El Paso County Court Records
El Paso County court records constitute the official collection of documents and data resulting from local legal proceedings. These files contain case details, pleadings, motions, and sentencing information, all of which are essential for maintaining transparency within the judicial system.
The El Paso County Clerk, the District Clerk, and other court clerks serve as the primary legal custodians for these trial-level files. These offices create and maintain records in accordance with the Texas Constitution, state statutes, and the Texas Rules of Court.
Court clerks maintain local court records, which often connect with documents from other public agencies to offer a fuller picture of a legal issue. For instance, a judgment creditor may file liens with the county recorder, which stem from court judgments. Similarly, federal case files, though managed by a separate justice system, might refer to a state conviction and could be examined during background checks.
Are El Paso County Court Records Public?
Yes. El Paso County court records are generally accessible to the public, in accordance with the Texas Judiciary’s Open Records Policy. However, certain information and documents are deemed confidential by law to safeguard individual privacy, secure a fair trial, or protect government interests, among other legally recognized reasons. For instance, adoption and juvenile files are restricted to those directly involved. Courts also have the authority to seal specific records if the public interest in keeping them confidential outweighs the general presumption of openness. Furthermore, state law provides mechanisms for the expunction (destruction) of certain records, thereby making the files inaccessible to the general public.
What Information is Available in El Paso County Court Records?
A standard El Paso County court record contains an exhaustive history of a legal proceeding, from filing to final judgment. Examples are
- Case details, such as the unique file number and names of the parties involved
- Pleadings, motions, and petitions submitted to the court clerk
- Official court orders, final judgments, and sentencing information
- Transcripts of court proceedings and evidence admitted during trials
- Original wills, annual guardianship reports, and letters testamentary found in probate files
- Divorce decrees, protective orders, and child support documentation
- Criminal indictments, search warrants, and cash bond information
El Paso County Court Records Search
Individuals in need of court records in El Paso County can access them through several digital and physical channels managed by the court clerks or courts. For example, the County Online Records Search portal facilitates searches for criminal, civil, family, and probate cases, as well as jail and bond records. Users can query the portal using specific criteria, such as case numbers, defendant names, or attorney bar numbers. The county also provides a Public Case Search portal where criminal, civil, family, and probate cases can be searched.
While online access is free, high traffic volume may slow response times, and users may be required to complete a CAPTCHA to verify their identity. To access information when online portals are insufficient, the public may visit the court or the clerk’s office. Below are the addresses for the District and County Clerks’ offices in El Paso.
District Clerk’s Office
500 East San Antonio
Suite 103
El Paso, Texas 79901
Phone: (915) 273-3534
Fax: (915) 273-3859
County Clerk’s Office
County Courthouse
500 East San Antonio
Suite 105
El Paso, Texas 79901
Phone: (915) 273-3532
Requesters may retrieve copies of court records by emailing the County Clerk or the District Clerk.
Fees for Court Records in El Paso County
El Paso County charges various fees for court records, designed to cover administrative costs. These fees vary by courthouse. Below are the fees charged by the District and County Clerks:
Court Records Fees (District Clerk)
- Standard Copies: $1 per page.
- Document Certification: $5 per document.
- Electronic Copies: $1 for the first ten pages, plus 10 cents for each additional page.
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Specialized Services:
- Local Criminal Background Checks (court records only): $10
- Archived Record Retrieval: $6
Vital Records Fees (County Clerk)
- Birth Certificate: $23
- Death Certificate: $21
- Certified Copy of Marriage License: $7
The county accepts cash, money orders, and cashier’s checks. Fees associated with these payment types include
- Credit Card Payments: A convenience fee ranging from approximately 2.19% to 2.50% of the total charge.
- Debit Card Payments: A flat fee of $2.95.
- Returned Checks: A $30 charge.
El Paso County Courthouse Locations
The El Paso County judicial system is structured with various courts, each possessing distinct authority over specific types of cases to maintain local legal governance, such as the following:
District Courts function as the main trial courts with general jurisdiction. They handle
- Felony criminal cases
- Juvenile matters
- Large-scale civil lawsuits exceeding a value of $200
- Family law proceedings, including divorce, parental relationship suits, and contested elections.
Justice Courts, led by Justices of the Peace, operate at the local level. Their jurisdiction includes
- Small claims and civil disputes involving amounts up to $20,000
- Eviction cases
- Criminal misdemeanors punishable solely by a fine, where no jail confinement is involved.
Municipal Courts maintain original jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances, including those related to public health, sanitation, and fire safety.
