Medina County Court Records

What Is Medina County Court Records

Medina County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and decisions rendered by courts operating within Medina County, Texas. Court records typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
• Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
• Judicial orders and final judgments
• Transcripts of court proceedings
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
• Sentencing and probation records in criminal matters
• Marriage and divorce decrees in family law cases

Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, birth certificates, and tax records, which are maintained by separate county departments. According to Texas Government Code § 51.303, district and county clerks are responsible for maintaining court records as the official custodians of these documents.

The following courts maintain records in Medina County:

38th Judicial District Court
1100 16th Street, Room 307
Hondo, TX 78861
830-741-6070
38th Judicial District Court

Medina County Court
1100 16th Street, Room 209
Hondo, TX 78861
830-741-6020
Medina County Court

Justice of the Peace Courts
Four precincts serving different areas of the county

Municipal Courts
Serving incorporated cities within Medina County

These courts generate records for civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, and traffic violations, creating a comprehensive repository of legal documentation.

Are Court Records Public In Medina County

Court records in Medina County are generally public documents pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act and the common law right of access to judicial records. Under Texas Government Code § 552.022, court records are categorized as public information with certain exceptions.

The following court records are typically accessible to the public:

• Civil case files (with limited redactions for sensitive information)
• Criminal case files after formal charges have been filed
• Final judgments and court orders
• Docket sheets showing case progression
• Court calendars and hearing schedules
• Property records related to judgments and liens

However, not all court records are publicly accessible. Texas law restricts access to:

• Juvenile proceedings under Texas Family Code § 58.007
• Mental health commitment records
• Adoption proceedings
• Certain family law matters involving minors
• Records sealed by judicial order
• Grand jury proceedings

It is important to note that federal courts operating in Texas, such as the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, maintain separate record systems governed by federal rules rather than state law. The Texas Rules of Judicial Administration further define public access policies for court records throughout the state.

How To Find Court Records in Medina County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Medina County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains both physical and digital repositories of court records, with varying levels of accessibility.

To obtain court records in person:

1. Identify the specific court where the case was filed (District Court, County Court, Justice Court)
2. Visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours
3. Complete a records request form providing case number, party names, or filing dates
4. Present valid photo identification
5. Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
6. Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents

Medina County District Clerk
1100 16th Street, Room 300
Hondo, TX 78861
830-741-6070
Medina County District Clerk

Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

For remote requests:

1. Submit a written request via mail, email, or fax to the appropriate clerk's office
2. Include case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
3. Provide payment method for applicable fees
4. Allow 5-10 business days for processing

For certified copies of court records, requestors must specify this requirement and pay additional certification fees ($5.00 per document). Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.318, clerks may charge reasonable fees for record retrieval and reproduction.

How To Look Up Court Records in Medina County Online?

Medina County provides digital access to certain court records through several online portals, though the availability of complete case files varies by court type and case category. The following online resources are currently available for court record searches:

iDocket Public Access This system provides access to Medina County District and County Court records:

1. Navigate to the iDocket Public Access portal
2. Select the desired court (District or County)
3. Search by case number, party name, attorney, or filing date
4. Review the case summary information
5. Note that document images are not available through this system

Texas Judicial Branch - Public Court Records For statewide case information:

1. Visit the Texas Judicial Branch website
2. Select "Case Search" from the available options
3. Choose Medina County from the jurisdiction dropdown
4. Enter search criteria (minimum of last name required)
5. Review results showing basic case information

Medina County Justice of the Peace Records For JP court cases:

1. Contact the specific Justice of the Peace precinct office
2. Online access varies by precinct, with some offering limited electronic access

Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) For federal cases involving Medina County residents:

1. Register for a PACER account
2. Select the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas
3. Search by party name, case number, or filing date
4. Pay applicable PACER fees ($0.10 per page viewed)

Users should note that online systems may not contain complete case files, particularly for older cases or those containing sensitive information. Additionally, document images are often limited or unavailable through public portals, requiring in-person requests for complete files.

How To Search Medina County Court Records for Free?

Texas law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. According to Texas Government Code § 552.021, public information shall be available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body.

