Cameron County Court Records
What Is Cameron County Court Records
Court records in Cameron County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, court records are defined as "all documents of any nature filed in connection with any matter before a court."
Court records are distinct from other public records such as:
- Property records (deeds, liens, mortgages)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Business records (licenses, permits)
- Tax records
In Cameron County, court records are maintained by several courts within the judicial hierarchy:
- District Courts
- County Courts at Law
- Justice of the Peace Courts
- Municipal Courts
- Probate Court
These courts handle various types of cases including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family matters, probate issues, and traffic violations. The Cameron County District Clerk serves as the official custodian of records for district courts, while the County Clerk maintains records for county-level courts.
Are Court Records Public In Cameron County
Court records in Cameron County are generally accessible to the public under Texas law. The Texas Public Information Act, codified in Texas Government Code Chapter 552, establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
The following court records are typically available for public access:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed pursuant to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a, which governs the sealing of court records. These restrictions typically apply to:
- Juvenile records
- Mental health proceedings
- Adoption records
- Records containing sensitive personal information
- Cases sealed by judicial order
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Southern District of Texas (which includes Cameron County) are governed by federal rules and are accessible through the federal PACER system, not through county resources.
The Texas Judicial Branch has established rules regarding public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns. These rules are implemented at the county level by the respective clerks' offices.
How To Find Court Records in Cameron County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Cameron County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
In-Person Requests:
- Identify the appropriate court where the case was filed
- Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form
- Provide case information (names, case numbers, filing dates)
- Pay applicable fees for copies or certified documents
By Mail:
- Download and complete the records request form from the appropriate clerk's website
- Include specific case information and copy fees
- Mail the request to the appropriate clerk's office
For District Court records:
Cameron County District Clerk's Office
974 E. Harrison Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 544-0838
Cameron County District Clerk
For County Court records:
Cameron County Clerk's Office
1100 E. Monroe Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 544-0809
Cameron County Clerk
Online Access: Cameron County provides several online portals for accessing court records electronically. The Cameron County Clerk Public Access Portals allow users to search for records by name, case number, or date range. Different portals exist for different types of records and time periods.
Third-Party Services: Authorized abstract companies and legal research services may provide access to Cameron County court records for a fee. These services often offer additional search capabilities and document delivery options.
How To Look Up Court Records in Cameron County Online?
Cameron County offers several online portals for accessing court records electronically. Each system contains different types of records and has specific search functionalities:
For District Court Records:
- Visit the Cameron County District Clerk's website
- Select "Case Records Search"
- Create a user account if required
- Search by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Filing date range
- Case type
- Review search results and select specific cases to view
- Pay any applicable fees for document downloads
For County Court Records:
- Access the Cameron County Clerk's Public Access Portal
- Choose the appropriate portal based on record type and date:
- Official Records Portal (current records)
- Historical Records Portal (1848-1912)
- Judicial Records Portal
- Enter search criteria
- View available document information
- Request copies as needed
For Justice Court Records:
- Navigate to the Cameron County Justice Courts website
- Select the appropriate precinct
- Access the case search function
- Enter defendant name or case number
- Review case status and basic information
Additionally, users may access the re:SearchTX platform, which provides a unified search interface for court records across Texas counties, including Cameron County. This system requires registration and may involve fees for document access.
The Texas State Law Library provides comprehensive guidance on accessing court records throughout Texas, including Cameron County.
How To Search Cameron County Court Records for Free?
Texas law, specifically Texas Government Code § 552.021, guarantees the public's right to inspect government records without charge. In accordance with this provision, Cameron County offers several options for free access to court records:
Free In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours to view court records at no cost. While copying fees apply, inspection itself is free:
- District Clerk's Office: Free public access terminals are available for searching case information
- County Clerk's Office: Public viewing stations provide access to digitized records
- Justice Court offices: Case information can be reviewed at the clerk's counter
Free Online Search Options:
- Cameron County Web Portals - Basic case information searches are free, though document downloads may incur fees
- Cameron County Clerk Public Access Portals - Free search functionality for case status and basic information
- Cameron County Court Dockets - Free access to upcoming court schedules and hearings
Public Library Access: Several public libraries in Cameron County provide free access to public computers where residents can search court records online:
Brownsville Public Library
2600 Central Blvd
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 548-1055
Harlingen Public Library
410 '76 Dr
Harlingen, TX 78550
(956) 216-5800
While basic searches are free, users should be aware that fees may apply for:
- Printed copies (typically $1.00 per page)
- Certified copies (additional certification fee)
- Document downloads from certain systems
- Research assistance from clerk staff
What's Included in a Cameron County Court Record?
