Hood County Court Records
What Is Hood County Court Records
Hood County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records consist of various documents that chronicle the judicial process from initiation through resolution. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, court records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by Hood County, such as:
- Property records (deeds, liens, mortgages)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Voting and election records
The following courts maintain records in Hood County:
- 355th District Court
- County Court at Law
- Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-4)
- Municipal Courts
These courts handle various case types, including:
- Civil litigation (contract disputes, personal injury, property disputes)
- Criminal proceedings (misdemeanors and felonies)
- Family law matters (divorce, child custody, support)
- Probate cases (wills, estates, guardianships)
- Traffic violations
- Small claims
The Hood County District Clerk serves as the custodian of records for the district courts, while the Hood County Clerk maintains records for the county courts.
Are Court Records Public In Hood County
Court records in Hood County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 552, and the common law right of access to judicial records. The Texas Constitution and state statutes establish a presumption of openness for court proceedings and records.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Property records
- Marriage licenses
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute. According to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a, court records can be sealed only upon a showing of:
- A specific, serious, and substantial interest which clearly outweighs the presumption of openness
- No less restrictive means to protect that interest
Records that may be restricted include:
- Juvenile proceedings
- Mental health commitments
- Adoption records
- Cases involving minors
- Certain family law matters
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Grand jury proceedings
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in federal courts are governed by different access rules than Hood County and Texas state courts.
How To Find Court Records in Hood County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Hood County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
In-Person Requests:
- Identify the appropriate court office based on the case type
- Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form
- Provide case information (names, case numbers, dates)
- Pay applicable fees for copies or certified documents
Hood County District Clerk
1200 W. Pearl St.
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3230
Hood County District Clerk
Hood County Clerk
1200 W. Pearl St., Suite 200
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3260
Hood County Clerk
Online Access:
- Visit the Hood County District Clerk Records Portal
- Access the County Clerk's Online Court Records
- Search by party name, case number, or filing date
- View available documents and case information
Mail or Email Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate clerk's office
- Include specific case information and document needs
- Provide contact information and payment method for fees
- Allow processing time for research and response
Fees for court records vary by document type and certification needs. Standard copy fees are set by the Texas Administrative Code § 70.3.
How To Look Up Court Records in Hood County Online?
Hood County provides several online portals for accessing court records electronically. These systems allow users to search and view various court documents without visiting the courthouse.
District Court Records:
- Navigate to the Hood County District Clerk Records Portal
- Select the search option (case number, party name, date range)
- Enter the required search criteria
- Review the list of matching cases
- Select a case to view available documents and case information
- Note that some documents may require registration or fees to access
County Court Records:
- Visit the Hood County Clerk's Online Court Records page
- Follow the link to the online records system
- Search by name, case number, or date
- View case information and available documents
- Pay any applicable fees for document access or downloads
Justice Court Records: Justice Court records may have limited online availability. Contact the specific precinct for information on electronic access options.
Additional Online Resources:
Users should note that electronic filing (e-filing) is mandatory for subsequent filings in criminal cases as of January 1, 2019, as indicated on the Hood County electronic filing page. This system has improved the availability of digital court records.
How To Search Hood County Court Records for Free?
Hood County residents and members of the public may access certain court records at no cost, in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act. The following methods provide free access to basic court record information:
In-Person Inspection: Texas Government Code § 552.021 guarantees the right to inspect public information without charge during regular business hours. Visitors may:
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office
- Request to view specific case files
- Examine documents on-site without paying fees
- Take notes on case information
Free Online Resources:
- The Hood County District Clerk Records Portal provides free access to basic case information, including party names, case types, and filing dates
- The County Clerk's Online Court Records system offers free searches and limited document viewing
- Texas Case Search provides free statewide case information
Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the courthouse for public use to search court records at no charge. These terminals may offer more comprehensive access than the public-facing websites.
While basic searches and viewing are typically free, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies (standard fee per page)
- Certified copies
- Document downloads from certain systems
- Records requiring extensive research or redaction
According to Texas Administrative Code § 70.3, agencies may charge for copies but not for inspection of records.
