Bastrop County Court Records

What Is Bastrop County Court Records

Court records in Bastrop County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.022, these records constitute public information that documents the activities of governmental bodies and officials. Court records typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and petitions
• 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
• Settlement agreements in civil matters

Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax records, which are maintained by separate county departments. The Texas Judicial Branch establishes standards for court record maintenance and access.

In Bastrop County, court records are maintained by several courts within the judicial hierarchy:

• 21st and 335th District Courts (felony criminal cases, civil matters over $200,000)
• County Courts at Law (misdemeanors, civil cases under $200,000, probate)
• Justice of the Peace Courts (small claims, traffic violations, Class C misdemeanors)
• Municipal Courts (city ordinance violations, Class C misdemeanors within city limits)

These records document proceedings in criminal, civil, family, probate, and traffic matters, providing an official account of judicial actions and decisions within Bastrop County.

Are Court Records Public In Bastrop County

Court records in Bastrop County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Government Code § 552.001, which establishes the fundamental philosophy that government records should be presumed open to public inspection. The Texas Constitution and statutory provisions support the principle that courts operate openly, with limited exceptions.

The following court records are typically available for public access:

• Civil case files (with certain privacy exceptions)
• Criminal case files (post-charging)
• Court dockets and hearing schedules
• Final judgments and orders
• Property records related to legal proceedings
• Probate inventories and wills (once filed with the court)

However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

• Juvenile proceedings (per Texas Family Code § 58.007)
• Mental health commitment records
• Adoption proceedings
• Cases involving minors in family court
• Records sealed by judicial order
• Information deemed confidential by specific statutes

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Western District of Texas (which includes Bastrop County) are governed by federal access rules through the PACER system, not by state public information laws.

The Texas Rules of Judicial Administration provide additional guidance on court record access policies, balancing the presumption of openness with privacy concerns and practical limitations.

How To Find Court Records in Bastrop County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Bastrop County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains both physical and digital systems for record retrieval.

For in-person requests:

1. Identify the appropriate court that maintains the desired records
2. Visit the court clerk's office during regular business hours
3. Complete a records request form specifying case number, party names, or other identifying information
4. Present valid photo identification
5. Pay applicable copy fees (currently $1.00 per page for standard copies)

Bastrop County District Clerk
804 Pecan Street
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 332-7244
Bastrop County District Clerk

Bastrop County Clerk
804 Pecan Street, 1st Floor
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 332-7230
Bastrop County Clerk

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. Enclose payment for estimated fees or await fee notification
4. Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery if requesting physical copies

For electronic access:

1. Access the Bastrop County Records Search portal
2. Register for an account if accessing restricted information
3. Search by case number, party name, filing date, or case type
4. View available documents online or request copies of unavailable items

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, the county clerk must promptly produce public information for inspection or duplication, or provide a written statement of when the information will be available if not immediately accessible.

How To Look Up Court Records in Bastrop County Online?

Bastrop County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These systems vary by court type and record category, offering different search capabilities and document availability.

The primary online resources include:

Bastrop County Records Search Portal

1. Navigate to the Bastrop County Records Search website
2. Select the appropriate case category (civil, criminal, family, probate)
3. Enter search criteria such as case number, party name, or filing date
4. Review search results showing basic case information
5. Access available document images (some may require in-person viewing)

Texas Judicial Branch - Public Court Records

1. Visit the Texas Judicial Branch Search
2. Select "Bastrop County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
3. Enter relevant search parameters
4. View case status, upcoming hearings, and disposition information

Justice of the Peace and Municipal Court Records

1. For JP court records, access the Bastrop County JP Courts page
2. For municipal violations in Elgin, use the Elgin Municipal Court portal
3. Register for an account if required
4. Search by citation number, name, or case number
5. View case status and payment options

District Clerk's Office Online Services

1. Access the District Clerk's Records section
2. Select the appropriate record type
3. Follow the search instructions for the specific database
4. Pay any applicable access fees using the online payment system

Users should note that while basic case information is generally available online, complete document images may be restricted or require additional fees. Under current Texas judicial administration rules, certain sensitive information is redacted from online records even when the underlying documents are public.

How To Search Bastrop County Court Records for Free?

Texas law provides for free public inspection of court records under Texas Government Code § 552.021, which establishes that public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body. Bastrop County offers several no-cost options for accessing court records.

Free in-person inspection options:

• Visit the Bastrop County District Clerk's office to view district court records
• Access County Court at Law records at the County Clerk's office
• Examine Justice of the Peace records at the respective JP precinct offices
• Use public access terminals available in clerk's offices during regular business hours

Free online search options:

• Basic case information is available at no charge through the Bastrop County Records Search
• The Texas Judicial Branch provides free access to case status information
• Bastrop County Clerk Records Search offers free index searches for certain records

While inspection is free, the following fees may apply:

• Document copies: $1.00 per page for standard copies
• Certified copies: $5.00 per document plus copy fees
• Electronic document downloads: Varies by document type
• Research fees: May apply for requests requiring extensive staff time

The Texas Local Government Code § 118.011 authorizes counties to charge reasonable fees for copies of public records. However, individuals may use personal devices such as smartphones or portable scanners to capture images of public records during inspection at no cost, subject to reasonable restrictions to protect documents.

