Bowie County
Located in the northeastern part of Texas, Bowie County was founded in 1840 and named for James Bowie, a popular knife fighter killed in the Battle of the Alamo. According to the decennial census, over 92,000 people live in Bowie County.
District courts, constitutional county courts, county courts, justice courts, and municipal courts make up the court system in Bowie County.
Municipal courts in Bowie County have jurisdiction over certain misdemeanors such as speeding, disruption of class, disorderly conduct, animal at large, and minor in possession of alcohol or tobacco.
Justice courts in the county, also called, Justice of the Peace Courts, have jurisdiction over some civil and criminal cases. Criminal case types that may be handled in the justice court, include preliminary hearings, certain traffic misdemeanors, and misdemeanors without potential incarceration penalties. Civil cases heard in this court include general civil claims within certain financial limits, foreclosures of mortgages, and forcible entry or detainer.
Civil cases heard by county courts include general claims for less than $100,000 but higher than $500, and cases involving workers compensation. County courts may also handle wills, trusts, guardianships, mental health proceedings, divorce, child custody, child support, juvenile matters, and domestic violence.
Constitutional County Courts in Bowie County have original jurisdiction over probate cases, although contested probate cases may be transferred to District Court. Bowie County district courts have general jurisdiction over all criminal and civil cases, and usually handle cases beyond the jurisdiction of other courts.
Court records are public in Bowie County except in instances where the records have been sealed by a court order or pertain to juvenile matters. To search public Bowie Court records, you can make an in-person request at the office of the Bowie County District Clerk. Note there is a fee to obtain copies of public Bowie County court records.
Alternatively, the county makes civil case, family, case, and criminal case records available via its county case records search. Court calendar can also be viewed on the portal. You can search court records by providing the case number, party information, attorney information, or the date the case was filed. Note that the case search resource does not allow for viewing of documents. Civil and criminal dockets are available on the district court clerk webpage