What's Included in a Hood County Court Record?
Hood County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type, but typically include:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Petitions or complaints (civil cases)
- Indictments or information (criminal cases)
- Summonses or citations
- Service of process documentation
Pleadings and Motions:
- Answers and responses
- Counterclaims and cross-claims
- Motions (dismissal, summary judgment, continuance)
- Briefs and memoranda of law
- Discovery requests and responses
Court Orders and Decisions:
- Temporary and permanent orders
- Judgments and decrees
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Sentencing documents (criminal cases)
- Probation terms and conditions
Hearing and Trial Records:
- Docket sheets (chronological listing of all case events)
- Court calendars and scheduling notices
- Witness lists and exhibits
- Transcripts (when prepared)
- Jury selection records and verdicts
Financial Information:
- Filing fee receipts
- Cost bonds
- Judgments for monetary damages
- Child support and alimony orders
- Restitution orders (criminal cases)
Case Disposition Documents:
- Settlement agreements (if filed with the court)
- Dismissal orders
- Final judgments
- Appeals notices and bonds
- Satisfaction of judgment filings
Specialized Documents (by case type):
- Divorce decrees and property divisions
- Child custody and visitation orders
- Probate inventories and accountings
- Guardianship reports
- Protective orders
- Name change orders
The Hood County Court Records page provides additional information about specific document types available through the clerk's office.
How Long Does Hood County Keep Court Records?
Hood County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the authority of Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These schedules specify minimum retention periods for various document types.
District Court Records:
- Civil case files: 12 years after final disposition
- Tax suits: 20 years after final judgment
- Family law cases: Permanent
- Criminal cases (felonies): 50 years after final judgment
- Capital felony cases: Permanent
- Grand jury records: 10 years
County Court Records:
- Civil cases: 6 years after final disposition
- Probate case files: Permanent
- Guardianship records: Permanent
- Criminal misdemeanors: 5 years after final judgment
- Mental health proceedings: 10 years after final judgment
Justice Court Records:
- Civil cases: 4 years after final disposition
- Criminal cases: 5 years after final judgment
- Traffic cases: 6 years after final disposition
Municipal Court Records:
- Criminal and traffic cases: 5 years after final disposition
Permanent Records: Certain records are maintained permanently, including:
- Judgments and final orders in family law cases
- Probate and guardianship cases
- Adoption records
- Mental health commitment orders
- Criminal cases resulting in death sentences
- Index books and docket sheets
Records may be maintained in their original format, microfilm, or electronic format. After the required retention period, records may be destroyed according to procedures outlined in the Texas Local Government Records Act.
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission's Local Government Retention Schedules provide comprehensive information about retention requirements.
Types of Courts In Hood County
Hood County's judicial system consists of several courts with varying jurisdictions and authority levels:
355th District Court
1200 W. Pearl St.
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3233
355th District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The district court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters involving over $250,000, family law cases, and juvenile matters.
Hood County Court at Law
1200 W. Pearl St.
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3240
County Court at Law
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The County Court at Law handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $250,000, probate matters, and mental health proceedings.
Justice of the Peace Courts
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
1200 W. Pearl St.
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3220
Justice Court Precinct 1
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
3809 E. Highway 377
Granbury, TX 76049
(817) 579-3250
Justice Court Precinct 2
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3
1302 Paluxy Rd.
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3255
Justice Court Precinct 3
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4
1411 Weatherford Hwy.
Granbury, TX 76048
(817) 579-3257
Justice Court Precinct 4
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Justice Courts handle small claims cases up to $20,000, evictions, traffic citations, Class C misdemeanors, and serve as magistrates.
Municipal Courts Municipal courts in Hood County cities handle city ordinance violations, traffic citations, and Class C misdemeanors within city limits.
Court Hierarchy:
- Municipal/Justice Courts (limited jurisdiction)
- County Court at Law
- District Court
- Second Court of Appeals (Fort Worth)
- Texas Supreme Court (civil) or Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (criminal)
What Types of Cases Do Hood County Courts Hear?
