Washington County
Washington County was established in 1837. It is often referred to as the "Birthplace of Texas" due to its historical significance in the state's independence movement. The county seat is Brenham, a city known for its rich history and as the home of Blue Bell Creameries. With a land area of approximately 604.2 square miles, Washington County has a population of about 35,807 residents.
The judicial system in Washington County comprises several trial courts that address civil, criminal, and administrative matters. These include the District, County, Justice, and Municipal Courts. The District Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, general civil claims, personal injury, property damage, tax disputes, family law cases, and matters related to juvenile delinquency. The court also oversees cases involving mental health commitments, habeas corpus, cases requesting injunctive relief, land disputes, and probate matters. Washington County Court typically handles misdemeanors punishable by a fine, not more than $500 or a year jail sentence, civil cases involving monetary disputes not exceeding $10,000, probate matters, and guardianship cases. On the other hand, the Justice of the Peace Courts in Washington County resolves small claims cases up to $20,000, certain criminal offenses punishable by fines, and landlord-tenant disputes. It also deals with general civil claims for less than $100,000, cases involving eminent domain or workers' compensation, and health or safety ordinance violations. The Municipal Courts within cities like Brenham, oversee traffic violations, city ordinance violations, felony preliminary hearings, some misdemeanors, and certain cases related to forfeitures.
Court records in Washington County are official documents created during legal proceedings within the county. They include petitions, docket entries, memoranda, transcripts of hearings, and judgments. These records are important for setting legal precedents for future court cases. The following are common court records in the county:
- Criminal Records
- Civil Records
- Probate Records
- Family Law Records
- Land Records
These records are maintained under the Texas Public Information Act, ensuring transparency and public access. However, some records, such as juvenile or adoption cases, are restricted. The District Clerk is responsible for records from the District Court while the County Clerk manages records from the County Court, including probate and civil cases.
Records can be accessed online through the Texas Online Case Search system or the re:SearchTX portal, which allows users to perform name-based searches. Alternatively, requests for copies of court records can be made via email, phone, mail, or by visiting the respective clerk's office at the courthouse at:
100 East Main Street
Brenham, TX 77833
Phone: (979) 277-6200
Email: districtclerk@washingtoncountytexas.us
Online access to daily court dockets and case information is available to residents through the county clerk's website.