Free options for accessing Medina County court records include:

In-Person Inspection

1. Visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours
2. Request to view specific case files
3. Examine documents on-site without charge
4. Take notes or use personal devices for photography if permitted by local rules

Medina County District Clerk
1100 16th Street, Room 300
Hondo, TX 78861
830-741-6070
Medina County District Clerk

Medina County Clerk
1100 16th Street, Room 209
Hondo, TX 78861
830-741-6020
Medina County Clerk

Free Online Resources

• iDocket Public Access - Provides free case summary information without document images
• Texas Judicial Branch Search - Offers basic case information at no cost
• Medina County Court Calendar - Displays upcoming court dates free of charge

Public law libraries may also provide free access to court records and legal research tools:

Medina County Law Library
1100 16th Street
Hondo, TX 78861
830-741-6070

While basic case information is available without charge, users should be aware that fees apply for copies, certified documents, and extensive searches requiring staff assistance. Additionally, some specialized searches may require payment of research fees pursuant to local rules.

What's Included in a Medina County Court Record?

Medina County court records contain various documents depending on the case type and stage of proceedings. The content of these records is governed by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

Civil Case Records typically include:

• Petition or complaint initiating the lawsuit
• Summons and proof of service documents
• Defendant's answer or response
• Motions filed by either party
• Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
• Affidavits and sworn statements
• Court orders and rulings on motions
• Final judgment or dismissal order
• Post-judgment collection documents
• Appeal notices and related filings

Criminal Case Records typically include:

• Charging documents (indictment or information)
• Arrest warrant and return of service
• Defendant's plea documents
• Bond or bail information
• Pretrial motions and rulings
• Evidence logs (not the evidence itself)
• Trial transcripts (if requested)
• Verdict forms
• Sentencing documents
• Probation or parole records
• Appeal notices and related filings

Family Law Records typically include:

• Petition for divorce or custody
• Temporary orders
• Financial disclosure statements
• Parenting plans
• Child support worksheets
• Final decree of divorce
• Qualified domestic relations orders
• Modification requests

Probate Records typically include:

• Will (if applicable)
• Application for probate
• Inventory of estate assets
• Claims against the estate
• Accountings
• Distribution orders
• Letters testamentary or administration

Court records also contain administrative documents such as case information sheets, attorney appearances, and certificates of service. Sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, and minor children's identifiers are typically redacted in publicly accessible versions of these documents.

How Long Does Medina County Keep Court Records?

Medina County retains court records according to schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under authority granted by Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. Retention periods vary based on case type, disposition, and historical significance.

District Court Records:

• Civil case files: 12 years after final disposition
• Tax suits: Permanent
• Family law cases: Permanent for divorce decrees; 25 years for other documents
• Criminal felony cases: 50 years after final disposition
• Capital felony cases: Permanent
• Grand jury records: 10 years

County Court Records:

• Civil cases: 6 years after final disposition
• Probate cases: Permanent for inventories and wills; 10 years for other documents
• Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after final disposition
• Mental health proceedings: 10 years after final disposition

Justice Court Records:

• Civil cases: 4 years after final disposition
• Criminal cases: 5 years after final disposition
• Small claims: 4 years after final disposition
• Eviction cases: 4 years after final disposition

Municipal Court Records:

• Criminal cases: 5 years after final disposition
• Juvenile cases: Until the individual reaches age 21

Certain records are designated for permanent retention due to their historical or legal significance, including:

• All case indexes
• Final judgments and decrees in civil cases
• Criminal cases involving offenses against children
• Adoption records
• Naturalization records (pre-1906)
• Mental competency determinations

After the mandatory retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to procedures outlined in the Texas Local Government Records Act. However, many older records have been microfilmed or digitized for permanent preservation.

Types of Courts In Medina County

Medina County's judicial system consists of several court levels, each with specific jurisdiction and authority. The following courts operate within the county:

38th Judicial District Court
1100 16th Street, Room 307
Hondo, TX 78861
830-741-6070
38th Judicial District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Medina County Court
1100 16th Street, Room 209
Hondo, TX 78861
830-741-6020
Medina County Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
1100 16th Street, Room 103
Hondo, TX 78861
830-741-6060
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
8366 FM 471 South
Castroville, TX 78009
830-538-3661
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4
3567 FM 2676
Devine, TX 78016
830-663-2841
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Hondo Municipal Court
1600 Avenue M
Hondo, TX 78861
830-426-3385
Hondo Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Devine Municipal Court
303 S. Teel Drive
Devine, TX 78016
830-663-2804
Devine Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The court hierarchy in Texas proceeds from lower courts with limited jurisdiction to higher courts with broader authority:

1. Municipal Courts/Justice of the Peace Courts (lowest level)
2. County Courts
3. District Courts
4. Courts of Appeals (14 districts statewide)
5. Texas Supreme Court (civil) and Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (criminal)

Cases may be appealed from lower courts to higher courts according to procedures established in the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure.

