Ellis County Court Records
What Is Ellis County Court Records
Ellis County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. Court records are distinct from other public records such as property deeds, vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax records, which are typically maintained by other county departments.
In Ellis County, court records are maintained by several courts within the judicial system:
- District Courts (handling felony criminal cases and civil matters over $200,000)
- County Courts at Law (handling misdemeanors and civil matters between $20,000-$200,000)
- Justice of the Peace Courts (handling small claims, traffic violations, and Class C misdemeanors)
- Municipal Courts (handling city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors)
- Probate Court (handling wills, estates, and guardianships)
These courts generate records for various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, and traffic violations. According to Texas Government Code § 51.303, district and county clerks are responsible for maintaining these court records and making them accessible to the public as prescribed by law.
Are Court Records Public In Ellis County
Court records in Ellis County are generally public pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act and the common law right of access to judicial records. Under Texas Government Code § 552.022, court records are categorized as public information unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Supreme Court has further established rules regarding public access to court records through Rule 76a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
Public court records typically include:
- Civil case files (with limited redactions for sensitive information)
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile records (protected under Texas Family Code § 58.007)
- Mental health proceedings
- Adoption records
- Cases involving minors
- Records sealed by court order
- Documents containing sensitive personal information
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Northern District of Texas (which includes Ellis County) are governed by federal rules and accessed through the federal PACER system, not through Ellis County offices.
How To Find Court Records in Ellis County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Ellis County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
In-Person Requests:
- Identify the appropriate court where the case was filed
- Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form providing case number or party names
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
Ellis County District Clerk's Office
109 S. Jackson Street, 2nd Floor
Waxahachie, TX 75165
(972) 825-5070
Ellis County District Clerk
Ellis County Clerk's Office
109 S. Jackson Street, 1st Floor
Waxahachie, TX 75165
(972) 825-5070
Ellis County Clerk
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request specifying the records sought
- Include case number, party names, and approximate date of filing
- Provide return address and contact information
- Enclose payment for estimated copy fees
- Mail to the appropriate clerk's office
Online Access:
Ellis County provides online records search capabilities for many court documents. Users may search by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Filing date range
- Case type
Certain documents may require registration and payment of access fees to view or download.
How To Look Up Court Records in Ellis County Online?
Ellis County offers several online portals for accessing court records electronically:
Ellis County Records Search:
- Navigate to the Official Public Records portal
- Create a user account if required
- Select the desired search criteria (name, case number, date range)
- Review search results and select specific documents
- Pay applicable fees for document access ($1.00 per page)
- Download or print documents as needed
Criminal Case Records:
- Visit the Criminal Misdemeanor Division website
- Select the appropriate case type (misdemeanor or felony)
- Enter search parameters (defendant name, case number)
- Review case summary information
- Request specific documents if needed
Texas Judicial Branch Website:
- Access the Texas Judicial Branch Public Case Search
- Select Ellis County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter party name or case number
- Review basic case information
- Note that document images are not available through this system
re:SearchTX Portal:
- Visit re:SearchTX
- Create a user account
- Select Ellis County as the jurisdiction
- Enter search criteria
- Pay applicable fees for document access
- Download available documents
Users should note that online systems may not contain all court records, particularly older cases or those with restricted access. Additionally, some documents may only be available for in-person inspection at the courthouse.
How To Search Ellis County Court Records for Free?
Texas law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in Texas Government Code § 552.021. While obtaining copies typically involves fees, several free options exist for accessing Ellis County court records:
Free In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- Present identification
- Use public access terminals to view records
- Take notes as needed (photography may be restricted)
Ellis County Clerk's Office Public Access Computers:
- Available during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday)
- No fee for searching or viewing records
- Staff assistance available for search guidance
- Copy fees apply only if printed documents are requested
Free Online Resources:
- Ellis County Court Dockets - Basic case information and hearing schedules
- Texas Judicial Branch Public Case Search - Free basic case information (no document images)
- Ellis County Justice of the Peace Court Records - Limited case information for JP courts
While these free options provide access to basic case information, users should be aware that comprehensive document access may require payment of statutory fees, particularly for certified copies or extensive document requests.
What's Included in a Ellis County Court Record?
Ellis County court records contain various documents depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. A typical court record may include:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Petitions or complaints (civil cases)
- Indictments or information (criminal cases)
- Case information sheets
- Service of process documentation
- Filing fee receipts
Procedural Documents:
- Motions and responses
- Court orders and rulings
- Hearing notices
- Subpoenas
- Discovery materials (when filed with the court)
- Affidavits and declarations
Evidentiary Materials:
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Witness lists
- Expert reports (when filed)
- Deposition transcripts (when filed)
- Documentary evidence
Disposition Documents:
- Judgments and decrees
- Jury verdicts
- Settlement agreements (when filed)
- Dismissal orders
- Sentencing documents (criminal cases)
Post-Judgment Documents:
- Appeals notices
- Writs of execution
- Satisfaction of judgment notices
- Probation reports (in criminal matters)
- Post-conviction motions
Administrative Records:
- Case docket sheets (chronological listing of all filings)
- Court reporter notes
- Hearing transcripts (when ordered)
- Judicial assignments
- Court calendars
The specific contents vary by case type, with criminal cases including additional documents such as bail information, pre-trial services reports, and sentencing recommendations, while family law cases may contain custody evaluations, support calculations, and parenting plans.
How Long Does Ellis County Keep Court Records?