Individuals experiencing financial hardship may request a fee waiver by submitting an affidavit of inability to pay, though approval is at the discretion of the records custodian.

What's Included in a Bastrop County Court Record?

Bastrop County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court level. A typical court record file includes:

For Criminal Cases:

• Charging documents (indictments, information, complaints)
• Arraignment records and plea entries
• Bail and bond documentation
• Pretrial motions and judicial rulings
• Evidence logs and witness lists
• Trial transcripts (if transcribed)
• Verdict forms and judgment documents
• Sentencing orders and conditions
• Probation terms and compliance reports
• Appeal notices and related filings

For Civil Cases:

• Original petitions and complaints
• Service of process documentation
• Defendant answers and counterclaims
• Discovery-related motions and orders
• Expert witness designations
• Summary judgment motions and responses
• Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
• Trial exhibits admitted into evidence
• Final judgments and decrees
• Post-judgment collection documents

For Family Law Cases:

• Divorce petitions and responses
• Child custody and support orders
• Property division agreements
• Protective orders and related findings
• Adoption petitions and decrees
• Name change applications and orders
• Mediation agreements and reports

For Probate Matters:

• Wills and codicils
• Applications for probate or administration
• Inventories of estate assets
• Claims against estates
• Guardian and executor reports
• Estate distribution orders
• Trust documents filed with the court

Each court record also contains a docket sheet that chronologically lists all actions taken in the case, serving as an index to the file contents. Court records may also include audio or video recordings of proceedings in courts that utilize electronic recording systems rather than court reporters.

How Long Does Bastrop County Keep Court Records?

Bastrop County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under authority granted by Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These schedules establish minimum retention periods, though many records are kept permanently due to their historical and legal significance.

Standard retention periods for major record types include:

Criminal Case Records:

• Felony cases: Permanent retention
• Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after final disposition
• Capital cases: Permanent retention
• Dismissed cases: 5 years after dismissal
• Expunged records: Destroyed as ordered by the court

Civil Case Records:

• Cases with judgments: 20 years after final disposition
• Dismissed cases: 5 years after dismissal
• Tax suits: 20 years after final judgment
• Personal injury cases: 10 years after final disposition
• Real property cases: Permanent retention

Family Law Records:

• Divorce cases: Permanent retention
• Child custody matters: Until youngest child reaches age 18 plus 10 years
• Adoption records: Permanent retention
• Name changes: Permanent retention

Probate Records:

• Wills and estate administration: Permanent retention
• Guardianship cases: 10 years after termination of guardianship
• Mental health commitments: 10 years after final judgment

Court dockets, indexes, and judgment records are maintained permanently regardless of case type. Court reporters' notes and recordings must be preserved for at least 3 years in civil cases and 5 years in criminal cases, though many are kept longer.

Digital preservation initiatives are currently underway to convert older paper records to electronic format for permanent retention. The Texas Administrative Code Title 13, Chapter 7 provides additional regulations regarding electronic records storage standards.

Types of Courts In Bastrop County

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

District Courts (21st and 335th Judicial Districts)
804 Pecan Street, 2nd Floor
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 332-7244
Bastrop County District Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

These courts handle felony criminal cases, civil matters involving over $200,000, family law cases including divorces and child custody, and complex litigation. They have the broadest jurisdiction of all county-level courts.

County Courts at Law (1 & 2)
804 Pecan Street, 1st Floor
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 332-7230
Bastrop County Courts at Law
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

These courts handle misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters between $20,000 and $200,000, probate proceedings, mental health commitments, and appeals from justice and municipal courts.

Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-4)

JP Precinct 1
804 Pecan Street, 1st Floor
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 581-7162
Justice of the Peace Precinct 1
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

JP Precinct 2
5785 FM 535
Cedar Creek, TX 78612
(512) 581-4258
Justice of the Peace Precinct 2
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

JP Precinct 3
5785 FM 535
Cedar Creek, TX 78612
(512) 581-4258
Justice of the Peace Precinct 3
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

JP Precinct 4
846 Highway 71 East, Suite H
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 581-4025
Justice of the Peace Precinct 4
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

These courts handle small claims cases up to $20,000, traffic violations, Class C misdemeanors, evictions, debt claims, and perform magistrate functions including issuing arrest warrants and conducting preliminary hearings.

Municipal Courts

Bastrop Municipal Court
1311 Chestnut Street
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 332-8600
Bastrop Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Elgin Municipal Court
310 North Main Street
Elgin, TX 78621
(512) 285-5757
Elgin Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Smithville Municipal Court
317 Main Street
Smithville, TX 78957
(512) 237-3282
Smithville Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Municipal courts handle city ordinance violations, Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits, and traffic offenses within their respective municipalities.

Appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts go to the County Courts at Law. Appeals from County Courts at Law and District Courts go to the Third Court of Appeals in Austin, with final appeals to the Texas Supreme Court (civil cases) or Court of Criminal Appeals (criminal cases).

What Types of Cases Do Bastrop County Courts Hear?

