Kerr County Public Records /Kerr County Court Records

Kerr County Court Records

What Is Kerr County Court Records

Court records in Kerr County are official documents generated by the judicial system in the course of legal proceedings. These records encompass a broad range of materials, including case files, docket sheets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts of proceedings, exhibits admitted into evidence, and sentencing records in criminal matters. Each document type serves a distinct function: docket sheets provide a chronological index of all filings and hearings in a case, while pleadings and motions reflect the arguments advanced by parties, and orders and judgments represent the court's official rulings.

Court records are distinct from other categories of public records maintained in Kerr County. Property records, for example, are held by the County Clerk and document real estate transactions, deeds, and liens. Vital records — including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses — are similarly maintained by the Kerr County Clerk and are governed by separate statutory frameworks. Court records, by contrast, arise exclusively from judicial proceedings and are custodied by the clerk of the relevant court.

The following courts in Kerr County generate and maintain court records:

District Courts (felony criminal, civil matters over $200, family law, and juvenile cases)
County Court at Law (misdemeanor criminal, civil matters up to $200,000, probate, and mental health)
Constitutional County Court (appeals from Justice of the Peace courts, misdemeanor criminal, and limited civil jurisdiction)
Justice of the Peace Courts (small claims, Class C misdemeanors, and traffic matters)
Municipal Court (City of Kerrville — Class C misdemeanors and city ordinance violations)

Records generated by these courts cover civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. Under Texas Government Code § 552.001, public information held by governmental bodies — including court records — is presumed to be open to the public unless a specific statutory exception applies.

Are Court Records Public In Kerr County

Court records in Kerr County are generally public under Texas law. The Texas Public Information Act, codified at Texas Government Code § 552.001 et seq., establishes that members of the public have a right to access information collected, assembled, or maintained by governmental bodies, including county courts. This presumption of openness applies to most civil case files, criminal case files following the filing of charges, docket sheets, hearing schedules, final judgments, and court orders.

The following categories of records are generally available for public inspection:

Civil case files and pleadings
Criminal case files (post-charging stage)
Final judgments and court orders
Docket sheets and hearing schedules
Probate filings and estate inventories
Family court orders (with certain exceptions for sensitive matters)

It is important to distinguish between state and federal court records. Records from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas — which has jurisdiction over federal matters arising in Kerr County — are maintained separately through the federal PACER system and are not held by county offices. State court records, including those from the Kerr County Courts, are subject to Texas open records law.

Certain records are exempt from public disclosure under Texas law. These include juvenile records, sealed case files, mental health commitment records, and documents protected by court order. The Texas Judicial Branch publishes administrative rules and policies governing access to court records statewide.

How To Find Court Records in Kerr County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Kerr County may access them through several official channels. The process varies depending on the court in which the case was filed and the type of record sought.

Step 1 — Identify the correct court. Determine whether the case was heard in a District Court, County Court at Law, Justice of the Peace Court, or Municipal Court. The nature of the case (felony, misdemeanor, civil, probate, family) will indicate the appropriate court.

Step 2 — Search available online portals. Many Kerr County court records are accessible through online databases maintained by the county or the state judiciary. The Clerk of the District Courts maintains indexes for district-level cases.

Step 3 — Submit an in-person or written request. Members of the public may visit the relevant clerk's office during public counter hours to inspect records or request certified copies. Written requests may be submitted by mail or in person.

Step 4 — Pay applicable fees. Certified copies of court records are subject to statutory fees. Standard copy fees are set by the Texas Government Code. Inspection of records at the public counter is generally available at no charge.

Step 5 — Submit a formal open records request if necessary. If a record is not immediately available, a written request under the Texas Public Information Act may be submitted to the custodial office. The governmental body must respond within ten business days under Texas Government Code § 552.228.

How To Look Up Court Records in Kerr County Online

Several online portals currently provide access to Kerr County court records, depending on the court type and the nature of the case.