Ellis County maintains court records according to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's Records Retention Schedule. Retention periods vary based on document type and case category:
Criminal Cases:
- Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Felony cases: 20 years after final disposition
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
- Dismissed cases: 5 years after dismissal
Civil Cases:
- General civil litigation: 12 years after final disposition
- Tax cases: 20 years after final judgment
- Real property cases: Permanent retention
- Probate cases: Permanent retention for wills and estate inventories
Family Law Cases:
- Divorce records: Permanent retention
- Child custody determinations: Until the youngest child turns 18 plus 10 years
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
- Child support cases: 10 years after the youngest child turns 18
Justice and Municipal Court Records:
- Class C misdemeanors: 5 years after final disposition
- Civil cases: 5 years after final judgment
- Traffic cases: 3 years after final disposition
These retention periods are mandated by Texas Local Government Code § 203.042, which requires local governments to establish records management programs in compliance with state standards. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to statutory procedures, though many historically significant or permanent records are preserved in the county archives.
Types of Courts In Ellis County
Ellis County's court system consists of several levels of courts with varying jurisdictions:
Ellis County District Courts (40th, 378th, and 443rd Judicial Districts)
109 S. Jackson Street
Waxahachie, TX 75165
(972) 825-5070
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ellis County District Courts
Ellis County Courts at Law (No. 1 and No. 2)
109 S. Jackson Street
Waxahachie, TX 75165
(972) 825-5220
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ellis County Courts at Law
Ellis County Justice of the Peace Courts
Precinct 1
115 W. Main Street, Suite 200
Waxahachie, TX 75165
(972) 825-5180
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Justice of the Peace Precinct 1
Precinct 2
126 S. Dallas Street
Ennis, TX 75119
(972) 825-5190
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Justice of the Peace Precinct 2
Precinct 3
208 S. 4th Street
Midlothian, TX 76065
(972) 825-5200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Justice of the Peace Precinct 3
Precinct 4
1201 E. Main Street
Italy, TX 76651
(972) 825-5210
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Justice of the Peace Precinct 4
Municipal Courts (located in various cities throughout Ellis County)
The court hierarchy proceeds from Municipal/JP Courts to County Courts at Law to District Courts, with appeals going to the 10th Court of Appeals in Waco and ultimately to the Texas Supreme Court (civil cases) or Court of Criminal Appeals (criminal cases).
What Types of Cases Do Ellis County Courts Hear?
Ellis County courts adjudicate various case types according to their jurisdictional authority:
District Courts (40th, 378th, and 443rd Judicial Districts):
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil matters with amounts in controversy over $200,000
- Family law cases (divorce, child custody, support)
- Juvenile matters
- Real property disputes
- Probate contests (when transferred from County Court)
- Appeals from lower courts
County Courts at Law (No. 1 and No. 2):
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (Class A and B)
- Civil matters with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $200,000
- Probate and guardianship proceedings
- Mental health commitments
- Appeals from Justice and Municipal courts
- Concurrent jurisdiction with District Courts in some civil matters
Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-4):
- Class C misdemeanors
- Civil cases up to $20,000
- Small claims cases
- Eviction proceedings
- Traffic violations
- Magistrate functions (setting bail, issuing search warrants)
- Inquests
Municipal Courts:
- City ordinance violations
- Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
- Traffic violations within city limits
- Juvenile cases involving curfew violations, truancy, and certain alcohol offenses
Each court level maintains its own records system, though the Ellis County District Clerk and County Clerk serve as the official custodians of records for their respective courts.
How To Find a Court Docket In Ellis County
Court dockets in Ellis County can be accessed through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Ellis County Clerk's website for County Court dockets
- Access the District Clerk's website for District Court dockets
- Select "Court Dockets" or "Court Calendar" from the navigation menu
- Choose the specific court and date range
- Search by case number, party name, or hearing date
- Review docket information including scheduled hearings
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours
- Request to view the court's docket for specific dates
- Provide case information if seeking a particular case
- Use public access terminals where available
Telephone Inquiries:
- Contact the appropriate clerk's office:
- District Clerk: (972) 825-5070
- County Clerk: (972) 825-5070
- Justice Courts: See individual court listings
- Provide case number or party names
- Request docket information for upcoming hearings
Attorney Access: Attorneys registered with re:SearchTX can access docket information through that portal with enhanced search capabilities.
Court dockets typically include the case number, party names, attorney information, hearing type, scheduled date and time, and assigned courtroom. Docket information is updated regularly but may change with limited notice due to court scheduling adjustments.
Which Courts in Ellis County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Texas judicial system, a "court of record" maintains an official transcript or recording of proceedings that can be used for appeals, while courts "not of record" do not maintain such official documentation. According to Texas Government Code § 27.042, Justice of the Peace Courts and most Municipal Courts in Ellis County are classified as courts not of record.
Justice of the Peace Courts (All Precincts):
- Proceedings are not officially recorded by a court reporter
- Appeals from these courts are handled as trial de novo (new trial) in County Courts
- No official transcript is produced for appellate review
Municipal Courts (Most Cities):
- Standard Municipal Courts are not courts of record
- Appeals are handled as trial de novo in County Courts
- No verbatim record of proceedings is maintained
However, some municipalities may establish "Municipal Courts of Record" under Texas Government Code § 30.00003, which do maintain official records of proceedings. As of this publication, the following Ellis County municipalities have established Courts of Record:
- Waxahachie Municipal Court of Record
- Midlothian Municipal Court of Record
Appeals from Municipal Courts of Record are based on the record established in the original proceeding rather than through a new trial.
All other Ellis County courts, including District Courts and County Courts at Law, are courts of record with official transcripts maintained by court reporters.