Brazos County Court Records
Brazos County court records are generated during legal proceedings to capture all activities, events, and outcomes. Court records provide a formal history of legal cases and help promote the proper administration of justice.
Court records in Brazos County are part of a broader public record system that includes other records, such as arrest records, vital records, and federal court records. Together, these records often help individuals better understand how the public system operates in the county.
Are Brazos County Court Records Public?
Yes. Court records in Brazos County are public based on the general presumption of common law and court rules that such records are open to the public unless a specific law or rule restricts access. While court records in the county are public records, they are not governed by the Texas Public Information Act.
Most court records in Brazos County can be inspected by the general public; however, a few exceptions exist where information has been made confidential by law, court order, or court rule. These exceptions include
- Guardianship case records
- Juvenile offender records
- Mental health proceedings
- Sensitive financial data
- Adoption records
What Information is Available in Brazos County Court Records?
Researchers may generally find the following information in a Brazos County court record.
- The parties involved, including their names and their legal representatives
- Case details, such as the case number, the case type, and the filing date
- Docketed events
- Financial history
- Court orders and the final judgment
Brazos County Court Records Search
Below are several ways individuals can access Brazos County court records.
- Online Access
Individuals can search court records online through the Brazos County Judicial Records Search Portal. The portal provides access to civil, criminal, family, and Justice of the Peace court records. Users may use the party, case, or judgment search criteria to locate a record. Researchers should note, however, that online access has its limitations. Certified copies of a record and confidential records cannot be obtained online.
- In-Person Access
Individuals who want to access a confidential record or obtain a physical copy may visit the District, County Court at Law, Justice of the Peace, or Municipal Court clerk, depending on the court that heard the case. The District, County Court at Law, and Justice of the Peace courts maintain both civil and criminal court records, depending on the severity, while Municipal Clerks manage traffic violations. Office staff typically ask requesters to provide a name or case number and charge a fee for copies.
- Mail and Phone Requests
Individuals can also write their requests and mail them to the relevant custodian (the court or clerk’s office). Requesters may need to include a self-addressed stamped envelope to receive the records.
Note that the District Clerk also receives court record requests via email and fax, provided the requester sufficiently describes the record needed.
Fees for Court Records in Brazos County
Online access to court records through the Brazos County Judicial Records Search is free; however, obtaining physical copies of a court record in person or by mail incurs a fee. The exact fees involved depend on the record and the mode of request.
Plain copies of a court record typically cost $1 per page. Certifying the document adds an extra $5 to the total amount. Additionally, individuals who request a name search will be charged a $5 search fee. To avoid this particular fee, requesters may request a search using a case number instead.
Note that the County Clerk also issues vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates. Marriage certificates and birth certificates cost $21 and $23 per copy, respectively, while death certificates cost $21 for the initial copy and $4 for each additional copy requested at the same time.
Brazos County Courthouse Locations
The following are the trial courts located in Brazos County:
- District Courts ( 85th , 272nd , 361st , and 472nd ): These courts handle all felony criminal cases, juvenile matters, and high-value civil or family law disputes.
- County Courts at Law 1 and 2 : These courts manage Class A and B misdemeanors, probate cases, and civil lawsuits involving up to $250,000.
- Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1 , 2 , 3 , and 4 ): These courts handle small claims up to $20,000, evictions, and Class C misdemeanor traffic tickets.
- Municipal Courts: These city-level courts resolve city ordinance violations and minor criminal offenses within city limits.
Below are the addresses of the courts
Brazos County Courthouse (District Courts, County Courts, and Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 Court)
300 East 26th Street
Suite 2614
Bryan, Texas 77803
District Court Phone: (979) 361-4230
County Court Phone: (979) 361-4128
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 Phone: (979) 361-4402
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
412 William D. Fitch Parkway
College Station, Texas 77845
Phone: (979) 695-0136
Fax: (979) 695-0324
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
Brazos County Administration Building
200 South Texas Avenue
Suite 114
Bryan, Texas 77803
Phone: (979) 361-4190
Fax: (979) 361-4191
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3
1500 George Bush Drive
College Station, Texas 77840
Phone: (979) 693-2695
Fax: (979) 764-1909
Bryan Municipal Court
401 South Tabor Avenue
Bryan, Texas 77803
Phone: (979) 209-5400
Fax: (979) 731-1760
College Station Municipal Court
1101 Texas Avenue
College Station, Texas 77840
Phone: (979) 764-3500
Criminal Records Access in Brazos County
In Brazos County, the responsibility for maintaining criminal records is divided between agencies. Law enforcement agencies are the custodians of documents related to arrests, jail bookings, and criminal histories. The courts, on the other hand, are responsible for maintaining the official case files for criminal proceedings.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the law enforcement agency responsible for statewide criminal history records. Brazos County residents who want a copy of their Texas criminal history record may perform a Criminal History Conviction Name Search or a Fingerprint Search. The name search contains public criminal information and can be accessed by anyone, while the fingerprint search is limited to authorized agencies, employers, and the subject of the record.
Criminal case files can be accessed locally through the Brazos County Judicial Records Search Portal or by visiting or mailing a request to the appropriate custodian’s office.
Brazos County Probate Records
Brazos County probate records document the administration and distribution of a deceased person’s estate and include wills, estate records, trusts, and guardianship information. Probate cases in Brazos County are handled by the County Courts at Law. The courts handle guardianships, conservatorships, trusts, heirship determinations, and mental health cases.
Probate records in Brazos County, like other court records, are generally accessible to the public and only restricted if the record contains confidential information or is sealed by the court. Since probate matters are heard in the County Courts at Law, the records are filed with the County Clerk. Individuals visit the clerk’s office to obtain a copy of a probate record. Regular copies cost $1 per page, while certified copies cost $5 per document. Researchers may also search for the records online through the Brazos County Judicial Records Search Portal. However, users should note that the portal does not disseminate confidential probate records.
Brazos County Family Court Records
Brazos County family court records originate from family matters handled by the District Courts and Family Law Associate Court. These matters generally include restraining orders, divorces, adoptions, child custody, child visitation, name changes, and paternity.
Family court records are public in the county and can be accessed by the public unless a record is confidential. To access these court records, individuals can visit the District Clerk’s Office or submit a written request by mail. Family court records may also be available online via the Brazos County Judicial Records Search Portal.
Federal Court Records in Brazos County
Federal court records in Brazos County consist of case files managed by the Houston Division of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. These records contain information on court proceedings involving federal statutes.
The custodian of federal court records differs from that of county court records. To access a federal court record, individuals may visit the federal courthouse located in Harris County. If inconvenient, individuals may also search for the record using the Federal Case Locator (PACER). The case locator allows users to search federal case records for a fee.