District Court Records — The Kerr County District Clerk's office provides online access to case indexes and docket information. Members of the public may search by party name, case number, or filing date through the county's official portal.

County Court Records — The Kerr County Clerk maintains records for the County Court at Law and the Constitutional County Court. The Kerr County public records portal provides links to available online resources, including tax assessor-collector records, court and land records, and sheriff's records.

Texas Judicial Branch Portal — The Texas Judicial Branch website provides statewide access to court information, including appellate court opinions, court rules, and links to individual county court systems.

eFileTexas — Attorneys and registered users may access case filings through eFileTexas.gov, the official electronic filing system for Texas courts. Under current law, e-filing is mandatory for attorneys in civil, family, probate, and criminal cases in courts of record.

Search steps for online portals:

Navigate to the relevant portal listed above
Select the appropriate court or record type
Enter the party name, case number, or date range
Review the case index or docket results
Select individual documents to view or download where available

How To Search Kerr County Court Records for Free

Texas law guarantees members of the public the right to inspect court records at no charge. Under Texas Government Code § 552.228, a governmental body may not charge a fee for making public information available for inspection. Fees apply only when copies are requested.

The following resources are currently available at no cost:

In-person inspection at the District Clerk's office or County Clerk's office during public counter hours — no fee is charged for viewing records on-site
Kerr County public records portal — the county's online records page provides free access to linked databases for court and land records
Texas Judicial Branch website — the Texas Judicial Branch offers free access to appellate opinions and court dockets at the appellate level
eFileTexas — registered users may access certain case information through eFileTexas.gov without charge for basic searches

Fees are assessed for certified copies, exemplified copies, and records requiring extensive research or compilation by staff.

What's Included in a Kerr County Court Record

The contents of a court record vary by case type, but generally include the following categories of documents:

Civil Court Records:

Original petition or complaint
Defendant's answer and counterclaims
Motions and responses filed by parties
Court orders and rulings on motions
Final judgment
Notices of appeal

Criminal Court Records:

Charging instrument (indictment, information, or complaint)
Arrest and booking information
Bail and bond documents
Plea agreements
Trial transcripts and exhibits
Sentencing orders and probation conditions
Expunction or non-disclosure orders (where applicable)

Family Court Records:

Petitions for divorce or custody
Temporary and final orders
Child support and visitation schedules
Protective orders (subject to access restrictions)

Probate Court Records:

Application for probate of will
Inventory and appraisement of estate assets
Letters testamentary or letters of administration
Final accounting and order of distribution

Traffic and Class C Misdemeanor Records:

Citation information
Plea and payment records
Deferred adjudication agreements
Judgment of conviction or dismissal

How Long Does Kerr County Keep Court Records

Kerr County courts retain records in accordance with retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the Texas Judicial Branch. Retention periods vary by record type and court level.

Felony criminal case files — permanently retained
Misdemeanor criminal case files — retained for a minimum of ten years following case disposition
Civil case files — retained for a minimum of ten years; cases involving real property may be retained permanently
Probate records — permanently retained
Family law case files — retained for a minimum of ten years; cases involving minors may be retained until the youngest child reaches the age of majority plus an additional period
Justice of the Peace and Municipal Court records — generally retained for five years following final disposition
Docket books and indexes — permanently retained

These schedules are mandated under the Texas Local Government Records Act and the records retention schedules published by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Individual courts may retain records beyond the minimum periods at their discretion.

Types of Courts In Kerr County

Kerr County operates a multi-tiered court system consistent with the structure established by the Texas Constitution and the Texas Government Code. The hierarchy proceeds from Justice of the Peace and Municipal Courts at the base level, through the County Court and County Court at Law, to the District Courts, and ultimately to the state appellate courts — the Fourth Court of Appeals and the Texas Supreme Court or Court of Criminal Appeals, depending on case type.

