Nueces County Court Records

Nueces County court records contain details of legal proceedings, decisions, and actions. They are maintained by the Nueces County District Clerk's Office and ensure the transparency and accountability of the justice system. They are also valuable public documents, allowing the public to understand court procedures and follow up on cases of interest.

A court record covers all documents filed with a courthouse from when the case was initiated through the proceedings to the case disposition. It typically includes the case number, parties' names, nature of the case, filing date, motions, court orders, judgments, evidence, exhibits, appeals, and other related documents.

Are Court Records Public in Nueces County?

In Nueces County, the Texas Public Information Act (PIA) governs public access to court records. As outlined by the PIA, most Nueces County court records are open to inspection and copying by the public.

However, some limitations exist. Certain court records are restricted from public disclosure due to privacy concerns or ongoing investigations. Examples include:

• Mental Health Records: Information about a defendant's mental evaluations might be restricted.
• Law Enforcement Investigations: Documents relating to ongoing criminal investigations might be withheld until the investigation is complete.
• Juvenile Records: Juvenile proceedings typically have restricted access to protect the privacy of the children involved.
• Sealed Records: Court orders may seal specific documents within a case to protect sensitive information, such as social security numbers, financial statements, or trade secrets.

Nueces County Court Records Search

Nueces County residents and other interested parties can conduct a court record search at the following locations:

• The courthouse where the case was heard
• A public case search portal is provided by the district clerk's office.
• Statewide online case database
• Third-party aggregate websites

Nueces County Court Records Search by Name

To conduct a name-based search for court records in Nueces County, individuals must have either the first or last name (for individuals) or the business name (for corporations). The name can be submitted at the District Clerk's office for processing or entered into the case search portal the District Court provides.

Performing the search online provides access to basic case information, such as case type, parties involved, filing dates, motions, orders, and judgments. However, inquirers can access more comprehensive case information when they submit an in-person request at the District Clerk's office.

Generally, inspecting a court record is accessible both online and in person, but there are associated fees for downloading and copying court records. Additionally, there is a wait time of not more than ten business days for in-person requests for copies.

A name search may return multiple cases associated with the same name but different persons or the same name but multiple cases. Providing additional details like a date range or case type can improve search results.

Nueces County Courts

Nueces County operates a unified court system, meaning one court handles both civil and criminal matters at the trial level. While the Nueces County District Court serves most purposes, there are other courthouses that serve Nueces County and its residents.

Nueces County Courts at Law have jurisdiction over criminal misdemeanors, probate matters and civil lawsuits. Also, Nueces County Justice of the Peace Courts hears civil cases with up to $20,000 in dispute, landlord and tenant disputes, traffic and other Class C misdemeanor cases.

Nueces County District Courtrooms

Nueces County 28th District Court (A)
901 Leopard St.
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Floor: 8th Room: 803
Phone: (361) 888-0506

Nueces County 94th District Court (C)
901 Leopard St.
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Floor: 9th Room: 901
Phone: (361) 888-0320

Nueces County 105th District Court (D)
901 Leopard St.
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Floor: 8th Room: 802
Phone: (361) 888-0510

Nueces County 117th District Cour (B)
901 Leopard St.
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Floor: 9th Room: 904
Phone: (361) 888-0436

Nueces County 148th District Court (E)
901 Leopard St.
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Floor: 9th Room: 903
Phone: (361) 888-0333

Nueces County 214th District Court (F)
901 Leopard St.
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Floor: 9th Room: 902
Phone: (361) 888-0463

Nueces County 319th District Court (G)
901 Leopard St.
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Floor: 8th Room: 801
Phone: (361) 888-0533

Nueces County 347th District Court (H)
901 Leopard St.
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Floor: 8th Room: 804
Phone: (361) 888-0593

Nueces County Courts at Law

Nueces County Court at Law 1
901 Leopard St.
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Floor: 7th Room: 701
Phone: (361) 888-0555

Nueces County Court at Law 2
901 Leopard St.
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Floor: 7th Room: 702
Phone: (361) 888-0596

Nueces County Court at Law 3
901 Leopard St.
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Floor: 7th Room: 703
Phone: (361) 888-0466