Court records in Cameron County contain various documents depending on the case type and court level. A comprehensive court record typically includes:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Petitions or complaints in civil cases
- Indictments or information in criminal cases
- Applications in probate matters
- Petitions in family law cases
Procedural Documents:
- Summonses and returns of service
- Notices of hearings
- Motions and responses
- Discovery-related documents (in some cases)
- Subpoenas
- Witness lists
Court-Generated Documents:
- Docket sheets (chronological listing of all case events)
- Court orders and judgments
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Transcripts of proceedings (when prepared)
- Jury instructions (in jury trials)
- Sentencing documents (in criminal cases)
Evidence and Exhibits:
- Documentary evidence admitted at trial
- Exhibit lists
- Affidavits and declarations
- Expert reports (in some cases)
Financial Information:
- Fee payment records
- Cost bills
- Restitution orders (in criminal cases)
- Child support calculations (in family cases)
Case Disposition Documents:
- Final judgments
- Dismissal orders
- Settlement agreements (when filed)
- Probation terms (in criminal cases)
- Divorce decrees (in family cases)
- Probate orders (in estate matters)
The specific contents vary by case type and may be subject to redaction of sensitive information pursuant to Texas Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 12.
How Long Does Cameron County Keep Court Records?
Cameron County retains court records according to schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These retention periods vary by document type and case category:
District Court Records:
- Felony case records: Permanently maintained
- Civil case records: Permanently maintained
- Family law cases: Permanently maintained
- Mental health proceedings: 25 years after case closure
- Juvenile cases: Until the individual reaches age 23, then eligible for restricted access
County Court Records:
- Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after final disposition for Class C; 10 years for Class A and B
- Civil cases: 12 years after final judgment
- Probate cases: Permanently maintained
- Mental health cases: 25 years after final judgment
Justice Court Records:
- Civil cases: 4 years after final judgment
- Criminal cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Small claims: 4 years after final judgment
- Eviction cases: 4 years after final judgment
Municipal Court Records:
- Criminal cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Juvenile cases: Until the individual reaches age 21
Certain historically significant records may be designated for permanent retention regardless of type. Additionally, Cameron County has implemented digital preservation systems that allow for longer retention of electronic records beyond the minimum required periods.
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides the complete retention schedule that Cameron County follows for court records management.
Types of Courts In Cameron County
Cameron County's judicial system consists of several levels of courts, each with specific jurisdiction and authority:
District Courts: Cameron County has six district courts (103rd, 107th, 138th, 197th, 357th, and 404th) that handle felony criminal cases, civil matters involving larger amounts, family law cases, and juvenile matters.
103rd District Court
974 E. Harrison Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 544-0830
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
103rd District Court
County Courts at Law: Cameron County has four County Courts at Law that handle misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases with moderate amounts in controversy, probate matters, and some family law cases.
Cameron County Court at Law #1
974 E. Harrison Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 544-0878
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
County Court at Law #1
Justice of the Peace Courts: Cameron County has five Justice of the Peace precincts that handle small claims cases, evictions, traffic citations, Class C misdemeanors, and perform magistrate duties.
Justice of the Peace Precinct 1
1054 E. Madison Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 544-0815
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Justice of the Peace Precinct 1
Municipal Courts: Each city in Cameron County maintains its own Municipal Court that handles city ordinance violations, traffic citations, and Class C misdemeanors that occur within city limits.
Brownsville Municipal Court
1001 E. Adams Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 548-7087
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Brownsville Municipal Court
Probate Court: Cameron County has a specialized Probate Court that handles wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health matters.
