Court records in Denton County, Texas can be searched through several channels. DentonCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through official court portals, the Denton County Public Records Portal, the County Clerk's and District Clerk's offices, and public computer terminals available at the courthouse. The type of record and the court that handled the case will determine which office or system to use.
Denton Court System & Jurisdictions
Denton County operates several levels of courts within the Texas judicial system. Knowing which court handled a case is the first step to finding its docket.
- District Courts — Denton County has multiple district courts that hear felony criminal cases, civil matters where the amount in controversy exceeds $200, divorce and family law cases, and juvenile matters. District courts also handle contested probate and guardianship proceedings.
- County Courts at Law — These courts have jurisdiction over Class A and Class B misdemeanors, civil cases with amounts in controversy between $200 and $200,000, probate matters, and appeals from justice of the peace courts.
- Justice of the Peace Courts — Denton County has multiple JP precincts. These courts handle small claims (civil disputes up to $20,000), eviction cases, minor traffic and criminal offenses punishable by fine only, and they issue search and arrest warrants.
- Municipal Courts — Cities within Denton County (such as the City of Denton, Lewisville, and Flower Mound) operate municipal courts for city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits, including most traffic tickets.
The District Clerk maintains records for all district court cases, while the County Clerk handles county court-level records. JP and municipal court records are maintained by each individual court. For federal cases originating in Denton County, records are available through PACER, the federal court electronic records system.
Denton Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding today's or this week's court schedule depends on which court level you need.
- District and County Courts at Law — Court calendars and settings are typically posted by each individual court or coordinator. Contact the specific court coordinator's office for current hearing schedules. The Denton County Department Phone Directory lists direct numbers for each court.
- Justice of the Peace Courts — Each JP precinct maintains its own calendar. Call the precinct office directly to confirm hearing dates and times.
- Public Notices — Certain court-related notices, including some hearing announcements, are posted on the County Clerk Public Notices page.
If you have a case number, you can often look up scheduled settings through the District Clerk's online case search or by calling the clerk's office. Attorneys and parties who have filed cases electronically through eFileTexas may also receive electronic notifications of upcoming settings.
Tips for Checking Calendars
- Identify the court number assigned to your case (it appears on any filing or notice you received).
- Call that court's coordinator or check the court's individual webpage if one exists.
- Arrive early — dockets in Denton County courts can include dozens of cases set at the same time.
How to Get a Copy of a Denton Court Document
Whether you need a divorce decree, a criminal case disposition, or a civil judgment, the process depends on the court that handled the matter and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the clerk's official seal and signature. They are typically required for legal proceedings, background checks, and government applications.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions useful for personal reference. They cost less and are often available more quickly.
How to Request Documents
- Online — Search the Denton County Public Records Portal for County Clerk records. Some documents can be viewed or printed directly. The Texas State Law Library court records guide also provides instructions for locating records statewide.
- In person — Visit the appropriate clerk's office at the Denton County Courthouse. Bring the case number, party names, and approximate filing date to speed up your request.
- By mail — Send a written request including the case number, party names, the type of document needed, and a check or money order for the applicable fees.
Clerk Mailing Addresses
Denton County District Clerk
Denton County Clerk
For criminal history records beyond what is available through the local clerk, the Texas DPS Criminal History Name Search provides statewide results for a fee.
Denton Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies in Denton County are set by Texas statute (primarily the Texas Government Code and the Texas Local Government Code). The following table reflects common fees; always confirm current amounts with the clerk's office, as they may be updated by legislative action or administrative order.
| Service | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (first page) | $5.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $1.00 |
| Certificate with seal (no document attached) | $5.00 |
| Court record search (by clerk staff) | Varies; typically no charge for basic index searches online |
| Texas DPS criminal history name search | $3.00 per name (online) |
Payment Methods
- In person — Cash, check, money order, and in some cases credit/debit cards are accepted at the clerk's window.
- By mail — Check or money order payable to the appropriate clerk (District Clerk or County Clerk).
- Online — Some services through the Denton County Public Records Portal or the Texas DPS portal accept credit card payment.
Fees cited above are based on schedules established under Texas Government Code Chapter 51 and Texas Local Government Code Chapter 118. Contact the clerk's office directly to confirm the current fee before submitting a request, especially for bulk orders or older archived records that may require additional retrieval time.