Search Kleberg County Court Docket
Kleberg County court docket records are managed through the District Clerk's office in Kingsville, Texas, where civil, criminal, and family cases are filed for the 105th Judicial District. Home to Texas A&M University-Kingsville and the historic King Ranch, this South Texas county processes a steady flow of court filings each year. This guide covers how to search Kleberg County court docket records online and in person, along with contact details, fees, and access methods available to the public.
Kleberg County Overview
Kleberg County District Clerk
The District Clerk in Kleberg County is the main keeper of court docket records for the 105th Judicial District. This office processes all felony criminal filings, civil cases over $200, divorce and custody matters, and juvenile proceedings. Each case gets a docket entry that tracks every action from the initial filing through the final judgment. The clerk logs hearings, motions, orders, and dispositions as they happen.
The courthouse in Kingsville is where all district court records are stored. Walk-in visits give you direct access to staff who can pull files and make copies. Bring a photo ID and know the case name or number if you can. Certified copies cost $5.00 plus $1.00 per page. Plain copies are $1.00 per page. If you have a complex request, call ahead so the staff can prepare what you need before you arrive.
| Office | Kleberg County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 700 E. Kleberg Avenue, Kingsville, TX 78363 |
| Phone | (361) 595-8585 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The County Clerk handles county court records, misdemeanor cases, and probate matters. That office sits in the same courthouse building and can be reached at (361) 595-8548. For felony cases or larger civil disputes, the District Clerk is your first stop.
Note: Kleberg County does not operate its own online records portal, so most searches require re:SearchTX or a direct request to the clerk.
Searching Kleberg County Court Docket Online
The primary free tool for looking up Kleberg County court docket records online is re:SearchTX. Run by the Office of Court Administration, this statewide portal covers over 150 Texas counties. You can search by party name or case number at txcourts.gov/researchtx. Results include filing dates, case types, party names, and case status.
Not all documents are available through the portal. Detailed docket sheets, filed motions, and exhibits usually require a direct request to the District Clerk in Kingsville. When searching by name, try variations and different spellings. Data entry mistakes are common. A case number search gives you more precise results when you have that information.
For historical records or cases not yet loaded into re:SearchTX, contact the clerk by phone or visit the courthouse. Internal systems at the clerk's office go deeper than the public portal. Mail requests also work if you cannot visit in person.
The Texas Judicial Branch website provides court directories and resources for every judicial district in the state. Below is the homepage for the Texas Judicial Branch, which links to court rules, contact information, and the re:SearchTX portal.
This page connects you to the Office of Court Administration and local court directories that include the 105th Judicial District serving Kleberg County.
What Court Docket Records Contain
A court docket is the official record of every action in a case. In Kleberg County, docket records cover the full range of matters heard in district court. Each docket entry shows the case number, parties involved, type of action, and the date it took place. You will find the original petition or indictment, responses from opposing parties, motions and rulings, hearing and trial dates, court orders, and the final judgment.
Criminal dockets show arraignment dates, bond settings, plea entries, and sentencing details. Family law dockets often have temporary orders, property inventories, and decree documents. The Texas Government Code governs how long courts must keep records. Felony criminal and civil case files are kept permanently. Juvenile records and sealed proceedings are not open to the public under most circumstances.
Attorneys in Kleberg County file new cases and documents through the eFileTexas system. The image below shows the eFileTexas login page used by attorneys statewide.
The public cannot file through eFileTexas, but this system is why recent filings appear in the docket quickly after attorneys submit them electronically.
Access Methods for Kleberg County Records
You can get Kleberg County court docket records three ways. The most direct is visiting the courthouse in Kingsville at 700 E. Kleberg Avenue. Bring photo ID and a list of cases you need. For small requests, staff can pull files and copy pages while you wait. This is the best option for older records or anything that needs a physical file review.
By mail, send a written request to the District Clerk with the case name and number. Include a check or money order for the estimated fees. Allow extra time because mail requests get processed as staff workload allows. The clerk may contact you if the cost is different from your estimate.
Online, use re:SearchTX for basic case lookups. Full documents are harder to get online for Kleberg County, but the Office of Court Administration adds more records over time. It is worth checking back if you could not find what you needed on an earlier search.
Note: Standard copy fees in Texas are $1.00 per page for plain copies and $5.00 plus $1.00 per page for certified copies with a court seal.
Public Information Act and Court Docket Access
Kleberg County court docket records are public records under Texas law. The Texas Public Information Act, codified in Government Code Chapter 552, creates a presumption that government records are open. Court records also fall under the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and the Government Code, but the general principle of public access holds.
Formal open records requests go in writing to the District Clerk. The office must respond within ten business days. The Texas Attorney General's office handles compliance and publishes guidance for both the public and government offices. If you believe records were improperly withheld, the AG's office can intervene.
The image below shows the Texas Attorney General's Open Records page, which covers your rights when requesting documents like Kleberg County court docket entries and case filings.
Understanding your rights under this law helps if you face any resistance when asking for records that should be available to the public.
Kleberg County Court Structure
The 105th Judicial District Court serves Kleberg County with jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil disputes above $200, family law, and juvenile matters. Kleberg County also has a county court at law handling misdemeanors, probate, and smaller civil cases. Justice of the peace courts take care of small claims and Class C misdemeanors.
The Texas court system splits at the top. The Texas Supreme Court hears civil appeals. The Court of Criminal Appeals has the final word on criminal cases. The Office of Court Administration publishes yearly reports on caseloads by county. These reports break down filing totals, types, and clearance rates for Kleberg County and every other county in the state.
Legal Help in Kleberg County
Free resources are available if you need help with a court docket or case in Kleberg County. TexasLawHelp has guides on family law, debt, housing, and other civil topics written in plain language. The Texas State Law Library offers free access to statutes, court rules, and research tools for self-represented litigants.
The State Bar of Texas runs a lawyer referral service that connects you with attorneys who practice in South Texas, including Kleberg County. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid also provides free or reduced-cost civil legal help for income-qualifying residents in this region. Their offices serve the Coastal Bend area and can assist with family law, housing, and public benefits cases.
The Texas State Law Library, shown below, provides free research tools for anyone dealing with a Kleberg County court case.
Staff at the library can help you find the right statutes and procedural rules for your situation, whether you visit in person or use their online resources.
Nearby Texas Counties
Kleberg County sits in South Texas near the Gulf Coast. Each neighboring county keeps its own court docket records through their District Clerk offices. Cross-county cases sometimes appear in more than one system.