Court records of Wichita County, Texas, are available through several channels. WichitaCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through official court resources, county clerk offices, and public terminals installed directly in court buildings. Online search tools and personal visits to the clerk's office are the most common ways to access case materials.
Wichita Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in Wichita County, each with its own jurisdiction. Understanding which court handles a specific type of case will help you find the necessary registry more quickly.
- District Court (89th and 78th Judicial District Courts) — handles serious criminal cases (felonies), civil claims over $200, family cases (divorce, child custody, adoption), and cases of termination of parental rights. The District Clerk maintains all materials for these cases.
- County Courts at Law — have jurisdiction over misdemeanors (less serious crimes), civil claims ranging from $200 to $200,000, appeals from municipal courts, and probate cases (the legal process of settling an estate after a person's death).
- Municipal Court of Record — the court of Wichita Falls city, which handles violations of city ordinances and traffic tickets. The prosecution represents the state of Texas in criminal and civil cases in this court.
- Justice of the Peace Courts — small civil claims up to $20,000, evictions, and preliminary hearings in criminal cases.
Appeals from district courts go to the Second Court of Appeals, which serves twelve counties in north-central Texas. Federal bankruptcy cases are handled by the Wichita Falls division of the Northern District of Texas.
Wichita Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out the schedule of hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week, contact the office of the respective court. Each court maintains its own calendar.
- District Court — the schedules of the 89th and 78th district courts are usually published on the Wichita County District Clerk's page. Call the office to confirm a specific hearing date.
- Municipal Court — information about scheduled hearings can be obtained on the Municipal Court page or by calling the court directly.
- County Courts at Law and JP Courts — calendars are available through the County Clerk's office or directly at the court's reception.
For federal bankruptcy cases, use the PACER system via the Wichita Falls division page. Public terminals in court buildings allow you to view the schedule for free.
How to Get a Copy of a Wichita Court Document
Copies of court documents come in two types: certified and uncertified. A certified copy has the official seal of the clerk and is accepted as evidence in other courts or government agencies. An uncertified copy is suitable for personal review.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Identify the court. District Court cases are maintained by the District Clerk; County Court cases by the County Clerk; Municipal Court cases by the municipal court office.
- Submit a request. This can be done in person, by mail, or, in some cases, online. For requests under the Texas Public Information Act, use the public information requests page.
- Provide details. The case number, names of the parties, and approximate date will expedite the search.
- Pay the fee. Certified copies cost more than regular ones. Payment is usually accepted by check or money order.
Mailing address for the District Clerk:
Criminal reports and accident records are maintained by the Wichita Falls Police Records Division. Vital records (birth, death, marriage) can be ordered through Vital Records or online via the DSHS portal.
Wichita Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set according to the Texas Local Government Code and court administrative orders. The approximate rates are listed below — confirm the exact amount with the respective office.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Registry search (by name) | $5 – $10 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.10 – $1.00 |
| Certified document copy | $1.00 – $5.00 per page + certification fee |
| Certification fee | $5.00 |
| Copy of divorce decree (District Clerk) | Depends on the number of pages |
| PACER request (federal cases) | $0.10 per page (up to the limit) |
Payment is accepted in person (cash, check, money order) or by mail (check payable to the respective clerk). Some offices accept credit cards — confirm in advance. For state-level criminal history requests, contact the Crime Records Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Note: Juvenile cases, sealed records, and some family cases have restricted access. The clerk will inform you if the requested document is not subject to disclosure.