Nueces County Court at Law 4
901 Leopard St.
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Floor: 7th Room: 704
Phone: (361) 888-0237

Nueces County Court at Law 5
2310 Golihar
Corpus Christi, TX 78415
Phone: (361) 561-6056

Nueces County Justice of Peace Courts

Nueces County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 1
901 Leopard St.
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Floor: 1st Room: 116
Phone: (361) 888-0201

Nueces County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 2
901 Leopard St.
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Floor: 1st Room: 115
Phone: (361) 888-0210

Nueces County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 3
11408 Leopard Street
Corpus Christi, TX 78410
Phone: (361) 241-1222

Nueces County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, Place 1
5725 S. Padre Island Dr., Suite 150
Corpus Christi, TX 78412
Phone: (361) 853-4079

Nueces County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, Place 2
10110 Compton
Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Phone: (361) 937-2614

Nueces County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3
115 South Ash Street
P.O. Box 27
Bishop, TX 78343
Phone: (361) 584-2420

Nueces County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4
705 W. Avenue A
Port Aransas, TX 78373
P.O. Box 133
Phone: (361) 749-5660

Nueces County Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 Place 1
710 East Main
Robstown, TX 78380
Phone: (361) 767-5205

Nueces County Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 Place 2
1514 2nd Street
Agua Dulce, TX 78330
P.O. Box 387
Phone: (361) 998-2231

Nueces County Juvenile Justice Center
2310 Gollihar Rd.
Corpus Christi, TX 78415
Phone: (361) 855-7303

Court of Appeal

13th Court of Appeal
Nueces County Courthouse
901 Leopard, 10th Floor
Corpus Christi, Texas 78401
Phone: (361) 888-0416
Fax: (361) 888-0794

Nueces County Superior Court Case Search

The Nueces County District Court serves as the functional equivalent of a Superior Court. The court has original jurisdiction in all criminal cases (felonies and misdemeanors) in Nueces County. Other cases handled by the court include:

• Divorce cases
• Disputes over who owns land or who has a claim on land
• Contested elections
• Slander and defamation suits
• Suits on behalf of the state for forfeitures, penalties or escheat.

Nueces County District Court Records

As earlier stated, the Nueces County District Court functions as the superior court and hears all criminal and civil cases within the County. The District Court offers both online and in-person options for public access to court records.

Individuals who wish to conduct an online search can use one of the following methods:

• Public Case Search tool
• Public Records Search tool
• Online Paper Request
• re:SearchTX

The Public Case Search tool is designed for case parties (such as plaintiffs, defendants, or attorneys) to find information about individual cases. The tool has two search options: Smart Search and Search Hearings. The Smart Search option allows users to search for court records by entering the names of case parties or case numbers. It also has an advanced filtering option that can filter by location, FBI number, ethnicity, case status, case type, and judgment type. The "Search Hearings" feature of the Public Case Search tool allows users to search for court hearings within a particular date range.

The Public Records Search tool is the database of the official records of different County Clerk's Record Division departments. With this tool, users can access records of foreclosures, marriages, marks and bands, public notices, campaign reports, commissioner courts and miscellaneous. A search can be conducted on the platform by entering case identifying information like names of case parties, case number, document type, and date range.

The Online Paper Request is designed to meet the needs of individuals seeking civil court records. The form requires an inquirer to input the following information: case number, Names of case parties, Case status, Number of copies, Phone number, and Email address of the requester for correspondence. The request is typically attended to within 10 business days.

re:SearchTX platform is a statewide court records database that hosts case information from all 254 counties in Texas. It offers three pricing plans. The free plan allows individuals to conduct a basic search of case information and hearing schedules throughout Texas. However, the other two plans, Premium and Pro, offer much more. They cost $8/month and $75/month, respectively, and allow heavy users (attorneys and law firms) to conduct comprehensive in-document text searches.

