McLennan County Court Records
What Is McLennan County Court Records
McLennan County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records. Court records are distinct from other public records such as property records, vital statistics, or tax documents, as they specifically pertain to judicial proceedings and determinations.
The Texas Government Code § 552.022 establishes that court records are categorized as public information, with specific exceptions outlined by law. These records are maintained by various courts operating within McLennan County, including:
- District Courts
- County Courts at Law
- Justice of the Peace Courts
- Municipal Courts
- Probate Court
- Family Law Court
- Small Claims divisions
The scope of McLennan County court records spans multiple case types, including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. Each court maintains records according to its jurisdictional authority and subject matter.
According to the Texas Judicial Branch, court records serve as the official account of proceedings and decisions rendered by the judiciary, providing transparency and accountability in the administration of justice.
Are Court Records Public In McLennan County
Court records in McLennan County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, codified in Texas Government Code Chapter 552. This statute 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 limited redactions for sensitive information)
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas (which includes McLennan County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state regulations. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system.
The Texas Supreme Court has established specific rules regarding public access to court records through Rule 12 of the Rules of Judicial Administration, which provides guidelines for requesting and obtaining judicial records.
Certain categories of court records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile proceedings
- Mental health commitments
- Adoption records
- Records sealed by court order
- Documents containing sensitive personal information as defined by statute
The McLennan County District Clerk serves as the custodian of records for district courts, while the County Clerk maintains records for county-level courts in accordance with state law.
How To Find Court Records in McLennan County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in McLennan County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains multiple systems for record retrieval, depending on the court of origin and record type.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
McLennan County District Clerk
501 Washington Avenue, Room 300
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-5057
McLennan County District Clerk
McLennan County Clerk
215 North 5th Street, Suite 100
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-5036
McLennan County Clerk
The process for obtaining court records involves:
- Identifying the specific court where the case was filed
- Gathering available case information (case number, party names, filing date)
- Submitting a records request using the appropriate form
- Paying applicable fees for copies or certified documents
- Allowing processing time for record retrieval
For criminal case records, requesters may contact:
McLennan County Criminal District Attorney
219 North 6th Street, Suite 200
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-5084
McLennan County Criminal District Attorney
Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, government agencies must respond to records requests within 10 business days. Requesters should be prepared to present identification when seeking certain records and to pay established fees for document reproduction.
How To Look Up Court Records in McLennan County Online?
McLennan County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These online resources allow for remote research of case information without requiring physical visits to courthouse facilities.
The primary online portals for McLennan County court records include:
-
McLennan County Records Search
- Access via the McLennan County website
- Search parameters include case number, party name, and filing date
- Provides case summaries, party information, and docket entries
- Covers District and County Court records
-
Texas Judicial Branch Public Court Records
- Available through Texas Judicial Branch
- Offers statewide case search capabilities
- Includes appellate opinions and orders
- Requires registration for certain detailed information
-
Justice of the Peace Case Search
- Accessible through individual JP court websites
- Primarily covers small claims, evictions, and traffic cases
- Limited to specific precinct jurisdictions
To conduct an effective online search:
- Gather all available case identifiers before searching
- Try multiple spelling variations of names when searching by party
- Note that recent filings may not appear immediately in online systems
- Be aware that certain sensitive cases may be restricted from online access
Online access to court records is governed by the Texas Judicial Council standards for electronic information. While basic case information is typically available at no cost, fees may apply for document downloads or certified copies requested through these systems.
How To Search McLennan County Court Records for Free?
Texas law provides for free public inspection of court records as established in the Texas Public Information Act § 552.021, which states that public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body. McLennan County offers several no-cost options for accessing court records.
Free access methods include:
- In-person inspection at the respective clerk's office during regular business hours
- Public access terminals located in courthouse facilities
- Basic online case searches through county and state portals
- Law library access at the McLennan County Law Library
McLennan County Law Library
501 Washington Avenue, Room 334
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-5032
McLennan County Law Library
The following online resources provide free search capabilities:
- McLennan County Records Search - Basic case information without document downloads
- Texas Judicial Branch Search - Statewide case lookup system
- McLennan County Justice of the Peace Records - Precinct-specific case information
While searching records is free, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies (typically $1.00 per page)
- Certified copies (additional certification fee)
- Document downloads from certain systems
- Research assistance from clerk staff
Individuals seeking extensive records research may benefit from visiting the clerk's offices during less busy periods, typically mid-week mornings, to access public terminals without extended wait times.
What's Included in a McLennan County Court Record?
McLennan County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records typically include multiple components that collectively document the judicial process from initiation through resolution.
