Bexar County TX Court Records serve as the official store of legal papers and case facts for one of Texas’s busiest court systems. These records cover criminal charges, civil lawsuits, family matters, probate cases, and traffic tickets. Two offices manage these documents: the County Clerk handles misdemeanors, civil cases under $50,000, probate, and family law, while the District Clerk manages felonies, major civil suits, and appeals. Residents, lawyers, and researchers can look up cases online, download data files, or visit offices in person at the Bexar County Courthouse and the Records & Training Center in San Antonio.
What Are Bexar County TX Court Records?
Court records are written accounts of what happens inside a courtroom. They include the charges filed, motions submitted, orders issued by judges, and final outcomes such as dismissals, convictions, or settlements. In Bexar County, these records are public under the Texas Public Information Act, meaning any person can view them unless a specific law closes a file. Examples of public records include criminal case dockets, civil lawsuit filings, probate wills, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. Some records stay sealed by court order. This happens in cases involving juveniles, certain family law matters, or ongoing investigations.
Each record carries specific facts. A criminal case file lists the defendant’s name, the charges, the arrest date, bond amounts, hearing dates, and the final sentence. A civil case file shows who sued whom, the reason for the lawsuit, the judge’s decisions, and the final judgment. Having these details available helps the public stay informed about court activities and supports transparency in the justice system.
How to Search Bexar County TX Court Records Online
The County Clerk and District Clerk run a shared online portal at search.bexar.org. This system combines data from both offices into one searchable database. Users can look up cases by last name and first name. Adding a middle initial narrows results but is not required. Other search options include case number, offense type, and filing year. The system returns docket numbers, filing dates, charge classifications such as misdemeanor or felony, and final dispositions. PDF copies of original filings are available for download.
The portal updates every 24 hours. A case filed today should appear in the system by the next day. This daily refresh keeps the database current with new arraignments, hearings, and judgments. For faster updates on criminal matters, the District Clerk publishes separate CSV files each morning at 6 a.m. Central Time. These files list defendants’ last names, case numbers, charge descriptions, bond amounts, and current status such as pending, dismissed, or convicted. Each file is about 2 MB and opens in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for sorting and filtering.
Search Tips for Better Results
- Use exact spelling of last names. The system matches name fields character by character.
- Add a first name to reduce duplicate entries. Common surnames like Garcia or Rodriguez return many results.
- Try a case number search when you have it. This pulls up one exact match.
- Use the offense type filter for criminal matters. Choose from categories like assault, theft, or DWI.
- Narrow by filing year when searching older cases. This speeds up the query.
Types of Cases in Bexar County Courts
Bexar County operates several court levels. Each one handles specific types of cases based on the subject and the dollar amount involved. Knowing which court oversees a matter helps you search the right database and contact the correct clerk.
Misdemeanor Cases
Misdemeanor cases cover crimes punishable by up to one year in county jail. Examples include DWI, assault causing bodily injury, theft of property valued between $2,500 and $30,000, and family violence. The County Clerk manages these records. Charges are filed by the Bexar County District Attorney’s office. Defendants appear before County Court at Law judges. Each case receives a docket number that stays the same through every hearing.
Felony Cases
Felony cases involve more serious crimes such as murder, robbery, drug trafficking, and sexual assault. Penalties range from 180 days to life in prison. The District Clerk manages felony records. Cases start with an indictment from a grand jury or an information filed by the District Attorney. Defendants go through arraignment, pretrial hearings, and trial. The District Clerk’s daily CSV files include felony cases alongside other criminal matters.
Civil Cases
Civil cases resolve disputes between people or businesses. They do not involve criminal charges. Common types include breach of contract, personal injury claims, property damage, and debt collection. Bexar County handles civil cases based on the amount in dispute. County Courts at Law hear cases up to $50,000. District Courts handle larger amounts. Each court keeps its own docket and filing system.
Family Law Cases
Family law covers divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and protective orders. These cases are sensitive. Some records stay confidential by law. The County Clerk manages most family law filings. Certain details like children’s names or financial account numbers may be redacted from public view.
Probate Cases
Probate cases deal with wills, estates, and guardianships. When someone dies, the court validates the will and oversees the distribution of property. The County Clerk handles these matters in County Court at Law 8. Probate records include the will, inventory of assets, and court orders appointing executors or guardians.
