Harris County
Home to 4,780,913 people, according to the July 2022 census estimate, Harris County accounts for 16% of Texas' population. The county was founded in 1836 and covers a total area of 1,777 square miles. Houston is the county seat and also the most populous city in the state.
There are 64 district courts located in Harris County. These courts hear civil, criminal, juvenile, and family law cases. Notably, each district court has its area of specialization and handles cases only within its jurisdiction. District courts have jurisdiction over cases involving land ownership, felonies, election contests, divorces, property damage, wrongful death, adoption, termination of parental rights, domestic violence, and civil matters involving more than $200 in claims.
The Harris County Courts at Law are divided into civil courts at law and criminal courts at law. The criminal courts at law handle Class A and B misdemeanor cases, as well as cases appealed from municipal and justice of the peace courts. On the other hand, the civil courts at law hear cases of contract breach, property rights, and monetary damage.
Justice Courts in Harris County have limited jurisdiction and preside over certain criminal and civil matters including lawsuits over debts, unlawful towing, traffic misdemeanors without potential penalty of incarceration, foreclosure of mortgage, and forcible entry The five probate courts in Harris County have exclusive jurisdiction over probate matters only. They oversee the guardianship of incapacitated individuals and minors, mental health proceedings, and the administration of estates.
The City of Houston Municipal Courts have original jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances committed within city limits. These courts also have concurrent jurisdiction with the justice courts in Class C misdemeanor criminal cases punishable with a small fine.
In Harris County, the District Clerk keeps official court records for cases filed with the civil, criminal, juvenile, and family district courts, as well as criminal courts at law. The district clerk's website only provides remote access to civil/family and criminal records.
The County Clerk maintains the court records of the Harris County probate courts and civil courts at law. The county clerk's website grants public access to the following court records by entering a document ID, party name, date filed, case number, and case status:
- County civil records
- Probate records
- Foreclosures
