Court records of Tom Green County, Texas, are available through several channels. TomGreenCourt.us allows you to search for publicly accessible information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be found through the county's official online resources, including the Tom Green County portal, which offers a court records search. The offices of the county and district clerks accept requests in person, and public terminals in the courthouse provide access to case registers directly on-site.
Tom Green Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in the county, each handling specific categories of cases.
District Courts
Tom Green County is served by two district courts:
- 119th District Court — covers Tom Green, Concho, and Runnels counties. Judge Gonzalo Rios. Handles serious criminal cases (felonies), civil claims over $200, family cases (divorces, custody, adoptions), and child protection cases.
- 51st District Court — also serves Tom Green County; handles similar categories of cases, including civil and family claims.
Both courts are located in the Tom Green County Courthouse at 112 West Beauregard, San Angelo, Texas 76903. District Clerk Vicki Vines serves as the registrar and custodian of all procedural documents of the district courts.
County Court and County Court at Law
The county court handles Class A and B misdemeanors, civil cases with claims from $200 to $20,000, probate matters (the judicial process of administering a deceased person's estate), and appeals from the municipal court. The County Clerk maintains the county court records and also records documents related to real and personal property.
Justice of the Peace Courts
These courts handle small claims up to $20,000, eviction cases, and traffic violations. They also conduct preliminary hearings in criminal cases and issue arrest warrants.
Municipal Court
The San Angelo Municipal Court deals with violations of city ordinances, parking fines, and minor Class C misdemeanors. Most residents encounter this court as it processes the largest volume of cases among all county courts.
Tom Green Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of court hearings for today, tomorrow, and the current week can be checked in several ways.
- Online search through the county portal. The official Tom Green County website offers a "Court and Jail Search" feature that allows you to find information about scheduled hearings and case statuses.
- Contacting the court coordinator. Each district court has a court coordinator who can provide the current hearing calendar. For family and civil cases in the 51st District Court, the coordinator is Renea Patterson (contact: Renea.Patterson@co.tom-green.tx.us).
- Personal visit. Public terminals and bulletin boards with the hearing schedule are available in the courthouse at 112 West Beauregard.
- Municipal court. Information about hearings in the municipal court, including warrant information, can be obtained directly on the City of San Angelo website.
Statewide information about the Texas court system is provided by the Texas Courts portal.
How to Get a Copy of a Tom Green Court Document
The type of document determines which office to contact and what copy you will receive.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copy — has the official seal and signature of the clerk, confirming the authenticity of the document. Usually required for submission to other courts, government agencies, or for legal purposes.
- Uncertified copy — a regular photocopy or printout for review. Suitable for personal use.
Channels for Obtaining
In person. Contact the appropriate clerk's office in the courthouse:
District Clerk's Office
County Clerk's Office
By mail. Send a written request to the appropriate clerk's address, specifying the case number (if known), parties' names, document type, and payment. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Online. Some records are available through the court records search feature on the county's website. Certified copies of divorces are issued exclusively by the District Clerk; for marriage certificates, you can also contact Texas DSHS.
Access Restrictions
Most court records in Texas are public under Chapter 552 of the Government Code. However, some categories have restricted access — juvenile cases, sealed records, and certain family cases. The clerk will inform you if the requested document is subject to restrictions.
Tom Green Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court records in Texas are set by state law and local administrative orders. Below are approximate rates applicable in Tom Green County. It is best to confirm the exact amount directly with the clerk's office before making a request.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Registry search (by name) | $5 – $10 | Per name; depends on court type |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 | Standard photocopy rate |
| Certified copy of a document | $5.00 (first page) + $1.00 for each additional | Includes clerk's seal and signature |
| Certified copy of a divorce decree | $5.00+ | Issued only by District Clerk |
| Filing a civil claim (District Court) | Depends on case type | Check with District Clerk |
| Filing a claim (County Court) | Depends on case type | Check with County Clerk |
Payment is usually accepted in cash, money order, and, in some cases, credit or debit cards. The county website also offers an online payment feature for court costs and fines (Pay Court Cost and Fines). When paying by mail, it is recommended to use a money order made payable to the appropriate clerk — Tom Green County District Clerk or Tom Green County Clerk.
For statewide criminal history records, contact the Crime Records Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety — this service has a separate fee schedule and is not processed by county clerk offices.