted or exempt from disclosure:
- Sealed records — any file a judge has ordered sealed upon motion of a party
- Juvenile criminal records — accessible only to a limited number of authorized individuals
- Active law-enforcement investigation files, including arrest details, evidence, and confidential-source information
- Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, driver’s license numbers, and medical records
- Family law records involving adoption, parental-rights terminations, and certain child-support proceedings
- Victim and witness information in sensitive cases
Under Rule 12, a person denied access to a judicial record may appeal to the Administrative Director of the Office of Court Administration. The records custodian must respond to a written request within 14 days and, if denying access, must provide written reasons along with notice of appeal rights.
Wise County Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in Wise County is divided among several courts. The 271st District Court handles all felony prosecutions. The two County Courts at Law hear Class A and Class B misdemeanor cases and appeals of Class C misdemeanor convictions from lower courts. Justice of the Peace courts and Municipal Courts process Class C misdemeanors punishable by fine only.
Court contacts for criminal matters:
| Court | Address | Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 271st District Court | 101 N. Trinity St., Decatur, TX 76234 | (940) 627-5535 | (940) 627-0705 |
| County Court at Law No. 1 | 200 N. Trinity St., Decatur, TX 76234 | (940) 627-5005 | (940) 627-2138 |
| County Court at Law No. 2 | 200 N. Trinity St., Decatur, TX 76234 | (940) 627-3351 | (940) 627-2138 |
| JP Precinct 1 | 306 W. Main St., Ste 105, Decatur, TX 76234 | (940) 627-2694 | — |
| JP Precinct 2 | 200 Rook Ramsey Dr., Decatur, TX 76234 | (940) 626-4206 | (940) 626-4243 |
| JP Precinct 3 | 125 N. FM 730, Boyd, TX 76023 | (940) 433-2969 | (940) 433-3062 |
| JP Precinct 4 | 1007 13th St., Ste 109, Bridgeport, TX 76426 | (940) 683-4244 | (940) 683-3747 |
Searching criminal records online:
- Visit the Wise County Criminal Case Records page on the public-access portal.
- Search by defendant name, case number, or attorney.
- Results include charges, statute references, case events, and attorney information.
The portal’s Jail Records section allows searches by inmate name or booking number and displays charges, booking dates, bond amounts, and photographs.
Sheriff’s Office resources:
The Wise County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest and incident records. Members of the public can request incident reports through the office’s Open Records process using one of three methods:
- In person at the Sheriff’s Office
- By mail via U.S. Postal Service
- By email to Open_Records@sheriff.co.wise.tx.us
An online request form is also available. The Sheriff’s Office has 10 working days to respond under Texas law and may request an Attorney General opinion if records involve exceptions. Traffic accident reports are not available through the Sheriff’s Office; they must be obtained through the Texas Department of Transportation’s CRIS portal.
The Wise County Detention Center is located at 200 Rook Ramsey Drive, Decatur, TX 76234. Inquiries about current inmates can be directed to (940) 627-5971.
Statewide criminal history searches:
The Texas Department of Public Safety operates the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system, which contains records of convictions and deferred adjudications statewide. Members of the public can create an account and purchase search credits at $1.00 each (plus a 2.25% processing fee and $0.25 transaction fee per order). This name-based search returns only conviction data. Employers, licensing agencies, and other entities authorized by law may request more detailed fingerprint-based searches through the DPS Crime Records division.
Restrictions: Juvenile records remain confidential and are accessible only to a narrow set of authorized parties. Expunged and sealed records do not appear in public search results. Petitions for non-disclosure may be filed through the District Clerk’s office, with a base filing fee of $350.00 (or $28.00 when filed automatically within an existing criminal case).
Wise County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Wise County is distributed across the District Court and the County Courts at Law. The District Court holds general jurisdiction and hears cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $200, though it typically handles matters above $250,000 exclusively. The County Courts at Law share concurrent jurisdiction with the District Court for disputes between $500 and $250,000. Justice of the Peace courts hear civil cases involving $200 or less.
Where to request civil records:
- District Court civil cases: Contact the Wise County District Clerk at 101 N. Trinity St., Ste 102, Decatur, TX 76234; Phone: (940) 627-5535
- County Court at Law civil cases: Contact the County Clerk’s civil division at 200 N. Trinity St., Decatur, TX 76234; Phone: (940) 627-3351
- Justice of the Peace civil cases: Visit or call the appropriate precinct court listed above.
Online civil case search: Select the Civil, Family, & Probate Case Records option on the county’s public-access portal and search by case number, party name, or attorney.
District Clerk filing fees (effective January 1, 2022):
| Action | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| New civil suit (base filing) | $350.00 |
| Foreign judgment (civil) | $350.00 |
| Tax suit | $350.00 |
| Expunction | $350.00 (plus $17.00 per notice) |
| Ancillary motion (contempt, intervention, counterpetition, etc.) | $80.00 |
| Issuance of process (citation, subpoena, writ, etc.) | $8.00 |
| Certified mail service (by District Clerk) | $100.00 |
| Service by Secretary of State | $55.00 |
| Record search fee | $5.00 |
| Certified copy of document | $5.00 |
| Non-certified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Preparation of Clerk’s record on appeal (per page) | $1.00 |
| Non-certified electronic document | $0.10/page ($1.00 minimum) |
All fees are set by Texas state statute and are non-refundable regardless of case outcome. The County Clerk’s civil division does not provide forms; the county Law Library can offer guidance, though by law neither clerk staff nor Law Library personnel may give legal advice (Government Code § 81.101).