Small Claims Cases
County Courts at Law in Bexar County
Bexar County has eight County Courts at Law, numbered 8 through 15. Each court has a judge elected by the residents. The judges handle specific types of cases based on their assignments. Below is the current list of courts, judges, and their direct phone numbers.
| Court | Judge | Phone | Case Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| County Court 8 | Mary Roman | 210-335-2005 | Probate, Small Claims |
| County Court 9 | Gloria Saldana | 210-335-2008 | Landlord-Tenant Disputes |
| County Court 10 | J. Frank Davis | 210-335-2947 | Misdemeanor Criminal |
| County Court 11 | Tommy Stolhandske | 210-335-2023 | Traffic Violations |
| County Court 12 | Yolanda Huff | 210-335-2750 | Family Law |
| County Court 13 | Rosie Speedlin González | 210-335-2625 | Civil under $50,000 |
| County Court 14 | Carlo Key | 210-335-1670 | Civil under $50,000 |
| County Court 15 | Assigned Judge | 210-335-2011 | Civil under $50,000 |
Each court has a dedicated clerk who manages the docket, schedules hearings, and processes filings. Direct phone lines for each judge’s office help the public get answers without going through the main switchboard. This structure keeps the courts organized and accessible.
District Clerk Daily Dockets
The District Clerk publishes daily dockets for civil and criminal cases. A docket is a schedule of all hearings set for a particular day. Each entry shows the case number, the parties involved, the hearing time, the presiding judge, and the attorneys. PDF copies of these dockets are available on the Bexar County website.
Daily dockets help lawyers plan their schedules. They also let the public know when a specific case will appear in court. Anyone can attend these hearings. Courtrooms in Bexar County are open to the public unless a judge orders closure for safety or privacy reasons.
CSV Data Downloads for Criminal Records
The District Clerk offers comma-separated value files with criminal case data. These CSV files update every morning at 6 a.m. Central Time. The files include defendants’ last names, case numbers, charge descriptions, bond amounts, and current case status. Each file is approximately 2 MB in size.
Researchers, journalists, and data analysts use these files to track crime trends, analyze court outcomes, and build statistical reports. The files open in spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Users can sort by bond amount, filter by offense type, or create pivot tables for deeper analysis. The County Clerk also offers CSV files for misdemeanor records filed in the past calendar year. These include case numbers, defendant names, charge codes, and sentencing outcomes.
How to Use the CSV Files
- Download the file from the District Clerk’s webpage.
- Open it in Excel or Google Sheets.
- Use the filter function to narrow results by offense or status.
- Sort by bond amount to identify high-bond cases.
- Create charts or graphs for visual reporting.
Records & Training Center
The Records & Training Center is located at 200 N Comal South Tower, San Antonio, TX 78207. This facility requires an appointment for all visits. It operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding county holidays. The center issues certified copies of birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage certificates. Staff members also conduct workshops on using digital record systems.
To schedule an appointment, call 210-335-1171. A live operator verifies identity requirements and sets a service time. Walk-ins are not accepted. This policy helps staff prepare documents in advance and reduces wait times. The center serves people who need official copies for legal purposes such as passport applications, estate settlements, or name changes.
Open Records Requests
Some public documents are not court records. These include county contracts, emails, meeting minutes, and internal memos. To request these, use the Open Records Request page on the Bexar County website. The Texas Public Information Act requires the county to respond within three business days. Most requests result in electronic copies sent by secure email. Physical copies can be picked up at the Bexar County Courthouse, 100 Dolorosa, San Antonio, TX 78205.
When submitting a request, specify the record type, date range, and the agency that holds the document. Vague requests take longer to process. The County Clerk’s office handles requests for court-related public records. Other departments like the Sheriff’s Office or the County Manager’s Office process their own. There is no fee for electronic copies. Physical copies may carry a per-page charge.
What Information Appears in a Court Record
A typical court record in Bexar County contains several standard elements. Knowing what to expect helps users find the facts they need without confusion.
Criminal Case Elements
- Defendant’s full name and date of birth
- Case number assigned at filing
- Charges listed with Texas Penal Code sections
- Filing date and arrest date
- Bond amount and conditions of release
- Names of defense attorney and prosecutor
- Hearing dates and courtroom number
- Plea entered by the defendant
- Verdict and sentence if case is complete
Civil Case Elements
- Names of plaintiff and defendant
- Case number and filing date
- Cause of action such as breach of contract or negligence
- Relief sought by the plaintiff
- Motions filed during the case
- Orders issued by the judge
- Final judgment and any monetary award
- Appeal information if the case moves to a higher court
How Long Do Records Stay Available
Court records in Bexar County remain available indefinitely. The clerks maintain archives dating back decades. Older records may exist in microfilm or paper format. Digital records are easier to search. Paper files require an in-person visit to the Records & Training Center or the courthouse basement archives.