Bastrop County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with jurisdiction determined by case type, monetary value, and severity of alleged offenses. The distribution of cases among the county's courts is as follows:

District Courts (21st and 335th Judicial Districts):

• Felony criminal prosecutions (murder, robbery, drug trafficking)
• Civil lawsuits with amounts in controversy exceeding $200,000
• Family law matters (divorces, child custody, adoptions)
• Real property disputes and title issues
• Injunctions and other equitable remedies
• Contested probate matters
• Civil forfeitures
• Election contests

County Courts at Law:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases (DWI, theft under $2,500, assault)
• Civil matters with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $200,000
• Uncontested and routine probate proceedings
• Mental health commitments and guardianships
• Appeals from justice and municipal courts
• Juvenile cases
• Eminent domain proceedings
• Occupational driver's license applications

Justice of the Peace Courts:

• Small claims cases (up to $20,000)
• Civil disputes with amounts in controversy up to $20,000
• Class C misdemeanors (fine-only offenses)
• Traffic violations
• Eviction proceedings
• Debt claims
• Magistrate functions (arrest warrants, search warrants)
• Inquests and death investigations
• Peace bond proceedings
• Truancy cases

Municipal Courts:

• Violations of city ordinances
• Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
• Traffic offenses within city boundaries
• Parking violations
• Code enforcement cases
• Public intoxication
• Minors in possession of alcohol or tobacco
• Animal control violations

The Texas Government Code establishes the jurisdiction of these courts, with specific provisions for Bastrop County courts found in various sections. Case assignment follows these jurisdictional boundaries, though in some instances, courts may transfer or exchange cases to balance workloads or address conflicts.

According to the Texas Office of Court Administration, Bastrop County courts process thousands of cases annually, with the highest volume occurring in justice and municipal courts for traffic and Class C misdemeanor cases.

How To Find a Court Docket In Bastrop County

Court dockets in Bastrop County provide schedules of hearings, trials, and other proceedings before the courts. These documents are essential for determining when and where specific cases will be heard. Members of the public may access court dockets through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

1. Visit the Bastrop County Records Search portal
2. Select the court type (District, County, Justice of the Peace)
3. Choose "Court Calendar" or "Docket Search" from the available options
4. Enter the search date range or specific hearing date
5. Review the resulting list of scheduled proceedings

For District and County Courts:

1. Access the Bastrop County District Clerk website
2. Navigate to the "Court Dockets" section
3. Select the specific court and date of interest
4. Download or view the PDF docket sheet for that court session

For Justice of the Peace Courts:

1. Visit the specific JP court's webpage through the Bastrop County website
2. Look for "Court Calendar" or "Docket Information" links
3. Select the desired date to view scheduled hearings
4. Contact the court clerk for dockets not available online

For Municipal Courts:

1. Navigate to the specific municipal court website (Bastrop, Elgin, or Smithville)
2. Locate the court calendar or docket section
3. Search by date or case type
4. For Elgin Municipal Court, visit the court website for docket information

In-person docket requests:

1. Visit the clerk's office for the court of interest
2. Request to view the current docket or specific date's schedule
3. Provide case information if seeking a specific case's next hearing date

Telephone inquiries:

1. Contact the appropriate court clerk's office
2. Provide case number or party names
3. Request next hearing date information

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 77.031, court dockets are public records and must be made available for inspection. However, some specialized dockets (such as grand jury proceedings or certain juvenile matters) may be confidential under state law.

Which Courts in Bastrop County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Texas judicial system, a "court of record" maintains official transcripts or recordings of proceedings that can be used for appeals, while a "court not of record" does not create such documentation. According to Texas Government Code § 27.042, certain courts are designated as not being courts of record, affecting how appeals from these courts are handled.

In Bastrop County, the following courts are not courts of record:

Justice of the Peace Courts (all precincts):

• These courts do not maintain official transcripts of proceedings
• Appeals from JP courts are handled as de novo trials in County Courts at Law
• This means the case is tried completely anew, as if the original trial never occurred
• No transcript from the JP court is considered in the appeal

Municipal Courts (unless designated as Municipal Courts of Record):

• The standard municipal courts in Bastrop, Elgin, and Smithville are not courts of record
• Like JP courts, appeals are handled as de novo trials in County Courts at Law
• No official transcript is maintained for appellate review

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant because:

1. In appeals from courts not of record, the higher court does not review the proceedings of the lower court for errors
2. Instead, a completely new trial is conducted with new evidence and testimony
3. This gives litigants essentially a "second chance" at presenting their case
4. The previous judgment is vacated once an appeal is perfected

By contrast, the following Bastrop County courts are courts of record:

• 21st and 335th District Courts
• County Courts at Law

Appeals from these courts to the Third Court of Appeals in Austin are based on the official record created during the original proceedings, and the appellate court reviews this record for errors rather than conducting a new trial.

The Texas Constitution Article 5, Section 19 establishes the foundation for Justice of the Peace courts, while enabling legislation in the Government Code defines their status as courts not of record.

Lookup Court Records in Bastrop County

Municipal Court records in Elgin

Vital records from the Bastrop County Clerk

County Clerk contact information