Standard elements found in most court records include:
- Case Information Sheet - Basic identifying information including case number, filing date, parties involved, and case type
- Pleadings - Initial complaints, petitions, answers, and responses filed by parties
- Motions and Applications - Formal requests for court action filed throughout proceedings
- Court Orders - Judicial directives and decisions on motions and other matters
- Judgments - Final determinations and dispositions of cases
- Docket Sheets - Chronological listings of all filings and court actions
- Hearing Notices - Scheduled court appearances and proceedings
- Affidavits - Sworn statements submitted as evidence
- Exhibits - Documentary evidence presented during hearings or trials
- Transcripts - Official records of testimony and court proceedings (when prepared)
Criminal case records additionally contain:
- Charging documents (indictments or information)
- Arrest warrants and returns
- Bond information
- Pre-trial motions
- Sentencing documents
- Probation terms (if applicable)
Civil case records may include:
- Service of process documentation
- Discovery materials (when filed with the court)
- Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
- Judgment enforcement documents
Family law cases often contain:
- Custody evaluations
- Support calculations
- Parenting plans
- Property divisions
The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Texas Rules of Criminal Procedure establish requirements for document filing and record maintenance across all courts in the state judicial system.
How Long Does McLennan County Keep Court Records?
McLennan County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the authority of Texas Government Code § 441.158. These schedules prescribe minimum retention periods based on record type, case category, and historical significance.
Key retention periods for common court records include:
-
Civil Case Records
- District Court: Permanent retention for cases involving real property; 12 years after final disposition for other civil cases
- County Courts: 12 years after final judgment or dismissal
- Justice Courts: 4 years after final judgment
-
Criminal Case Records
- Felony Cases: Permanent retention for capital cases; 50 years for first-degree felonies; 20 years for other felonies
- Misdemeanor Cases: 5 years after final judgment
- Traffic Cases: 3 years after final disposition
-
Family Law Records
- Divorce Cases: Permanent retention
- Child Support: Until youngest child reaches age 21
- Adoption Records: Permanent retention
-
Probate Records
- Wills and Estate Administration: Permanent retention
- Guardianship: 10 years after termination of guardianship
-
Docket Sheets and Indexes: Permanent retention
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides comprehensive retention schedules that county clerks and district clerks must follow. Records may be maintained in original paper format, microfilm, or electronic format, depending on the record type and creation date.
After the mandatory retention period expires, records may be:
- Transferred to archives for historical preservation
- Destroyed according to proper disposition procedures
- Maintained indefinitely at the discretion of the records custodian
Researchers seeking historical court records should note that older records may be stored off-site or in archival facilities, potentially requiring additional time for retrieval.
Types of Courts In McLennan County
McLennan County's judicial system consists of multiple court levels, each with distinct jurisdictional authority and geographical boundaries. These courts operate within the framework of the Texas judicial system hierarchy.
McLennan County District Courts
501 Washington Avenue
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-5057
McLennan County District Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
McLennan County has five district courts (19th, 54th, 74th, 170th, and 414th), which handle felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $250,000, family law cases, and juvenile matters.
McLennan County Courts at Law
501 Washington Avenue
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-5049
McLennan County Courts at Law
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The county maintains three County Courts at Law with jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters between $20,000 and $250,000, probate proceedings, and mental health commitments.
McLennan County Justice of the Peace Courts
Five precincts with separate locations:
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
501 Washington Avenue, Room 108
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-5043
JP Precinct 1
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
200 West Adams Street
West, TX 76691
(254) 826-3341
JP Precinct 2
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Justice Courts handle small claims up to $20,000, evictions, traffic cases, and Class C misdemeanors. They also conduct preliminary hearings and issue search and arrest warrants.
Municipal Courts
Waco Municipal Court
201 West Waco Drive
Waco, TX 76707
(254) 750-5900
Waco Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Several municipalities within McLennan County maintain municipal courts handling city ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits.
The court hierarchy in McLennan County follows the standard Texas structure:
- Municipal/Justice Courts (lowest level)
- County Courts at Law
- District Courts
- Court of Appeals (10th District, Waco)
- Texas Supreme Court/Court of Criminal Appeals
Appeals from McLennan County courts are directed to the 10th Court of Appeals in Waco before potentially proceeding to the Texas Supreme Court (civil cases) or Court of Criminal Appeals (criminal cases).
What Types of Cases Do McLennan County Courts Hear?
McLennan County's court system adjudicates a diverse range of legal matters, with each court level assigned specific case types according to jurisdictional authority established by the Texas Constitution and statutes.
