Rusk County Court Records

Rusk County court records are official legal documents maintained and disseminated by the County Clerk's Office. These records include all judicial proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. Under the Texas Public Information Act (PIA), these records are generally accessible to the public, subject to certain statutory exceptions.

Court records include various judicial instruments and procedural documents such as:

• Affidavits
• Court dockets
• Indictments
• Trial transcripts
• Deposition records.

Collectively, these documents provide a comprehensive record of legal proceedings, facilitating the administration of justice within Rusk County.

A Texas court records search can provide information on criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, and family law proceedings. For example, court records might reveal information about a person's previous convictions, the details of civil litigation, or the terms of a divorce settlement.

Are Court Records Public in Rusk County?

Yes, court records are generally public in Rusk County, Texas. Under the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code), citizens may access non-confidential judicial records.

Generally, most information produced, collected, assembled, or maintained by or for a governmental body in the transaction of official business is considered public information. However, there are exceptions to this access. For instance, the following information is not available to the public:

• Records are sealed by court order.
• Juvenile records are typically confidential.
• Certain family law issues, such as adoption records
• Mental health cases
• Records with sensitive personal identifying information

Rusk County Court Records Search

To obtain Rusk County court records, individuals can visit in person or mail a written request to the record custodian. Some records are also available online.

The Texas judicial system falls into two categories: appellate and trial courts.

Appellate courts include the following:

• Texas Supreme Court
• Court of Criminal Appeals
• Courts of Appeals.

In comparison, the Texas trial court system consists of:

• District Courts
• Criminal District Court
• Constitutional County Courts
• County Courts at Law
• Statutory Probate Courts
• Justice Courts
• Municipal Courts

Individuals who wish to access court records in person, via mail, or online are required to provide relevant information that can be used to facilitate the record search. Such details include the following:

• The Case number
• Names of parties involved
• Date of the case
• Type of document requested

Rusk County Court Records Search by Name

Requests wishing to perform a name-based search for court records are generally advised to contact the Rusk County Clerk's Office. Inquirers generally have to identify the type of record they seek and which court handled that particular case. This can help narrow down the search and facilitate results.

To conduct a name-based search, individuals would need to provide:

• Full name of the person involved in the case
• Approximate date range of the case
• The type of case (civil, criminal, or family)

There is a $5 search fee per record and $1 per page for each certified copy of the record obtained.

Rusk County Courts

Rusk County, Texas, operates a structured judicial system consisting of County Courts, District Courts, and Justice of the Peace Courts. The County Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, probate issues, and civil disputes involving sums ranging from $200 to $20,000. District Courts oversee felony criminal cases, family law matters, and civil cases with higher monetary values. Justice of the Peace Courts addresses small claims, eviction proceedings, and specific misdemeanors.

The list below outlines the different Rusk County, Texas, courts and their contact addresses:

Rusk County 4th District Court
115 N. Main Street, #301,
P.O. Box 1687,
Henderson, TX 75653
Phone: (903) 657-0358
Fax: (903) 655-1250

Rusk County Constitutional Court
115 N. Main Street, #206,
P.O. Box 758,
Henderson, TX 75653
Phone: (903) 657-0330
Fax: (903) 657-2387

Rusk County Court at Law
115 N Main Street, Ste 201
Henderson, TX 75652
Phone: (903) 657-0344
Fax: (903) 657-3378

Precinct One Rusk County Justice of the Peace
210 S. Helen P.O. Box 357
Overton, TX 75684
Phone: (903) 834-3753
Fax: (903) 834-3738

Precinct Two Rusk County Justice of the Peace
150 W. Davis Street,
P.O. Box 1034, Tatum, TX 75691
Phone: (903) 947-6440
Fax: (903) 947-6292

Precinct Three Rusk County Justice of the Peace
306 NW 2nd Street P.O. Box 189
Mount Enterprise, TX 75681
Phone: (903) 822-3737
Fax: (903) 822-3735

Precinct Four Rusk County Justice of the Peace
7933 Hwy 42 S, Henderson, TX 75654
Phone: (903) 854-4220
Fax: (903) 854-4316

Precinct Five Rusk County Justice of the Peace
210 W. Charlevoix Ave,
#304, Henderson, TX 75652
Phone: (903) 657-0308
Fax: (903) 657-0310

Henderson Municipal Court
300 West Main Street, First Floor
Henderson, TX 75652
Phone: (903) 657-6551

Mount Enterprise Municipal Court
103 W. Gregg Street,
Mount Enterprise, TX 75681
Phone: (903) 822-3269

New London Municipal Court
P.O. Box 428,
New London, TX 75682
Phone: (903) 895-4466

Overton Municipal Court
1200 S. Commerce,
Overton, TX 75684
Phone: (903) 834-3145

Tatum Municipal Court
P.O. Box 1105 680 Crystal Farms Rd,
Tatum, TX 75691
Phone: (903) 947-2282

Rusk County District Court Records

The Rusk County District Court primarily handles felony and civil cases, including murder, aggravated assault, burglary, robbery, and drug offenses. It has general jurisdiction over all criminal and civil cases, managing those beyond the jurisdiction of other courts.

Additionally, the court deals with civil cases, such as contract disputes, personal injury, property damage, and real estate disputes. The court also oversees family law cases and probate matters, including wills, estates, and guardianships.