Hood County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters based on their respective jurisdictions:
355th District Court:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Civil lawsuits with amounts in controversy exceeding $250,000
- Divorce and marriage dissolution
- Child custody, support, and visitation disputes
- Property division in family law cases
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Child protective services cases
- Injunctions and restraining orders
- Real property disputes
- Complex commercial litigation
Hood County Court at Law:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (Class A and B)
- Civil matters with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $250,000
- Probate of wills and administration of estates
- Guardianship proceedings
- Mental health commitments
- Appeals from Justice and Municipal courts
- Eminent domain proceedings
- Certain family law matters (concurrent with District Court)
Justice of the Peace Courts:
- Small claims cases (up to $20,000)
- Eviction proceedings
- Debt collection cases (within jurisdictional limits)
- Class C misdemeanors
- Traffic violations
- Issuance of search and arrest warrants
- Magistration of arrested persons
- Preliminary hearings
- Peace bond proceedings
- Truancy cases
- Inquests
Municipal Courts:
- City ordinance violations
- Traffic offenses occurring within city limits
- Class C misdemeanors committed within city limits
- Parking violations
- Code enforcement cases
- Preliminary hearings for persons arrested within city limits
The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the Texas Government Code and may be subject to change through legislative action. Some case types may have concurrent jurisdiction, allowing them to be filed in more than one court.
How To Find a Court Docket In Hood County
Court dockets in Hood County provide schedules of hearings, trials, and other proceedings. Members of the public may access these dockets through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Hood County District Clerk Records Portal
- Select "Court Dockets" or "Court Calendar" from the available options
- Choose the court and date range of interest
- View scheduled proceedings, including case numbers, party names, and hearing types
County Clerk Online Resources:
- Navigate to the Hood County Clerk's Online Court Records
- Access the court calendar function
- Search by date, court, or case type
- Review upcoming proceedings
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours
- Request to view the current docket or calendar
- Docket sheets are typically posted near courtrooms
- Check bulletin boards in courthouse hallways for daily schedules
Telephone Inquiries:
- Contact the relevant clerk's office:
- District Clerk: (817) 579-3230
- County Clerk: (817) 579-3260
- Justice Courts: Contact specific precinct
- Provide case information or date of interest
- Request docket information for specific proceedings
Attorney Access: Attorneys registered with the electronic filing system have additional access to docket information through secure portals.
Court dockets typically include:
- Hearing date and time
- Courtroom location
- Case number and style (names of parties)
- Type of proceeding (arraignment, motion hearing, trial)
- Presiding judge
- Attorney information
Docket information is subject to change, and proceedings may be rescheduled with limited notice. It is advisable to verify the current schedule before attending court.
Which Courts in Hood County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Texas judicial system, "courts of record" maintain official transcripts of proceedings and have specific procedural requirements. "Courts not of record" operate with more simplified procedures and typically do not maintain verbatim records of proceedings. In Hood County, the following courts are not courts of record:
Justice of the Peace Courts: All four Justice of the Peace precincts in Hood County operate as courts not of record, as defined by Texas Government Code § 27.001. These courts:
- Do not routinely create or maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings
- Follow more informal procedures than higher courts
- Allow appeals to be tried "de novo" (new trial) in County Court
- Handle small claims, evictions, and Class C misdemeanors
Municipal Courts: Municipal courts in Hood County cities are generally not courts of record unless specifically designated otherwise by city ordinance. Standard municipal courts:
- Do not maintain official transcripts of proceedings
- Provide for de novo appeals to County Court
- Process city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors
By contrast, the following Hood County courts are courts of record:
355th District Court:
- Maintains official records of all proceedings
- Employs court reporters to create verbatim transcripts
- Appeals are based on the official record
Hood County Court at Law:
- Operates as a court of record
- Maintains transcripts of proceedings
- Appeals to higher courts are based on the record created
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for appeal purposes. When appealing from a court not of record, the case is tried completely anew in the higher court, without reference to evidence or testimony from the original proceeding. Appeals from courts of record are based on the official transcript and limited to errors identified in the record.