For in-person access, an inquirer must visit the District Court Clerk's office during business hours and fill out a request form. An in-person visit is essential in situations when the inquirer needs to access a more comprehensive case file that may not be accessible online. Inquirer must be prepared to provide necessary personal and case identifying information to aid the search. Retrieving certified and uncertified copies of Nueces court records come at a cost—$1 per page for uncertified copies and an additional $1 per page for certified copies.

Nueces County Criminal Records

Under the Texas Public Information Act (PIA), Nueces County criminal records are accessible to the general public. However, the level of access varies depending on the type of record and the law enforcement agency involved.

Following an arrest, individuals charged with serious offenses (class A or B) are held in Nueces County Jail. Those charged with less serious offenses (Class C misdemeanors) are processed at the Registration and Detention Center. The Nueces County Sheriff's Office manages the two facilities.

During the booking process, the arrestee's basic details, such as the name, date of birth, physical characteristics, booking charges, and mugshot, are documented and become part of Nueces County Public Records. By contacting the Sheriff's office, inquirers can access Nueces County arrest records and confirm if a person is currently incarcerated.

However, complete criminal history records are not always publicly available. Texas law enforcement agencies have discretion to withhold certain information, particularly for ongoing investigations or to protect the privacy of individuals involved.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) is responsible for maintaining a statewide database of offenders in all counties of the state. TxDPS database provides access to Criminal History Records and Sex Offenders Registry. The Criminal History Records database contains comprehensive information on an individuals' criminal records, including arrests, convictions, and dispositions. The Sex Offenders Registry contains information on the name, offense, and location of sex offenders residing in Texas.

Nueces County Criminal Court Case Lookup

To look up criminal court case information in Nueces County, inquirers must either visit the courthouse in person or use the Public Case Search tool on the County Clerk's website.

On the Case Search portal, users can conduct a "Smart Search" by entering the case number or First and Last name on the case file. Advanced filtering options also exist, such as filter by location, filter by ethnicity, filter by FBI number, filter by attorney name, and filter by judgment type, amongst others. Note that the information available online may not include the entire case file.

Another online search option would be the Hearing Search tool. This tool allows inquirers to search for court hearings within a specified date range. Users can select a specific courthouse and conduct the search by case number, party name, business name, attorney name, attorney bar number, judicial officer or courtroom.

An in-person search (when possible) usually offers more benefits than an online search. Individuals who visit the courthouse in person typically have access to most, if not all, parts of the case information. Details like court documents, transcripts, or specific case history can be provided at the inquirer's request.

Get Nueces County Civil Court Records

Civil court records are documents of court actions and proceedings in a case between private individuals or business entities. Civil court cases do not involve any criminal charge and are not offenses against the state. Examples of civil court cases include breach of contracts, personal injury lawsuits, property ownership disagreements, debt collection, and eviction matters.

The Nueces County District Clerk is the custodian of civil court records. The Clerk's office is located at the District courthouse and assists inquirers in locating and retrieving civil court records for a fee. It is essential to confirm the availability of the desired records before visiting. Call the Nueces County District Clerk's office at (361) 888-0200 to find out the search procedures and associated fees.

Individuals may use the Civil Copies Customer Order Form to request Nueces Couny civil court records online. On the form, fill out the case number, style, case parties, document title, Number of copies, phone number, and email address. The Clerk's office will receive the request and process it within ten working days.

Each copy costs $1.00 per page. Certified copies have an extra $1.00 fee per document. The Clerk's office accepts personal and local checks within Nueces County. Attorney firm checks within the state of Texas are also accepted. Money orders or cashier's checks are accepted for out-of-county or out-of-state requests. Note that fees must be paid in advance of the request. Requesters can also send payment confirmation in writing to the Clerk's office.

Additionally, individuals can use the re:SearchTX tool and Nueces County Public Case Search platform to view and download copies of civil court records via the Internet. To use the platforms, users must enter identifying details of the case, such as party names and case numbers.

The re:SearchTX tool gives inquirers access to records from all counties in Texas, while the Public Case Search tool is limited to civil court cases heard in Nueces County. For more information, look up the re:SearchTX FAQs.