Cameron County Probate Court
974 E. Harrison Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 544-0895
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cameron County Probate Court
The court hierarchy in Texas proceeds from Municipal/Justice Courts to County Courts to District Courts, then to the Court of Appeals, and finally to the Texas Supreme Court (for civil cases) or the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (for criminal cases).
What Types of Cases Do Cameron County Courts Hear?
Each court in Cameron County has jurisdiction over specific types of cases as established by Texas law:
District Courts:
- Felony criminal cases (murder, robbery, drug trafficking)
- Civil lawsuits with amounts in controversy over $200,000
- Family law matters (divorce, child custody, support)
- Juvenile cases
- Real property disputes
- Election contests
- Civil forfeitures
- Injunctions and other equitable remedies
County Courts at Law:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (DWI, theft under $2,500)
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $200,000
- Probate matters (wills, estates, guardianships)
- Mental health commitments
- Appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts
- Eminent domain proceedings
Justice of the Peace Courts:
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy up to $20,000
- Small claims cases
- Eviction proceedings
- Debt claims
- Traffic violations
- Class C misdemeanors (punishable by fine only)
- Magistrate duties (setting bail, issuing search warrants)
- Inquests
Municipal Courts:
- City ordinance violations
- Traffic violations within city limits
- Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
- Parking violations
- Code enforcement cases
- Juvenile curfew violations
- Animal control violations
Probate Court:
- Wills and estate administration
- Guardianships for incapacitated persons
- Mental health proceedings
- Trust administration issues
- Adult protective services matters
The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the Texas Government Code and may occasionally overlap, particularly between County Courts at Law and District Courts for certain civil matters.
How To Find a Court Docket In Cameron County
Court dockets in Cameron County provide schedules of hearings, trials, and other proceedings. Members of the public can access these dockets through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Cameron County Clerk's Public Access Portals
- Select the "i-Docket Judicial" option for current court schedules
- Search by date, court, or case type
- View upcoming hearings and proceedings
District Court Dockets:
- Navigate to the Cameron County District Clerk's website
- Select "Court Dockets" from the menu
- Choose the specific district court
- Select the date range to view scheduled proceedings
Justice Court Dockets:
- Visit the website for the specific Justice of the Peace precinct
- Look for the "Court Docket" or "Court Calendar" section
- Select the date to view scheduled hearings
In-Person Docket Requests: Court dockets are posted daily in the respective courthouses. Visitors may view these posted dockets or request docket information from the clerk's office for each court.
By Telephone: Members of the public may call the appropriate clerk's office to inquire about specific court dockets:
- District Clerk: (956) 544-0838
- County Clerk: (956) 544-0809
- Justice Courts: Contact the specific precinct
The Cameron County Web Portals provide centralized access to various court information systems, including docket searches.
Which Courts in Cameron County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Texas judicial system, a "court of record" maintains official transcripts of proceedings and has the authority to fine or imprison for contempt. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 27.001, certain courts are designated as "not of record," meaning they do not maintain official transcripts of all proceedings.
In Cameron County, the following courts are not courts of record:
Justice of the Peace Courts: All five Justice of the Peace Courts in Cameron County are not courts of record. These courts handle:
- Small claims cases
- Eviction proceedings
- Traffic violations
- Class C misdemeanors
- Magistrate duties
When a case is appealed from a Justice Court, it receives a completely new trial (trial de novo) in the County Court at Law because no official record exists from the original proceeding.
Some Municipal Courts: While some municipalities in Cameron County have converted their courts to "Municipal Courts of Record," others remain as traditional municipal courts that are not courts of record:
Non-Record Municipal Courts in Cameron County:
- Los Fresnos Municipal Court
- Port Isabel Municipal Court
- San Benito Municipal Court
- Several smaller municipalities
Appeals from these non-record municipal courts also receive a trial de novo at the county level.
In contrast, all District Courts, County Courts at Law, and the Probate Court in Cameron County are courts of record, maintaining official transcripts of all proceedings through court reporters or digital recording systems.