Court records of San Patricio County, Texas, are available through several channels. SanPatricioCourt.us allows searching for publicly accessible information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through official online court portals, directly at the offices of county and district court clerks, as well as through public terminals in the courthouse at 400 W Sinton St, Sinton, TX 78387.
San Patricio Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in the county, each handling specific categories of cases.
District Courts — handle serious criminal offenses (felonies), civil lawsuits over $200,000, family cases (divorce, child custody, adoption), and juvenile cases. District Clerk maintains the records of these courts. Appeals from district courts go to the Thirteenth Court of Appeals in Corpus Christi.
County Court at Law — this court handles a significant volume of cases:
- Class A and B misdemeanors
- Civil lawsuits from $200.01 to $200,000
- Probate and guardianship cases
- Appeals from Justice Courts and Municipal Courts
Information about this court's cases can be found on the County Court at Law page.
Justice Courts handle minor civil disputes up to $20,000 (equivalent to small claims), traffic violations, and minor criminal offenses punishable by fines only. Municipal Courts in the county's cities also deal with city ordinance violations and traffic offenses.
Records of the County Clerk include civil cases of the county court, probate records, and some misdemeanor criminal cases. The District Clerk maintains records of district courts — criminal felonies, major civil lawsuits, and family cases.
San Patricio Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of court hearings for today, tomorrow, or the current week depends on the specific court.
- District Courts — contact the District Clerk Records Department by phone at 361-364-9377 (option 2) or email dcinfo@sanpatriciocountytx.gov. The hearing schedule is usually posted on the Texas Courts portal.
- County Court at Law — the case calendar is available through the court's case search system. The court is located in room 109 of the courthouse.
- Justice Courts and Municipal Courts — hearing schedules are usually communicated directly to the parties through summonses. To confirm a specific date, call the respective court.
If you are a party to a case or a victim, it is recommended to call the clerk's office the day before the scheduled hearing — hearing times sometimes change.
How to Get a Copy of a San Patricio Court Document
The type of document determines which office to contact. Criminal felonies and family cases — District Clerk. Misdemeanors, county court civil cases, and probate — County Clerk.
Online Access
Both clerk offices collaborate with the re:SearchTX platform:
- Official County Clerk Records Search — civil cases, property records
- District Clerk Records Department — civil and family cases through re:SearchTX
Online copies are generally uncertified. They are suitable for review but not for submission to another court or government agency.
Certified Copies
To obtain a certified copy, you need to:
- Visit the relevant clerk's office in person at the courthouse
- Send a written request by mail
- Call or email to confirm document availability and cost
Provide the case number, party names, and document type. A certified copy bears the clerk's seal and confirms the document's authenticity.
Contact Information
District Clerk's Office
County Clerk's Office
All cases are now filed through the eFileTexas system. Older documents created before mandatory e-filing are being digitized gradually — check their electronic availability with the clerk.
For requests under the Texas Public Information Act, you can submit a public information request directly to the county.
San Patricio Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court documents in Texas are regulated by the Texas Local Government Code (Chapter 118) and the Government Code (Chapter 51). Below are approximate fees — we recommend confirming the exact amount directly with the respective clerk, as individual fees may change.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Name search (per name) | $5.00 | Set by Local Government Code §118.011 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 | Standard rate; the first page may cost more |
| Certified copy | $5.00 + $1.00 for each additional page | Includes clerk's seal and signature |
| Document certification | $5.00 | Per document |
| Online viewing via re:SearchTX | Free | Viewing only; downloading may have restrictions |
Payment at clerk offices is usually accepted in cash, money orders, and business checks. Confirm the possibility of credit or debit card payment by phone before visiting. Mail requests generally require prepayment by money order payable to the respective county clerk.
Some records have restricted access. Juvenile cases, sealed and expunged records are not subject to public disclosure. Family cases may contain confidential information, access to which is restricted by court order.