Nueces County Family Court Records

Family law matters are heard in Nueces County District Courts. The Family Law division handles various cases involving domestic relations, such as:

• Dissolution of Marriage: This covers legal processes like divorce, legal separation, and annulment (nullity) of marriage.
• Child Custody and Support: These matters involve determining legal and physical custody arrangements for children, as well as establishing child support obligations.
• Spousal Support: Family court may determine spousal support awards based on factors outlined in the Texas state law.
• Adoption: Proceedings for adopting a child, including finalization of adoption and termination of parental rights.
• Paternity: Establishing legal fatherhood of a child.
• Domestic Violence: Issues related to domestic violence restraining orders and protective measures.

Public access to family court records in Texas is limited. While some basic case information is publicly available, certain details within the records may be restricted. This is to ensure the safety and privacy of individuals involved in the case, particularly when minors are involved.

Individuals directly involved in the family court case (e.g., spouses in a divorce) and their attorneys typically have full access to the case file. However, only basic case information, such as case type, parties involved, and court filings, is accessible to the public. Sensitive details, such as child custody agreements or financial information, are also generally restricted.

Individuals can access family court records either in person or via the Records Search Portal on the Nueces County website. To access the records in person, visit the Nueces County District Clerk's office located at the courthouse. Court officials at the District Clerk's office will assist in searching for and retrieving copies of the desired records.

Alternatively, individuals can access certain family court records online. By entering case details such as name and case number into the Records Search portal, users can retrieve case summaries related to the search input. Note that there are associated fees for both in-person and online document retrieval.

Family court records are used to establish paternity, obtain child support, and serve as official documentation of the court's decisions. Attorneys also use these records to track the progress of a case, present evidence, and prepare for hearings.

Nueces Dissolution of Marriage Records

Dissolution of marriage records fall under the umbrella of family court records. These records encompass documents related to divorce, legal separation, or annulment (nullity) proceedings handled within Nueces County court system.

Similar to Family Court Records, dissolution of marriage records can be accessed via the Records Search Portal or in person at the District Clerk's office. By conducting a search online or in person, individuals would have access to divorce judgments and case summaries related to dissolution of marriage proceedings.

However, it's important to note that these records may be sealed in certain circumstances, especially when there is sensitive information that requires protection. These limitations usually involve details related to child custody or financial settlements.

Nueces County Marriage and Divorce Records

In Nueces County, Marriage and divorce records are maintained by separate government entities. The Nueces County Clerk's Office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records, while the Nueces County District Clerk's Office manages divorce records.

Marriage Records

To obtain marriage records in Nueces County, individuals can explore the following means:

• In-Person: Visit the County Clerk's office to submit a request. After paying the required fees and filling out the necessary forms, the certified copy will be made available.
• Online (Third-Party): While Nueces County does not offer access to marriage records via the internet, some third-party platforms provide this service for a fee. To conduct a search on these platforms, users must enter the name of one of the couples and the date of marriage, if known.

Note that authorized certified copies of Nueces County marriage certificates are only issued to the spouses on the record, their legal representatives, or upon a court order. However, an informational copy is available to anyone. Though it contains the same information as the authorized copy, it lacks the official seal and cannot be used for legal purposes requiring proof of marriage.

Divorce Records

Divorce records are part of the Nueces County's family court filings. Hence, they are managed by the Nueces County District Clerk. The District Clerk offers three methods for accessing divorce records:

• In-Person: Individuals can visit the Nueces County District Clerk's office to request a copy of a divorce record. A nominal fee is applicable and it is payable by cash, check or money order.
• re:SearchTX: This service provides electronic access to recent case documents, including divorce filings in all 254 Texas Counties. Individuals can purchase documents on this database at the rate of 10¢/page.
• Records Search Portal: This portal allows users to view a register of actions associated with a specific case, provided they have the case number.

Marriage/Divorce Indexes

As an alternative, inquirers can download marriage and divorce indexes compiled by the Vital Statistics Section (VSS) of Texas Health and Human Services. The information on the indexes is curated from the County and District Clerks' offices throughout Texas. However, these indexes do not include Nueces County marriage records before 1966 and divorce records before 1968.

