Smith County Court Records
What Is Smith County Court Records
Smith County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and decisions rendered by courts operating within Smith County, Texas. Pursuant to the Texas Government Code § 51.303, court clerks are required to maintain these records as part of their official duties.
Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
- 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 in criminal cases
- Settlement agreements in civil matters
- Jury verdicts and judicial opinions
These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), or tax records, which are maintained by other county departments. Court records specifically document judicial proceedings and their outcomes.
In Smith County, the following courts maintain official records:
- Smith County District Courts (civil and criminal jurisdiction)
- Smith County Court at Law (limited civil and criminal jurisdiction)
- Smith County Justice of the Peace Courts (small claims, traffic violations)
- Smith County Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
- Municipal Courts (city ordinance violations, Class C misdemeanors)
The Smith County District Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for district court records, while the County Clerk's Office maintains records for county-level courts.
Are Court Records Public In Smith County
Court records in Smith County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act and the common law right of access to judicial records. The Texas Public Information Act, codified under Texas Government Code Chapter 552, establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
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 court orders
- Property records related to judgments
- Probate records and will filings
- Marriage and divorce records
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 as victims
- Records sealed by court order
- Information deemed confidential by statute
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (which includes Smith County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state law. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system.
The Texas Rules of Judicial Administration further define policies regarding public access to court records, with Rule 12 specifically addressing judicial records.
How To Find Court Records in Smith County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Smith 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:
- Identify the appropriate court where the case was filed (District Court, County Court, Justice Court)
- Visit the corresponding clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form providing case number, party names, or filing date
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents
Smith County District Clerk's Office
100 N. Broadway, Room 204
Tyler, TX 75702
(903) 590-1660
Smith County District Clerk
Smith County Clerk's Office
200 E. Ferguson, Suite 300
Tyler, TX 75702
(903) 590-4600
Smith County Clerk
For written requests:
- Submit a detailed written request to the appropriate clerk's office
- Include case number, party names, document types needed
- Provide return address and contact information
- Enclose payment for estimated copy fees
- Allow 10-15 business days for processing
For attorney or legal representative access:
- Register for the county's e-filing system through eFileTexas
- Submit credentials and bar number for verification
- Access case documents through the secure portal
- Download or print documents as needed
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.318, fees for copies of court records are set by the county commissioners court and are subject to change.
How To Look Up Court Records in Smith County Online?
Smith County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These systems vary by court type and record category.
For District and County Court records:
- Visit the Smith County Records Search Portal
- Select the appropriate record type (Civil, Criminal, Family, Probate)
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date range)
- Review the list of matching cases
- Select specific cases to view available documents
- Pay any applicable viewing or download fees
For Justice Court records:
- Access the Smith County Justice Court Records
- Choose the appropriate precinct (1-5)
- Enter search parameters
- View basic case information (full documents may require in-person requests)
For statewide case information:
- Navigate to the Texas Judicial Branch Public Court Records
- Select "Smith County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter party name or case number
- Review search results for basic case information
- Note that document images are not available through this system
For criminal background checks:
- Visit the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search
- Create an account or log in
- Pay the required fee
- Enter the subject's information
- Review results for Smith County criminal cases
Users should note that online access may be limited to case indexes and basic information for some court types. Complete case files may still require in-person requests at the appropriate clerk's office.
How To Search Smith County Court Records for Free?
Smith County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing court records without payment, in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act. The Act guarantees the right to inspect public records without charge, though fees may apply for copies.
Free access options include:
-
In-person inspection at clerk's offices:
- Visit during regular business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- Examine documents on-site without charge
- Take notes or use personal devices for photography (where permitted)
-
Public access terminals:
- Located in the Smith County Courthouse
- Available during regular business hours
- Provide free access to digital court records
- No printing capability (viewing only)
-
Limited online resources:
- Smith County Court Docket Search - Free basic case information
- Texas Judicial Branch Case Search - Free statewide case lookup
- Smith County Jail Records - Free inmate and booking information
Smith County Law Library
100 N. Broadway, 1st Floor
Tyler, TX 75702
(903) 590-1720
Smith County Law Library
The law library provides free public access to legal research materials and limited court record resources. Library staff cannot provide legal advice but can assist with locating public records.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.021, public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body.
What's Included in a Smith County Court Record?
