Bastrop County Court Docket Records

Bastrop County court docket records are public documents filed with the District Clerk and County Clerk in Bastrop, Texas. This page explains how to search active and closed case dockets, what records are available, and how to get copies of court filings from Bastrop County courts.

Bastrop County District Clerk

The District Clerk is the official record keeper for district-level court cases in Bastrop County. This office handles case filings, maintains docket schedules, and provides public access to court records. The District Clerk serves the 21st Judicial District and the 423rd Judicial District, both of which handle civil, criminal, and family law matters filed in Bastrop County.

When a case is filed in district court, the clerk assigns a cause number and creates a docket entry. All subsequent filings, orders, and judgments in that case are added to the docket. The docket is the formal record of everything that has happened in a case. Anyone can request to view or copy docket entries, with some exceptions for sealed records.

Note: The District Clerk's office is located in the Bastrop County Courthouse on Pecan Street. Bring a valid photo ID when visiting in person.

Searching Bastrop County Court Docket Records

Bastrop County participates in the re:SearchTX statewide portal, which gives free access to district and county court docket records. You can search by party name, attorney name, or case number. Results include case status, docket entries, and filed documents for most cases. The portal is run by the Office of Court Administration and covers over 150 Texas counties.

To search on re:SearchTX, go to the portal and select Bastrop County from the court list. You can run a name search using just a last name or enter a full case number if you have one. The portal shows docket activity but does not always include scanned images of every document. For full document access, you may need to visit or contact the clerk's office directly.

The Texas Judicial Branch website at txcourts.gov maintains links to county court resources and provides background on how Texas courts work. If you are searching for an older case that predates online records, you will likely need to contact the clerk's office to request a manual search.

The Office of Court Administration screenshot below shows the statewide tools available for accessing Texas court docket records.

The Office of Court Administration maintains statistics and resources for all Texas courts, including Bastrop County.

The OCA portal provides links to county-level resources and statewide search tools for court docket records across Texas.

Types of Court Docket Records in Bastrop County

Bastrop County district courts handle several categories of cases. Each type has its own docket, and the records available depend on the case type.

Civil cases include lawsuits over money, contracts, property disputes, and personal injury claims. The civil docket shows when pleadings were filed, hearing dates, and how the case ended. Criminal cases involve felony charges. The criminal docket lists charges, arrest dates, plea information, and sentencing. Family law cases cover divorce, child custody, and child support. These dockets are often partially sealed to protect the privacy of children involved.

Probate cases, which deal with wills and estates, are handled by the county court rather than the district court. Misdemeanor criminal cases and smaller civil claims also go through the county court. Justice of the Peace courts handle Class C misdemeanors and small claims up to $20,000. Each level of court keeps its own docket records.

Note: Juvenile records are sealed under Texas law and are not available through public docket searches.

The Texas Judicial Branch homepage provides context on how cases flow through Texas courts at all levels.

The Texas Judicial Branch site provides an overview of how cases move through district, county, and justice courts in every Texas county.

Understanding which court handled a case helps narrow your search when looking for Bastrop County court docket records.

Accessing Records and Fees

Bastrop County court docket records can be accessed in person, by mail, or online. In-person access is available at the District Clerk's office during business hours. Staff can help you locate a case and pull physical records if needed. Bring a cause number or full name if you have it.

Copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $5.00 plus $1.00 per page. If you need a certified copy for legal use, such as proving a divorce was finalized or confirming a judgment, you will need to request certified copies specifically. Standard copies are fine for personal reference.

Mail requests are accepted. Write to the District Clerk's office with the case name, cause number if known, and a description of the records you need. Include a check or money order for the estimated copy fee, along with a return address. Processing times vary, so call ahead to confirm how long a mail request might take.

Online access through re:SearchTX is free and does not require an account. You can view docket summaries and some documents without paying. For certified documents, you must request them through the clerk's office whether in person or by mail.

Texas Public Information Act

Court docket records in Bastrop County are public under the Texas Public Information Act, found in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code. This law sets a strong presumption that government records, including court filings, are open to the public. There are exceptions for certain records such as juvenile files, sealed cases, and some family law documents involving minors, but most district court dockets are available to anyone who asks.

The Texas Attorney General's office oversees the Public Information Act and can issue opinions on whether specific records must be released. If a government agency refuses to provide records you believe should be public, you can file a complaint or request an AG opinion. The AG's open records division handles these requests and publishes guidance online.

The Texas Attorney General's open government portal shows how to request public records across state and local agencies.

Learn more about your rights to access records at the Texas Attorney General open government page.

The AG's office provides resources for anyone seeking to understand or enforce their right to access Texas public records, including Bastrop County court dockets.

Court Structure in Bastrop County

Bastrop County has two district courts that handle most serious civil and criminal matters. The 21st Judicial District and the 423rd Judicial District both sit in Bastrop. District judges are elected and serve four-year terms. They handle felony criminal cases, civil cases over $200 in controversy, divorces, and cases involving title to land.

Below the district courts are the county-level courts. Bastrop County has a County Court at Law that handles misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, and civil cases up to a certain dollar threshold. The County Judge also presides over some cases.

Justice of the Peace courts are the lowest level. There are several JP precincts in Bastrop County. They handle small claims, Class C misdemeanors such as traffic tickets, and eviction proceedings. JP court records are kept by each precinct separately.

Electronic filing is available through eFileTexas, the state's mandatory e-filing system for attorneys. Self-represented litigants may also use the system. Once a document is filed electronically, it appears in the docket shortly after the clerk processes it.

Note: Not all JP court records appear in re:SearchTX. Contact the individual precinct for those records.

Legal Resources for Bastrop County

If you need help understanding court docket records or navigating Bastrop County courts, several free and low-cost resources are available. TexasLawHelp.org provides plain-language guides on civil legal matters, including how to read a docket, what common court terms mean, and how to represent yourself in court.

The State Bar of Texas operates a lawyer referral service. If you need legal advice about a case in Bastrop County, a referral can connect you with a local attorney for an initial consultation. The State Bar also publishes consumer guides on common legal topics.

The Texas State Law Library is free to the public and provides access to Texas statutes, case law, and legal research tools. You can use their online catalog remotely or visit their facility in Austin. Research librarians can help you find the right statutes and court rules that apply to cases in Bastrop County.

The Texas Legislature Online site lets you look up the full text of any Texas statute, including the Government Code provisions that govern public access to court records.

Cities in Bastrop County

Bastrop County does not have any cities with a population over 100,000. The city of Bastrop is the county seat and the largest city in the county, but it falls below the major city threshold. Court docket records for all Bastrop County residents are maintained by the District Clerk in Bastrop.

Nearby Counties

Bastrop County borders several Central Texas counties. Each has its own district clerk and court docket system.