Martin County Court Docket Lookup
Martin County court docket records are filed and maintained at the courthouse in Stanton, located in the Permian Basin region of West Texas. The District Clerk processes all district court filings, including civil, criminal, and family law cases. If you need to look up a case number, track a hearing date, or get copies of docket entries, this page covers the search tools, contacts, and procedures for Martin County. Online access is limited, but the statewide re:SearchTX portal and direct contact with the clerk's office can get you the records you need.
Martin County Overview
Martin County District Clerk
The District Clerk in Martin County manages all district court docket records. This includes civil lawsuits, felony criminal cases, family law filings like divorce and custody, and juvenile matters. The docket for each case is a running record that tracks motions, hearings, orders, and the final judgment. Every action gets logged with a date and description.
Stanton is the county seat and where you head for in-person record requests. The courthouse is the main government building in town. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours, and staff can help you find cases, pull files, and make copies. For complex requests or if you need several files, call ahead so they can get things ready before you arrive.
| Office | Martin County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 301 N. St. Peter, Stanton, TX 79782 |
| Phone | (432) 756-3417 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The County Clerk handles records for county court cases, which cover misdemeanors, probate, and smaller civil matters. Both clerk offices work out of the same courthouse. For felony charges or civil cases over $200, the District Clerk is who you need to talk to.
The Texas Judicial Branch website is a useful first stop for understanding how Martin County courts fit into the state system. Below is the homepage of this statewide portal.
This site links to court directories, judicial rules, and the re:SearchTX tool that can help with Martin County case lookups.
How to Search Martin County Court Docket
The main free online tool for searching Martin County court docket records is re:SearchTX. The Office of Court Administration runs this portal, which pulls case data from over 150 Texas counties. Search by party name or case number to get basic case information. The results show filing date, case type, parties, and current status.
Martin County does not have its own online case search system. That means re:SearchTX is your primary remote option. Not every document is available online. Full docket sheets, motions, and exhibits often require contacting the clerk directly. Name searches can miss results if there are spelling differences in the database, so try variations or use a case number when possible.
For older cases or records that have not been digitized, call the District Clerk at (432) 756-3417. Staff can check internal systems and help you find what you need. Mail requests are also an option, though they take more time.
Note: re:SearchTX is free for basic lookups and does not require you to create an account, though some document access may carry a fee.
What Martin County Docket Records Contain
A court docket is the official timeline of a case. Martin County court docket records include all cases heard in district court. Each entry shows the case number, parties, what happened, and when. Over time the docket creates a full picture of how a case moved through the system.
Inside a docket you will find the original petition or indictment, responses and answers from the other side, motions and the court's rulings, hearing and trial schedules, court orders, and the final judgment. Criminal dockets include arraignments, plea entries, bond details, and sentencing records. Family law dockets often have temporary orders, property inventories, and final decree documents. The Texas Government Code sets retention rules. Permanent files are the norm for felony and civil cases in Texas.
Accessing Martin County Court Records
Three methods are available for getting Martin County court docket records. In-person visits to the Stanton courthouse give you direct access. Bring photo ID and let staff know what you are looking for. They can pull case files and make copies while you wait. This is the most reliable approach for older records or when your search is broad.
Mail requests work if you cannot visit Stanton. Send a letter to the District Clerk that identifies the case by name and number if you have it, plus a check or money order for copy fees. Standard rates in Texas are $1.00 per page for plain copies and $5.00 plus $1.00 per page for certified copies. Certified copies have the court seal and are sometimes needed for use in other courts or agencies.
Attorneys in Martin County file through the eFileTexas system. The image below shows the login screen for this mandatory electronic filing portal used statewide.
While the public cannot use eFileTexas to submit documents, the system explains why new case filings appear on the docket shortly after submission.
Public Records and Open Government
Court docket records in Martin County are public under the Texas Public Information Act, found in Government Code Chapter 552. The law says government records are open unless a specific exception applies. Most court records at the District Clerk's office fall under this rule. Written requests must be answered within ten business days in most situations.
The Texas Attorney General's office manages compliance with the Public Information Act. Their site has sample request letters and detailed guidance. If a request gets denied, the AG can step in and issue a ruling. The AG's Open Records hotline is available for questions at 512-478-6736.
The screenshot below shows the Attorney General's Open Records page, which details your rights when requesting court filings and docket sheets from government offices like the Martin County District Clerk.
Knowing these rules puts you in a better position when requesting Martin County court records.
Note: Sealed cases, juvenile records, and certain family law filings may be exempt from public access under state law.
Martin County Court Structure
Martin County has one district court with jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters above $200, family law, and juvenile proceedings. The county court handles misdemeanors, probate, and small claims. Texas courts are structured with the Supreme Court overseeing civil matters and the Court of Criminal Appeals handling criminal cases at the top.
The Office of Court Administration publishes yearly caseload reports for all Texas counties, including Martin. These reports show filings, dispositions, and pending cases. Attorneys file through eFileTexas. Self-represented litigants can file in person at the courthouse in Stanton.
Legal Help in Martin County
Free legal resources are available for people who need help with court docket matters in Martin County. The Texas State Law Library provides online access to Texas statutes, court rules, and research databases at no cost. This is especially helpful for people handling their own cases.
The State Bar of Texas runs a lawyer referral service that covers the Permian Basin region. For criminal history searches, the DPS Crime Records Service maintains the state criminal history database. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission holds archived court records that may be useful for historical research.
Nearby Texas Counties
Martin County is in the Permian Basin and borders several West Texas counties. Each county has its own District Clerk and court docket record system. Cases with parties from multiple counties may have filings in more than one jurisdiction.