Property records: The County Clerk’s office also serves as the recorder of deeds, liens, and other instruments affecting real property. Searches can be conducted through the Property Records Search page or the self-service portal. Copy fees are $1.00 per page for plain copies and $5.00 plus $1.00 per page for certified copies. The office does not perform title, lien, or asset searches — requests must identify a specific document. Mail requests should be sent to Wise County Clerk, P.O. Box 359, Decatur, TX 76234, and should include approximate recording dates, grantor/grantee names, document type, and volume/page or instrument number if known.
Wise County Family Court Records
Family law matters — including divorce, annulment, child custody, child support, protective orders, and adoption — are heard primarily in the 271st District Court. The District Clerk files and maintains these records. Certain family-related proceedings may also be heard in the County Courts at Law.
Filing fees for family cases (District Clerk):
| Action | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce/annulment/void marriage (with or without children) | $350.00 |
| Suit affecting parent-child relationship (SAPCR) | $350.00 |
| Adoption or termination of parental rights | $350.00 |
| Protective order (paid by respondent) | $350.00 + $16.00 issuance fee |
| UIFSA / name change / removal of disabilities | $350.00 |
| Motion to modify, contempt, or enforcement (ancillary) | $80.00 |
Searching family case records: Use the Civil, Family, & Probate Case Records search on the county portal. Results display basic docket entries, party names, and case events. Detailed documents such as divorce decrees and custody orders must be obtained through the District Clerk’s office.
Access restrictions: Many family law records carry confidentiality protections. Adoption proceedings, termination-of-parental-rights files, and certain child-support records are restricted from public access to protect the parties involved — particularly children. Protective-order records may also contain shielded information.
Marriage licenses:
The County Clerk issues marriage licenses at 200 N. Trinity St., Decatur. Both applicants must appear in person with proof of age and identification. Fees effective January 1, 2024:
- Marriage license: $87 (cash or credit/debit card)
- Informal marriage license: $52 (cash or credit/debit card)
Licenses expire 90 days after issuance (Texas Family Code § 2.201), and a 72-hour waiting period applies. Certified copies of marriage licenses can be ordered by mail for $5.00 per copy using the request form available on the County Clerk’s website. Mail requests should be sent to the County Clerk at P.O. Box 359, Decatur, TX 76234.
The Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics division also provides marriage verification letters at $20 per copy and maintains marriage indexes dating back to 1966. These verifications do not carry the same legal weight as certified copies from the County Clerk.
Divorce records: Certified copies of divorce decrees are available from the District Clerk. The DSHS Vital Statistics division offers divorce verification letters as well, though these serve only to confirm that a divorce occurred and are not substitutes for certified decrees.
Birth and death certificates:
The County Clerk’s office issues certified copies of birth and death certificates to qualified applicants — the individual named on the record, parents, grandparents, siblings, legal guardians, legal representatives, or persons with a court order. Valid photo identification is required.
- Birth certificate: $23 per copy
- Death certificate: $21 for the first copy; $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
Mail-in requests require a completed application form, a photocopy of the applicant’s driver’s license, and payment by cashier’s check or money order (no personal checks). Mail to: Wise County Clerk, 200 N. Trinity Street, P.O. Box 359, Decatur, TX 76234.
The DSHS Vital Statistics unit offers birth records and death records by mail, online, and in person. State-issued certified copies cost $22 each. Heirloom birth certificates are $60, and birth certificates issued solely for election identification purposes are free.
Wise County Probate Court Records
Probate and guardianship matters in Wise County are heard by the County Courts at Law. The County Clerk’s probate and guardianship division files and maintains all related records, including applications for probate, wills, estate inventories, accountings, and guardianship petitions.
Wise County Clerk — Probate Division
Address: 200 N. Trinity St., P.O. Box 359, Decatur, TX 76234
Phone: (940) 627-3351
Fax: (940) 627-2138
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (Records Room closes at 4:30 p.m.)
How to search probate records:
- Online: Select the Civil, Family, & Probate Case Records option on the county’s public-access portal. Enter the decedent’s name or case number to retrieve docket information.
- In person: Visit the County Clerk’s Records Room during business hours to review paper files and order copies.
- By mail: Send a written request to the County Clerk with the decedent’s full name, approximate date of filing, and case number if known. Include a phone number so staff can confirm results and fees before mailing copies.
Guardianship requirements:
Since June 1, 2018, all guardians — whether appointed before or after that date — must register with the Judicial Branch Certification Commission (JBCC). Registration forms are available in English and Spanish. Guardians must also complete criminal background checks and guardianship training. Professional guardians must file an annual application with the County Clerk and pay a non-refundable $40 fee per Estates Code § 1104.303(b).
The County Clerk’s probate division does not supply legal forms. Individuals seeking forms or procedural guidance should contact the county Law Library. Neither clerk staff nor Law Library staff may provide legal advice under Government Code § 81.101.
Copy fees follow the same schedule as other County Clerk records: $1.00 per page for non-certified copies and $5.00 plus $1.00 per page for certified copies.