Kerr County District Courts (198th and 216th Judicial Districts)

Kerr County Courthouse 700 Main Street, Kerrville, TX 78028 (830) 792-2281 Clerk of the District Courts Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Kerr County Clerk (County Court at Law and Constitutional County Court)

Kerr County Courthouse 700 Main Street, Suite 122, Kerrville, TX 78028 (830) 792-2255 Kerr County Clerk Public Counter Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Kerr County Justice of the Peace Courts Kerr County operates multiple Justice of the Peace precincts. The primary office is located at:

Kerr County Courthouse 700 Main Street, Kerrville, TX 78028 (830) 792-2290 Kerr County Courts

City of Kerrville Municipal Court 800 Junction Highway, Kerrville, TX 78028 (830) 257-8000

What Types of Cases Do Kerr County Courts Hear

Each court within the Kerr County system exercises jurisdiction over specific categories of cases as defined by Texas law.

District Courts (198th and 216th):

Felony criminal cases (state jail felonies through first-degree felonies)
Civil cases in which the amount in controversy exceeds $200
Family law matters, including divorce, child custody, and termination of parental rights
Juvenile delinquency proceedings
Contested probate matters

County Court at Law:

Class A and Class B misdemeanor criminal cases
Civil cases with amounts in controversy between $200 and $200,000
Probate, guardianship, and mental health commitment proceedings
Appeals from Justice of the Peace courts

Constitutional County Court:

Misdemeanor criminal cases
Limited civil jurisdiction
Appeals from Justice of the Peace courts

Justice of the Peace Courts:

Class C misdemeanor criminal cases
Small claims civil cases (currently up to $20,000)
Eviction (forcible detainer) proceedings
Traffic violations and fine-only offenses
Magistrate functions, including issuance of arrest and search warrants

Municipal Court (City of Kerrville):

Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
City ordinance violations
Traffic citations issued within the city

How To Find a Court Docket In Kerr County

A court docket is the official schedule of proceedings and chronological record of filings in a case. Members of the public may access Kerr County court dockets through the following methods:

Online Access:

The Kerr County Courts page provides links to district court dockets and related scheduling information
The Texas Judicial Branch website provides access to appellate court dockets and case information at the state level
Attorneys and registered filers may access case dockets through eFileTexas.gov

In-Person Access:

Members of the public may visit the District Clerk's office or County Clerk's office at 700 Main Street, Kerrville, TX 78028, during public counter hours to review docket sheets for specific cases
Docket information may be requested by case number or party name

Search Steps:

Identify the court in which the case is pending or was adjudicated
Navigate to the appropriate online portal or visit the clerk's office in person
Enter the case number, party name, or hearing date
Review the docket entries for filing dates, hearing schedules, and case status
Request copies of specific docket entries if needed

Which Courts in Kerr County Are Not Courts of Record

A court of record is a court whose proceedings are officially documented and preserved, and whose judgments carry the full weight of legal authority, including the ability to be appealed to a higher court on the record. Under Texas Government Code § 30.00003 and related provisions, courts of record are required to maintain a verbatim record of proceedings, typically through a court reporter or electronic recording system.

In Kerr County, the following courts are not courts of record:

Justice of the Peace Courts — Under Texas law, Justice of the Peace courts are not courts of record. Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (as new trials) in the County Court or County Court at Law, meaning the appellate court does not review a transcript but instead conducts an entirely new proceeding.
Municipal Court (City of Kerrville) — The Kerrville Municipal Court is not a court of record unless the city has specifically designated it as such by ordinance. Appeals from municipal courts not of record are also heard de novo in the County Court at Law.

Courts of record in Kerr County include the District Courts, the County Court at Law, and the Constitutional County Court. These courts maintain official records of proceedings, and appeals from their judgments are reviewed on the existing record by the Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio and, where applicable, the Texas Supreme Court or Court of Criminal Appeals as administered through the Texas Judicial Branch.