Below are the addresses of the El Paso County Courts:
El Paso County District Courts (34th, 41st, 65th, 120th, 168th, 171th, 205th, 210th, 243rd, 327th, 346th, 383rd, 384th, 388th, 409th, and 448th)
El Paso County Courthouse
500 East San Antonio Avenue
Suite 103
El Paso, TX 79901
Phone: (915) 546-2021
El Paso County Criminal District Court
El Paso County Courthouse
500 East San Antonio Avenue
Suite 103
El Paso, TX 79901
Phone: (915) 546-2021
Fax: (915) 546-8139
El Paso County Constitutional Court
El Paso County Courthouse
500 East San Antonio Avenue
Suite 105
El Paso, TX 79901
Phone: (915) 546-2071
Fax: (915) 543-2012
El Paso County Criminal Court at Law
El Paso County Courthouse
500 East San Antonio Avenue
Suite 105
El Paso, TX 79901
Phone: (915) 546-2071
Fax: (915) 546-2012
El Paso County Probate Court No. 1
El Paso County Courthouse
500 East San Antonio Avenue
Suite 803
El Paso, TX 79901
Phone: (915) 546-2161
Fax: (915) 546-2019
El Paso County Probate Court No. 2
El Paso County Courthouse
500 East San Antonio Avenue
Suite 422
El Paso, TX 79901
Phone: (915) 546-8183
Fax: (915) 875-8530
Justice Courts in El Paso County
El Paso County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1
424 Executive Center Boulevard
Suite 100
El Paso, TX 79902
Phone: (915) 534-3917
Fax: (915) 351-1731
El Paso County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2
4641 Cohen Avenue
Suite A
El Paso, TX 79924
Phone: (915) 751-7575
Fax: (915) 751-7623
El Paso County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3
El Paso County Courthouse
500 East San Antonio Avenue
Suite 308
El Paso, TX 79901
Phone: (915) 546-2170
Fax: (915) 546-8188
El Paso County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4
2350 George Dieter Drive
Suite A
El Paso, TX 79936
Phone: (915) 538-1600
Fax: (915) 538-1601
El Paso County Justice of the Peace Precinct 5
9521 Socorro Road
Suite B2
El Paso, TX 79927
Phone: (915) 859-3744
Fax: (915) 859-8681
El Paso County Justice of the Peace Precinct 6 - Place 1
190 North San Elizario Road
PO Box 597
Clint, TX 79836
Phone: (915) 851-2019
Fax: (915) 851-3694
El Paso County Justice of the Peace Precinct 6 - Place 2
14608 Greg Drive
El Paso, TX 79938
Phone: (915) 855-3062
Fax: (915) 855-3098
El Paso County Justice of the Peace Precinct 7
435 Vinton Road
Suite C
Vinton, TX 79821
Phone: (915) 886-2598
Municipal Courts in El Paso County
Anthony Municipal Court
401 Wildcat Drive
PO Box 1269
Anthony, TX 79821
Phone: (915) 886-3272
City of El Paso Municipal Court
810 East Overland Avenue
El Paso, TX 79901
Phone: (915) 212-0215
Clint Municipal Court
200 North San Elizario
PO Box 350
Clint, TX 79836
Phone: (915) 851-3146
Horizon City Municipal Court
14999 Darrington Road
Horizon City, TX 79928
Phone: (915) 852-1048
Fax: (915) 852-2364
Socorro Municipal Court
860 North Rio Vista Road
Socorro, TX 79927
Phone: (915) 872-8574
Fax: (915) 872-0450
Vinton Municipal Court
436 E Vinton Road
Vinton, TX 79821
Phone: (915) 886-5104
Criminal Records Access in El Paso County
Accessing local criminal case information in El Paso County differs from obtaining official state-level history records. The Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Crime Records Division manages official statewide criminal history checks. This state agency collects data from local criminal justice departments, compiles it into statewide databases, and shares it with the FBI. For local proceedings, the District Clerk’s Criminal Division manages felony case files and provides access upon request. Misdemeanor records remain under the County Clerk’s Criminal Division. Residents can search for pending criminal cases through the county’s online portals (the Online Records Search or the Public Case Search) or visit the offices of the respective Clerks.
El Paso County Probate Records
The Probate-Civil Division of the El Paso County Clerk’s office is the official custodian for court records detailing the distribution of assets and the supervision of individuals unable to handle their own matters. These records, known as El Paso County probate records, encompass a variety of estate filings, including applications for estate administration and original wills deposited for safekeeping. Furthermore, the court oversees guardianships and conservatorships, including the issuance of letters of testamentary.
El Paso County offers two online methods-the Online Records Search and the Public Case Search-to view recent probate filings, allowing searches by name or file number. For older or historical probate records, however, an in-person visit to the clerk’s office at the main courthouse is generally required.
While most probate files are publicly accessible, certain information is legally restricted to protect privacy. This includes specific details within guardianship cases and records related to involuntary mental health commitments, which are confidential. Those unable to visit in person can submit requests for copies via a dedicated email provided by the Probate-Civil Division.
El Paso County Family Court Records
The El Paso District Clerk maintains the official records for family law proceedings, including divorce, child support, and custody matters. Residents can access these files in person at 500 East, San Antonio, Suite 103, El Paso, or through the county’s Online Records Search and the Public Case Search portals. However, while many family records are public, adoption files remain restricted. The District Clerk grants limited individuals viewing privileges for adoption records and requires specific details, such as the child’s name before and after the proceeding, to process requests. For other family matters, such as Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR) or protective orders, the clerk’s office provides standard copies for $1 per page. Obtaining a certified copy requires an additional $5 fee for the deputy clerk’s official endorsement.
Federal Court Records in El Paso County
Federal legal proceedings for El Paso County fall under the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. This court serves as a forum for federal criminal prosecutions and the resolution of civil disputes. The local U.S. District Clerk’s Office maintains physical records at 525 Magoffin Avenue in El Paso.
For electronic access, the court utilizes the national PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) system to provide access. This tool allows the public to search for specific case numbers, docket history, and judicial opinions.