The contents of Smith County court records vary by case type and court level, but typically include comprehensive documentation of the legal proceedings. These records are maintained in accordance with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
Civil case records generally contain:
- Petition or complaint initiating the lawsuit
- Summons and proof of service documents
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Discovery documents (depositions, interrogatories)
- Exhibits and evidence presented
- Court orders and rulings on motions
- Final judgment or dismissal order
- Post-judgment collection documents
- Appeal notices and related filings
Criminal case records typically include:
- Charging documents (indictment or information)
- Arrest warrant and probable cause affidavit
- Defendant's plea and arraignment records
- Bond or bail information
- Pretrial motions and rulings
- Evidence logs and witness lists
- Jury selection records (in jury trials)
- Verdict forms and judgment
- Sentencing documents
- Probation or parole conditions
- Appeal documentation
Family court records may contain:
- Divorce petitions and decrees
- Child custody and support orders
- Visitation schedules
- Property division documents
- Protective orders
- Name change petitions
- Adoption records (often sealed)
Probate court records generally include:
- Wills and testamentary documents
- Inventory of estate assets
- Letters testamentary or administration
- Claims against estates
- Guardian appointment documents
- Annual accountings
- Final distribution orders
Each case file also contains a docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in the case.
How Long Does Smith County Keep Court Records?
Smith 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 specify minimum retention periods for various document types.
Key retention periods include:
-
Civil case files:
- District Court: Permanent for cases involving real property, otherwise 12 years after final disposition
- County Court: 6 years after final disposition for most cases
- Justice Court: 4 years after final disposition
-
Criminal case files:
- Felonies: Permanent for capital cases, 50 years for first-degree felonies, 20 years for other felonies
- Misdemeanors: 5 years after final disposition
- Traffic violations: 2 years after final disposition
-
Family court records:
- Divorce decrees: Permanent
- Child custody orders: Until the youngest child turns 18
- Protective orders: 3 years after expiration
-
Probate records:
- Wills: Permanent
- Estate administration: Permanent
- Guardianship: 10 years after termination of guardianship
-
Court dockets and indexes: Permanent
-
Court exhibits:
- Civil cases: 30 days after final disposition if not reclaimed
- Criminal cases: Until all appeals exhausted or statute of limitations expires
After the required retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to procedures outlined in the Local Government Records Act. However, Smith County typically preserves many court records beyond minimum requirements, particularly those with historical or precedential value.
Records designated as permanent are eventually transferred to microfilm or digital archives for long-term preservation. The Smith County Records Management Department oversees this process.
Types of Courts In Smith County
Smith County's judicial system consists of multiple court levels with varying jurisdictions and authority. Each court handles specific case types as defined by Texas law.
Smith County District Courts
100 N. Broadway
Tyler, TX 75702
(903) 590-1600
Smith County District Courts
Smith County has four district courts (7th, 114th, 241st, and 321st), each with specific jurisdictions:
- 7th District Court: Civil cases
- 114th District Court: Civil cases
- 241st District Court: Criminal cases
- 321st District Court: Family law cases
District courts have jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters involving over $200,000, family law matters, and juvenile cases.
Smith County Court at Law
100 N. Broadway
Tyler, TX 75702
(903) 590-1650
Smith County Courts at Law
Smith County has three County Courts at Law with jurisdiction over:
- Civil cases with amounts between $20,000 and $200,000
- Class A and B misdemeanors
- Probate matters
- Appeals from justice and municipal courts
Smith County Justice of the Peace Courts
Various locations by precinct
Smith County Justice Courts
Smith County has five Justice of the Peace precincts handling:
- Civil cases up to $20,000
- Small claims cases
- Class C misdemeanors
- Traffic violations
- Evictions
- Magistrate duties
Smith County Probate Court
100 N. Broadway
Tyler, TX 75702
(903) 590-1700
Smith County Probate Court
The Probate Court handles:
- Wills and estate administration
- Guardianships
- Mental health commitments
Tyler Municipal Court
813 N. Broadway
Tyler, TX 75702
(903) 531-1266
Tyler Municipal Court
The Tyler Municipal Court handles:
- City ordinance violations
- Class C misdemeanors within city limits
- Traffic violations within city limits
The court hierarchy in Smith County follows the standard Texas model, with appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts going to County Courts at Law, and appeals from County Courts at Law and District Courts going to the 12th Court of Appeals, and ultimately to the Texas Supreme Court for civil matters or the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals for criminal cases.