The indexes contain information such as file numbers, names of the individuals involved, their ages, marriage dates, and the place of marriage. Divorce/annulment indexes also include information like the Number of children under 18, the date of marriage dissolution, and the county name and code where the decree is filed.

Note that indexes are not legal documents. They're only meant to help inquirers locate the County where the original marriage license or divorce decree is filed.

Nueces Birth and Death Records

Birth and Death records are part of Nueces County's vital records. They hold significant personal and historical value, providing information for tracing family history, such as parents' names, birthdates, and places of death. These records are crucial for establishing proof of identity and age, especially when obtaining a driver's license, passport, or social security number.

Nueces County birth certificates may also be required for legal proceedings such as applying for benefits or enrolling in school. Similarly, death certificates are often necessary to settle estates or obtain life insurance benefits.

Authorized and certified copies of Nueces County birth records are available upon request, but some limitations exist based on Texas state law. Tex. Govt. Code § 552.115 exempts government agencies from the public disclosure of birth records until the 75th anniversary of the date of birth. Similarly, death records are not made public until the 25th anniversary of the date of death.

However, qualified applicants such as the registrant, legal representative, immediate family member, or guardian are legally permitted to access these records.

The Nueces County Clerk's Office is the official custodian of birth and death records. Inquirers can obtain copies through the following methods:

• In-Person: Visit the County Clerk's office to submit a request form and obtain a certified copy on the spot.
• Mail: Submit a completed application form along with the required fee by mail.

Contact the County Clerk's office at (361) 888-0580 or send an email to filing.cc@nuecescountytx.gov to confirm the availability of Birth and Death records and for other related enquiries.

Nueces County Probate Court Records

Nueces County probate courts handle legal matters concerning the distribution of a deceased person's estate and other related issues. This court oversees the administration of wills and trusts, ensuring assets are distributed according to the deceased's wishes.

Individuals can access probate court records in Nueces County in two primary ways. Inquirers may visit the County District Clerk's office in person to review case information or obtain copies of documents. There is a nominal fee of $1.00 per page for copies and an additional $1.00 per page for Certified Copies. Payment must be made via check or money order before processing the request.

Alternatively, the District Clerk's Records Division provides a public records search portal. On this portal, users can search for probate cases by the name of the deceased person or case number.

For inquiries regarding record availability or other assistance, contact the Nueces County District Clerk's office at Phone: (361) 888-0450 or by email via nueces.districtclerk@nuecescountytx.gov

Nueces County Property Records

Property records, also known as real estate records, provide valuable information about properties within Nueces County. These records contain details on property characteristics, ownership, deeds, lien, plats, market value, and tax records.

Nueces County property records are managed by the following government entities:

• Nueces County Clerk's Office: The County Clerk is the official custodian and recorder of real estate documents. The County Clerk guarantees the safekeeping and accessibility of the records to the public.
• Nueces County Appraisal District (NCAD): The NCAD provides comprehensive property information and real estate assessments within Nueces County.

To access property records in Nueces County, individuals can use one of the following means:

• Online: Inquirers can search for property records via the Nueces County Clerk's website and NCAD Property Search tool. Search criteria include owner's name, address, ID, property type, geographic ID, and neighborhood code.
• In-Person: Residents can visit the Nueces County Clerk's office and NCAD office during business hours to obtain copies of property records for a fee.
• Email or Mail: While this option may be slow, individuals can also write the County Clerk and NCAD via email or mail to make a formal request for property records.

Nueces County Court Records Online

Third-party websites like courtrecords.us are convenient alternatives for individuals seeking to access Nueces County records online. They aggregate public records from different government sources and offer them for a fee.

Using third-party websites eliminates the need to visit a courthouse in person. Individuals can access desired court records from the comfort of their homes or offices. Many third-party websites also offer a user-friendly search interface, making it easy for users to conduct a search swiftly.

Additionally, since these websites curate a large volume of data from different government sources, they simultaneously help track down court records across different jurisdictions. This is especially useful when an inquirer is trying to track an individual's footprint across various locations.

However, public records hosted on third-party websites may not be up-to-date. They may be incomplete or inaccurate. Therefore, verifying records obtained from these sources against official government records is usually advised.