Court records in Jim Wells County, Texas, can be searched through several channels. JimwellsCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases in the county. Additional resources include the county's official online court portal, the County Clerk's and District Clerk's offices, and public-access terminals located at the Jim Wells County Courthouse in Alice. The sections below explain which courts handle specific case types, how to look up upcoming hearings, and how to obtain copies of court documents.
Jim Wells Court System & Jurisdictions
Jim Wells County is part of the 79th Judicial District, which serves both Jim Wells and Brooks counties. Several courts operate within the county, each handling distinct case types.
- 79th District Court — Handles felony criminal cases, civil matters where the amount in controversy exceeds the county court's jurisdictional limit, family law cases (divorce, custody, adoption, protective orders), and juvenile matters. The 79th Judicial District Clerk maintains records for this court.
- County Court at Law — Hears Class A and B misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes within its statutory jurisdictional range, probate matters (wills, guardianships, mental health commitments), and appeals from Justice of the Peace courts. The Jim Wells County Clerk maintains county court records.
- Justice of the Peace Courts — Handle small claims cases (civil disputes up to $20,000), eviction proceedings, traffic and other Class C misdemeanors, and magistrate duties such as setting bail. Jim Wells County has multiple JP precincts.
Appeals from the District Court and County Court at Law go to the Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio, which covers thirty-two South Texas counties. To confirm current judges and court contact details, use the Texas Office of Court Administration directory.
Jim Wells Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Jim Wells County publishes case information — including scheduled hearing dates — through its CourtView eAccess portal. This online system draws from computerized records maintained by the county and is considered public information.
To look up today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court settings:
- Visit the CourtView eAccess search page.
- Search by party name, case number, or date range.
- Review the case detail screen for upcoming hearing dates, courtroom assignments, and case status.
Keep in mind:
- Docket settings can change on short notice. If you have a scheduled appearance, confirm the date and time directly with the clerk's office.
- Not all courts may post JP-level calendars online. For Justice of the Peace court dates, contact the relevant precinct office by phone.
- The District Clerk's office can provide scheduling information for 79th District Court cases: call 361-668-5717 (if listed on the official county website) or visit in person at the Jim Wells County Courthouse in Alice.
How to Get a Copy of a Jim Wells Court Document
Which clerk you contact depends on where the case was filed:
- District Court records (felonies, family law, civil cases above county court limits) — contact the 79th Judicial District Clerk.
- County Court records (misdemeanors, probate, lower-value civil cases) — contact the Jim Wells County Clerk.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents. They work for personal reference but are generally not accepted for legal proceedings.
- Certified copies carry the clerk's seal and signature, confirming the document is a true copy of the court record. Courts, attorneys, and government agencies typically require certified copies.
How to Request
- Online — Search the CourtView portal to identify the case and document you need. For official records maintained by the County Clerk, the Jim Wells County Official Records Search also offers quick and advanced search options. Copies may need to be requested by contacting the clerk directly.
- In person — Visit the appropriate clerk's office at the Jim Wells County Courthouse.
- By mail — Send a written request specifying the case number, party names, document type, and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy. Include payment (check or money order payable to the appropriate clerk).
Mailing addresses:
Some records are restricted by law — sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family law files may not be available to the general public. Ask the clerk whether the document you need is subject to any access restrictions.
Jim Wells Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court document copies and searches in Texas are set by statute (Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 118, and Texas Government Code, Chapter 51). The table below reflects standard statutory fees commonly charged by Texas county and district clerks. Confirm exact amounts with the Jim Wells County Clerk or District Clerk, as some fees may vary based on local administrative orders.
| Service | Typical Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 | Standard per-page rate under Texas Local Government Code §118.011 |
| Certified copy (first page) | $5.00 | Includes clerk's certification and seal |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $1.00 | Same document, additional pages |
| Court record search (by name) | $5.00 | Per-name search fee; may vary by clerk |
| Issuance of subpoena or citation | Varies | Contact the District Clerk for current amount |
| Appeal filing / transfer fee | Varies | Depends on case type; ask the clerk |
Payment methods: In person, most clerk offices accept cash, checks, and money orders. Credit/debit card acceptance varies — confirm before visiting. Mail requests should include a check or money order payable to the appropriate clerk's office. Online payment options, if available, are noted on the clerk's website.
For criminal history searches beyond county court records, the Texas DPS Criminal History Name Search charges a separate fee set by the state. The Jim Wells County jail roster is available online at no charge through the Sheriff's Department website.