What Types of Cases Do Smith County Courts Hear?
Smith County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by the Texas Government Code and the Texas Constitution.
District Courts (7th, 114th, 241st, and 321st) hear:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil lawsuits with amounts in controversy exceeding $200,000
- Title to land disputes
- Election contests
- Divorce and family law matters
- Juvenile proceedings
- Civil forfeitures
- Injunctions and restraining orders
- Complex business litigation
County Courts at Law (1, 2, and 3) adjudicate:
- Civil cases with amounts between $20,000 and $200,000
- Class A and B misdemeanors
- Eminent domain proceedings
- Probate matters and contested wills
- Mental health commitments
- Appeals from justice and municipal courts
- Certain family law matters
Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-5) handle:
- Civil disputes up to $20,000
- Small claims cases
- Eviction proceedings
- Traffic violations
- Class C misdemeanors
- Debt claims
- Repair and remedy cases
- Magistrate duties (setting bail, issuing search warrants)
- Inquests and death investigations
Probate Court processes:
- Wills and estate administration
- Guardianships for incapacitated persons
- Mental health proceedings
- Trust administration disputes
Municipal Courts (Tyler and other municipalities) adjudicate:
- City ordinance violations
- Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
- Traffic violations within city limits
- Parking violations
- Code enforcement cases
Each court maintains its own docket and calendar, with cases assigned according to these jurisdictional parameters. In some instances, courts may have overlapping jurisdiction, with the specific court assignment determined by local administrative rules or statutory provisions.
How To Find a Court Docket In Smith County
Court dockets in Smith County are public records that list scheduled court proceedings, including hearings, trials, and other judicial events. These dockets serve as the official schedule and record of court activities. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods.
For online docket access:
- Visit the Smith County Court Dockets page
- Select the specific court (District, County, Justice of the Peace)
- Choose the date range for docket information
- Review the list of scheduled cases
- Note that online dockets typically show only basic information (case number, party names, hearing type, time)
For District Court dockets:
- Access the Smith County District Courts website
- Navigate to the specific district court (7th, 114th, 241st, or 321st)
- Select "Court Docket" from the menu options
- Filter by date or case type as needed
For County Court dockets:
- Visit the Smith County Courts at Law page
- Choose the specific court (County Court at Law 1, 2, or 3)
- Select "Court Calendar" or "Docket Information"
- Review the scheduled cases for the selected timeframe
For in-person docket requests:
Smith County District Clerk's Office
100 N. Broadway, Room 204
Tyler, TX 75702
(903) 590-1660
Smith County District Clerk
Smith County Clerk's Office
200 E. Ferguson, Suite 300
Tyler, TX 75702
(903) 590-4600
Smith County Clerk
Attorneys and legal professionals can access more detailed docket information through:
- The eFileTexas system for registered users
- re:SearchTX for registered attorneys
- Direct contact with court coordinators for specific judges
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, court clerks are required to maintain docket records and make them available for public inspection during regular business hours.
Which Courts in Smith County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Texas judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains an official transcript or recording of its proceedings, which can be used for appeals. Conversely, courts not of record do not maintain such official transcripts, and appeals from these courts typically result in a new trial (trial de novo) rather than a review of the record.
In Smith County, the following courts are not courts of record:
- Justice of the Peace Courts (all five precincts)
- Tyler Municipal Court (regular division)
- Other municipal courts within Smith County (Lindale, Whitehouse, Bullard, etc.)
These courts are classified as non-record courts under Texas Government Code § 27.001 for Justice Courts and Texas Government Code § 30.00003 for Municipal Courts.
Key characteristics of these non-record courts include:
- No court reporter is present to transcribe proceedings
- No official audio recording is maintained as part of the court record
- Appeals are handled through trials de novo in County Courts at Law
- Proceedings are generally less formal than in courts of record
- Rules of evidence may be applied less strictly
It should be noted that while these courts do not maintain verbatim records of proceedings, they do keep written records of judgments, orders, and case dispositions. These documents are maintained by the respective court clerks and are available for public inspection.
Some municipal courts in Texas have opted to become "municipal courts of record" under state law, but the standard municipal courts in Smith County have not made this transition. Appeals from non-record municipal courts are heard by the Smith County Courts at Law through a completely new trial.