What Types of Cases Do Medina County Courts Hear?

Medina County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with each court level assigned specific types of cases according to Texas law. The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the Texas Constitution and various statutes.

38th Judicial District Court handles:

• Felony criminal cases
• Civil matters involving claims over $250,000
• Family law cases (divorce, child custody, support)
• Juvenile proceedings
• Real property disputes
• Probate matters contested from County Court
• Appeals from lower courts
• Administrative agency appeals

Medina County Court handles:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases (Class A and B)
• Civil cases with claims between $20,000 and $250,000
• Probate and guardianship proceedings
• Mental health commitments
• Appeals from Justice and Municipal courts
• Eminent domain proceedings

Justice of the Peace Courts handle:

• Civil cases with claims up to $20,000
• Small claims cases
• Class C misdemeanors
• Traffic violations
• Eviction proceedings
• Debt claims
• Magistrate functions (arrest warrants, search warrants)
• Inquests
• Marriage ceremonies

Municipal Courts handle:

• City ordinance violations
• Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
• Traffic violations within city limits
• Parking violations
• Code enforcement cases
• Limited juvenile matters (curfew violations, truancy)

The distribution of cases among these courts ensures efficient administration of justice while providing appropriate forums based on case complexity and severity. Certain specialized matters, such as condemnation proceedings, may involve multiple court levels depending on the stage of the case.

For federal matters affecting Medina County residents, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, San Antonio Division, has jurisdiction over federal crimes, constitutional questions, diversity cases, and certain specialized matters like bankruptcy and immigration.

How To Find a Court Docket In Medina County

Court dockets in Medina County provide essential information about scheduled hearings, case status, and proceedings. These calendars are available through several methods to accommodate public access needs.

To access Medina County court dockets:

Online Docket Access:

1. Visit the iDocket Public Access portal
2. Select the desired court (District or County)
3. Search by case number, party name, or date range
4. View upcoming hearings and case events
5. Note that registration may be required for certain features

In-Person Docket Review:

1. Visit the clerk's office for the relevant court
2. Request to view the current docket or calendar
3. Provide case information if seeking specific hearing dates
4. Review posted docket sheets in courthouse hallways (updated daily)

Medina County District Clerk
1100 16th Street, Room 300
Hondo, TX 78861
830-741-6070
Medina County District Clerk

Medina County Clerk
1100 16th Street, Room 209
Hondo, TX 78861
830-741-6020
Medina County Clerk

Telephone Docket Information:

1. Call the appropriate clerk's office during business hours
2. Provide case number or party names
3. Request information about upcoming hearings
4. Note that basic information is available by phone, but detailed docket access requires in-person or online review

For Justice of the Peace and Municipal Court dockets, contact the specific court directly as these dockets are maintained separately from District and County Court calendars.

Attorneys registered with the Texas electronic filing system receive automatic notifications of docket entries and hearing dates for their cases. Members of the public must actively check dockets for updates, as notification services are not generally available to non-parties.

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, court clerks are required to maintain accurate dockets reflecting all case activities and scheduled proceedings.

Which Courts in Medina 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. Courts not of record typically do not maintain verbatim transcripts, and appeals from these courts involve a new trial (trial de novo) rather than a review of the record.

According to Texas Government Code § 27.001, Justice of the Peace courts in Medina County are not courts of record. These include:

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
1100 16th Street, Room 103
Hondo, TX 78861
830-741-6060
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
8366 FM 471 South
Castroville, TX 78009
830-538-3661
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4
3567 FM 2676
Devine, TX 78016
830-663-2841
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4

Additionally, the following Municipal Courts in Medina County are not courts of record:

Hondo Municipal Court
1600 Avenue M
Hondo, TX 78861
830-426-3385
Hondo Municipal Court

Devine Municipal Court
303 S. Teel Drive
Devine, TX 78016
830-663-2804
Devine Municipal Court

The practical implications of a court not being a court of record include:

1. Appeals from these courts to the County Court involve a completely new trial, not a review of the previous proceedings
2. No official court reporter is present during proceedings
3. No verbatim transcript is created unless specially arranged by a party
4. Judges in these courts are not required to be licensed attorneys
5. Procedures are generally less formal than in courts of record

In contrast, Medina County Court and the 38th Judicial District Court are courts of record, maintaining official transcripts through court reporters and following more formalized procedures. Appeals from these courts to higher courts involve a review of the record rather than a new trial.

Lookup Court Records in Medina County