Some records get expunged or sealed. Expunction removes a record as if the arrest or case never happened. Sealing restricts public access but keeps the file in the system. Only the person named in the record or their attorney can view sealed files. A court order is required for both actions.
Third-Party Public Record Websites
Several websites compile Bexar County court records alongside data from other counties. These sites offer broader search options but may not be as current as the official Bexar County portal. Texas State Records is one example. It aggregates arrest logs, booking photos, and court filings from across Texas. Users can search by name, booking date, or arresting agency.
These third-party sites pull data from public sources. They add features like reverse phone searches or address history. However, they charge fees for detailed reports. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, the official Bexar County portal remains the best choice.
Commissioners Court Agendas and Minutes
The Bexar County Commissioners Court meets weekly to make decisions on county business. Agendas list topics like budget items, ordinance hearings, and public comment periods. After each meeting, staff publishes minutes that record motions, votes, and resolutions. These documents are available through the CivicEngage portal on the Bexar County website.
The portal archives PDFs by date. Users can search by keyword, agenda item, or date range. This system helps residents track decisions that affect taxes, roads, and public services. Meetings are open to the public. Some are broadcast online for remote viewing.
Contact Information and Office Locations
| Office | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bexar County Courthouse | 100 Dolorosa, San Antonio, TX 78205 | 210-335-2011 | Mon-Fri 8am-5pm |
| Records & Training Center | 200 N Comal South Tower, San Antonio, TX 78207 | 210-335-1171 | Mon-Fri 8am-5pm by appointment |
| District Clerk | 100 Dolorosa, San Antonio, TX 78205 | 210-335-2700 | Mon-Fri 8am-5pm |
| County Clerk | 100 Dolorosa, San Antonio, TX 78205 | 210-335-2241 | Mon-Fri 8am-5pm |
The main courthouse at 100 Dolorosa sits in downtown San Antonio. Multiple offices operate from this building. The Records & Training Center at 200 N Comal South Tower requires appointments. The Central Magistrate office at the same location operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week for bond hearings and emergency matters.
Common Questions About Bexar County TX Court Records
Can I view court records for free?
The online portal at search.bexar.org is free. Anyone with an internet connection can search cases by name or case number. PDF copies of filings are also free to download. Charges apply only for certified copies of vital records like birth certificates or for physical copies of open records request documents.
How long does it take for a new case to appear online?
The portal updates every 24 hours. A case filed today should appear by the next business day. The District Clerk CSV files update at 6 a.m. each morning. Cases filed after the previous day’s cutoff appear in the next morning’s file.
Are juvenile records public?
No. Juvenile case records in Texas are confidential. They do not appear in the public portal. Only the juvenile, their parents, and their attorney can access these files. Certain serious offenses may allow limited access by law enforcement or school officials under specific conditions.
Can I get a record expunged?
Yes, if you meet the legal requirements. Expunction is available for arrests that did not lead to charges, cases that were dismissed, and some first-time offenses after a waiting period. You must file a petition with the court. A judge decides whether to grant the request. An attorney can help with the paperwork and court appearance.
What if I find an error in my court record?
Contact the clerk’s office that manages the case. The County Clerk handles misdemeanors and civil matters. The District Clerk handles felonies. Provide the case number and explain the error. The clerk can correct clerical mistakes. For substantive changes, you may need to file a motion with the court.
Do court records show arrests?
Court records show charges filed by the prosecutor. They do not always show arrests. An arrest becomes a court record only after charges are filed. Some arrests never lead to charges. Arrest logs are maintained by the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office separately from court records.
How far back do digital records go?
The online portal contains records from the early 2000s onward. Older cases may require a visit to the Records & Training Center or the courthouse archives. Microfilm records extend back to the early 1900s. Staff can help locate historical files with a name and approximate date.
Official Resources
- Bexar County Official Website: https://www.bexar.org
- Court Records Search Portal: https://search.bexar.org
- Searches & Records Page: https://www.bexar.org/3021/Searches-Records
- Public Record Searches: https://www.bexar.org/2984/Public-Record-Searches
- Records & Training Center: https://www.bexar.org/2976/Records
- District Clerk Criminal Records: https://www.bexar.org/2988/Online-District-Clerk-Criminal-Records
- County Courts Directory: https://www.bexar.org/1055/County-Courts