District Courts handle:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil lawsuits with amounts in controversy exceeding $250,000
- Family law matters (divorce, child custody, support)
- Juvenile proceedings
- Real property disputes
- Tax cases
- Election contests
- Civil forfeitures
- Injunctions and extraordinary writs
County Courts at Law preside over:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (Class A and B)
- Civil matters with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $250,000
- Probate proceedings and guardianships
- Mental health commitments
- Appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts
- Eminent domain proceedings
- Occupational driver's license applications
Justice of the Peace Courts adjudicate:
- Small claims disputes (up to $20,000)
- Eviction proceedings
- Class C misdemeanors
- Traffic violations
- Debt claims
- Repair and remedy cases
- Truancy matters
- Magistrate functions (arrest/search warrants, emergency protective orders)
- Inquests
Municipal Courts handle:
- City ordinance violations
- Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
- Traffic offenses within municipal boundaries
- Parking violations
- Code enforcement cases
- Limited juvenile matters (curfew violations, truancy)
Case assignment within McLennan County follows jurisdictional rules established by the Texas Office of Court Administration. The complexity of the matter, amount in controversy, and nature of the case determine which court has proper jurisdiction.
For specialized proceedings, McLennan County also operates:
- Drug Court programs
- Veterans Treatment Court
- Mental Health Court
- Family Treatment Court
These specialty dockets provide alternative approaches to case resolution for eligible participants, focusing on rehabilitation and treatment rather than traditional punitive measures.
How To Find a Court Docket In McLennan County
Court dockets in McLennan County provide the official schedule of proceedings and case listings for each court. These dockets are accessible through multiple channels depending on the specific court and the requester's needs.
To locate current court dockets, individuals may:
-
Access Online Docket Systems
- Visit the McLennan County District Clerk's website for district court dockets
- Check the McLennan County Clerk's portal for County Courts at Law dockets
- Review the Justice Court case information for JP court schedules
- Search the Texas Judicial Branch for consolidated docket information
-
Contact Court Coordinators
- Each court maintains a coordinator who can provide docket information
- Phone inquiries are typically handled during regular business hours
- Specific case settings may require party or attorney identification
-
Visit Courthouse Bulletin Boards
- Daily dockets are posted in courthouse lobbies and outside courtrooms
- Weekly and monthly docket schedules may be available in clerk's offices
- Electronic displays in newer facilities show current proceedings
-
Subscribe to Docket Notification Services
- Some courts offer email notifications for upcoming docket appearances
- Attorney portal systems provide docket alerts for registered counsel
- Case management systems may offer subscription services
When searching for docket information, requesters should have:
- Case number (if known)
- Party names
- Approximate date of filing or hearing
- Case type or court division
The McLennan County District Clerk maintains master docket records for district courts, while the County Clerk manages dockets for county-level courts. Justice Courts and Municipal Courts maintain independent docketing systems specific to their jurisdictions.
Docket information is updated regularly, but last-minute changes may occur due to continuances, settlements, or judicial emergencies. Confirming docket status shortly before scheduled appearances is recommended.
Which Courts in McLennan County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Texas judicial system, "courts of record" maintain official transcripts and documentation of all proceedings, while "courts not of record" do not routinely create verbatim records of their proceedings. This distinction affects appeal procedures and record availability.
According to Texas Government Code § 27.042, Justice of the Peace Courts in McLennan County are classified as courts not of record. Similarly, most Municipal Courts in the county operate as courts not of record, with the exception of any that have been specifically designated as Municipal Courts of Record by local ordinance.
The following courts in McLennan County are not courts of record:
- Justice of the Peace Courts (all five precincts)
- Municipal Courts in smaller municipalities, including:
- Bellmead Municipal Court
- Beverly Hills Municipal Court
- Hewitt Municipal Court
- Lacy Lakeview Municipal Court
- McGregor Municipal Court
- Woodway Municipal Court
The City of Waco Municipal Court may operate as a court of record if designated by city ordinance pursuant to Texas Government Code Chapter 30.
Key characteristics of courts not of record include:
- Appeals from these courts are handled through trial de novo (new trial) rather than traditional appellate review
- No official court reporter is required to transcribe proceedings
- Judges in these courts are not required to be licensed attorneys in most instances
- Proceedings are often less formal than in courts of record
- Documentation is limited to citations, judgments, and basic case information
Appeals from Justice of the Peace and non-record Municipal Courts proceed to the County Courts at Law for a completely new trial, rather than a review of the lower court proceedings. This process is established by the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure for justice court appeals.
Individuals seeking information about proceedings in courts not of record should note that comprehensive transcripts may not be available, and case documentation is typically limited to final judgments and orders rather than detailed accounts of testimony or arguments.