To access records specific to the District Court in Rusk County, individuals can visit the district clerk’s office at:

115 N. Main St.,
Henderson, TX 75652

Rusk County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Rusk County are generated upon an individual's conviction of a crime. These records contain detailed information, including the full arrest record details, the conviction date, probation record, and incarceration history. Individuals seeking to obtain criminal history records can do so at the Rusk County Sheriff's Office.

In addition, the Texas Department of Public Safety website offers a portal where criminal records can be accessed. To use this service, users would need to create an account and purchase Search Credits at $3 per file.

Rusk County Criminal Court Case Lookup

Requesters can visit the Rusk County District Clerk's website to access criminal court case information in Rusk County, Texas. The District Clerk's Office provides an online search tool that allows for using criteria such as the defendant's name, case number, or filing date.

Alternatively, they can contact the Rusk County District Clerk's office directly for further guidance on accessing specific case information or retrieving documents. Sometimes, requesters may need to visit the Rusk County Courthouse in person to access certain records or obtain copies of documents.

Get Rusk County Civil Court Records

Civil court records in Rusk County, Texas, typically include case filings and pleadings, court orders and judgments, transcripts of hearings and trials, settlement agreements, docket sheets, and jury verdicts. The Rusk County District Clerk's Office maintains these records.

To access civil court records in Rusk County, Texas, individuals would need to know the case number or the names of the parties involved. Then, they can contact the Rusk County District Clerk's Office either in person, by phone, or through their website.

Under the Public Information Act, most civil court records are publicly accessible. However, exceptions exist to protect privacy, ongoing investigations, and other sensitive information.

Rusk County Family Court Records

In Rusk County, family court records typically include divorce proceedings, child custody and support cases, adoption records, paternity suits, domestic violence protective orders, name change petitions, and guardianship cases. These records are kept by the district clerk’s office.

Accessing family court records in Rusk County involves processes similar to those of other civil records. Individuals seeking family court records would likely need to provide valid identification, especially for cases where they are a party or have a direct interest. For some records, they may need to demonstrate a relationship to the case or parties involved.

Note: Texas Family Code Section 109.001 provides for the confidentiality of certain records in suits affecting the parent-child relationship.

Rusk County Marriage and Divorce Records

In Rusk County, Texas, the County Clerk's office maintains marriage records. These records typically contain the following information:

• Names of the bride and groom
• Date of marriage
• Place of marriage
• Officiant's name
• License number

To obtain a copy of a Rusk County marriage record, interested parties can apply to the Vital Records Department of the Texas Department of State Health Services. This can be done by mailing the application form to the TxDSHS.

Divorce records in Rusk County typically include the names of the parties involved, the date of divorce, the case number, the grounds for divorce, and custody and child support information.

To obtain a Rusk County Divorce Record, applicants must complete an application form and mail it to the Department of State Health Services. The cost is $20 per record, which includes a $5 expedited processing fee. Requesters must provide a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport.

Access to these records is restricted to the following individuals:

• The groom
• The bride
• Children of the married party
• Former or current spouse of the married party
• The legal representative of either married party

Rusk Birth and Death Records

In Texas, vital records such as birth and death certificates are governed by the Texas Health and Safety Code and administrative rules set by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). For births and deaths that occurred within the last 75 years, individuals can request records from the Rusk County Clerk's office or the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section.

Under Texas law, access to birth and death records is restricted to qualified applicants. These typically include the person named on the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record.

Requestors must provide valid government-issued photo identification to obtain these records. State law and local regulations set fees for searching for and obtaining copies of these records.

Rusk County Probate Court Records

Probate courts in Rusk County generally handle cases such as probate of wills and administration of estates, guardianships for minors and incapacitated adults, mental health commitments, eminent domain cases, and trusts administration. The records generated from these cases may include wills, inventories, appraisements of estates, letters of administration, guardianship orders and reports, and trust documents.

To obtain these records, individuals can visit the Rusk County Courthouse to access records in person. For more detailed or older records, requesters may need to submit a written request specifying the records they seek.

Rusk County Property Records

Rusk County, Texas, provides public access to property records through various channels. This makes it convenient for individuals to obtain information about properties within the county. These records are maintained by the Rusk County Clerk's Office, Appraisal District, and other government agencies. Requesters can visit the Rusk County Clerk's Office in person or send a mail-in request.

There are various types of property-related information available, including:

• Records of property ownership, including the owner's name, address, and tax mailing address.
• Information about the property, such as its residential, commercial, or agricultural use. property size, year built, and property value.
• Records of property taxes, including tax amount and payment history, tax exemptions and deductions, and delinquent taxes and penalties.
• Copies of deeds, warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and other property-related documents.
• Records of foreclosed properties, auction dates, and sale prices.

Rusk County Court Records Online

Individuals can obtain court records online at no cost in Rusk County, Texas. They have several options to choose from. Requesters can visit the Rusk County courthouse, where public access computers are available for free search of court records. Additionally, the Texas Judiciary Online website offers access to court records from various Texas courts. Users can search for records by case number or name.

Third-party aggregation sites offer online access to court records from multiple jurisdictions. For instance, in Texas, texascourtrecords.us gives access to civil and criminal court records. This makes it easier to search for specific or multiple records without geographical or technological limitations. They can be a convenient starting point for record searches. However, these sites do not guarantee the availability or accuracy of the information they provide as they are not government-sponsored.