Cooke County, TX Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
Cooke County is served by Texas trial courts, which include district courts with general jurisdiction, county courts at law and statutory county courts, constitutional county courts, justice courts, and municipal courts. The district clerk keeps district court records, and the county clerk keeps county court records. The county had an estimated population of 44,461 in 2025, compared with 44,353 in 2024.
How to Search Cooke County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. Texas court records are kept by the district clerk or the county clerk, depending on the court.
Online
Go to re:SearchTX, the statewide case search for Texas courts.
Register on the site to use this subscription service.
Review the pricing on the site before you search.
Best for: Statewide lookups with registration
In Person
Go to the district or county clerk office for your case.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the clerk which division handles your case type.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
Contact the Clerk
Contact the district or county clerk about records and copies.
Ask the clerk which request method accepts your case type.
Confirm fees and response times with the clerk before you send a request.
Best for: Requests you cannot make in person
Search by Name on TXCourts.org
Go to TXCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Cooke County Court Statistics (FY 2025)
Cooke County's district, statutory county and constitutional county courts added 1,888 cases in FY 2025, including probate, guardianship and mental health filings. The courts disposed of 1,566 cases, and total filings rose 0.1% from FY 2024.
1,888
Total cases added in FY 2025
1,566
Total cases disposed in FY 2025
~944
Filings per judicial position (~2 positions)
+0.1%
Change in total filings vs FY 2024 (1,887 to 1,888)
| Metric | FY 2025 | FY 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | 1,888 | 1,887 | +0.1% |
| Total Dispositions | 1,566 | 1,952 | -19.8% |
| Criminal Filings | 964 | 882 | +9.3% |
| Civil Filings | 348 | 389 | -10.5% |
| Family Law Filings | 378 | 409 | -7.6% |
| Probate Filings | 171 | 178 | -3.9% |
| Mental Health Filings | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | 27 | 29 | -6.9% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~2 | ~2 | ~0.0% |
Criminal filings drove the change in FY 2025, rising by 82 cases.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Cooke County?
This table shows Cooke County's total filings and dispositions in its district, statutory county and constitutional county courts over the last five fiscal years.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2025 | 1,888 | 1,566 | +0.1% |
| FY 2024 | 1,887 | 1,952 | -8.9% |
| FY 2023 | 2,071 | 1,930 | +1.0% |
| FY 2022 | 2,051 | 2,741 | -17.4% |
| FY 2021 | 2,483 | 2,348 | -20.6% |
Total filings fell 24.0% between FY 2021 and FY 2025, from 2,483 to 1,888. The largest annual change was -20.6% in FY 2021. The latest change of +0.1% was led by criminal filings, which rose by 82 cases.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Cooke County?
Criminal cases are the largest category in Cooke County, at 51.1% of filings in FY 2025.
| Case Type | Filings FY 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 964 | 51.1% | +9.3% |
| Civil | 348 | 18.4% | -10.5% |
| Family law | 378 | 20.0% | -7.6% |
| Probate | 171 | 9.1% | -3.9% |
| Mental health | 0 | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Juvenile | 27 | 1.4% | -6.9% |
Criminal cases grew the fastest at +9.3%, while civil cases fell the most at -10.5%.
How Does Cooke County Compare With Texas Overall?
Cooke County accounted for 0.06% of the 3,129,582 cases filed in Texas district, statutory county and constitutional county courts in FY 2025.
| Metric | Cooke County | Texas | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | 1,888 | 3,129,582 | 0.06% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | +0.1% | +1.8% | Below state |
| Filings per judicial position | ~944 | ~3,610 | 74% below state |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~783 | ~3,472 | 77% below state |
| Criminal share of filings | 51.1% | 42.5% | 8.6 points above state |
| Civil share of filings | 18.4% | 28.9% | 10.4 points below state |
| Family law share of filings | 20.0% | 18.9% | 1.1 points above state |
Its filings grew 0.1% while statewide filings grew 1.8%. Criminal cases make up 51.1% of its filings against 42.5% statewide, and civil cases 18.4% against 28.9%.
Cooke County Crime Statistics (2025)
These are the crimes reported to the FBI in 2025 by the 5 law enforcement agencies in Cooke County that reported, added together. For the agencies with both years on file, violent crimes rose 61.2% and property crimes fell 11.3% from 2024.
79
Violent crimes in Cooke County, 2025
334
Property crimes in Cooke County, 2025
177.7
Violent crime rate per 100K, Cooke County, 2025
-2.8%
Change in total reported crimes vs 2024 (422 to 410)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 1 | 2.2 | ~0 | ~+1 cases |
| Rape | 19 | 42.7 | ~12 | ~+58.3% |
| Robbery | 11 | 24.7 | ~7 | ~+57.1% |
| Aggravated assault | 48 | 108.0 | ~30 | ~+60.0% |
| Violent crimes total | 79 | 177.7 | ~49 | ~+61.2% |
| Burglary | 48 | 108.0 | ~54 | ~-11.1% |
| Larceny-theft | 245 | 551.0 | ~276 | ~-11.2% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 41 | 92.2 | ~46 | ~-10.9% |
| Property crimes total | 334 | 751.2 | ~376 | ~-11.2% |
Cooke County's violent crime rate of 177.7 per 100K is below the Texas rate of 346.3, and its property crime rate of 751.2 is below the state's 1,790.2.
Cooke County Courthouse Locations
Cooke County court proceedings are held at the Cooke County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooke County Courthouse | 101 South Dixon, Gainesville, TX 76240 | 940-668-5450 | See location page |
Addresses and phone numbers come from public directory listings and may change, so confirm them with the clerk before you visit.
Which Court Handles Your Case in Cooke County?
Cases in Cooke County, Texas are heard by justice courts, municipal courts, the county court or a county court at law, and the district court, depending on the type of case.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Cooke County Justice of the Peace Court or the city municipal court | Fine-only traffic offenses go to a justice or municipal court, depending on where the ticket was issued. |
| Parking ticket | City municipal court or the city or agency that issued the ticket | Parking citations are handled by the issuing city or agency. |
| Misdemeanor | County Court of Cooke County or County Court at Law | Class A and B misdemeanors are heard here; Class C fine-only offenses go to justice or municipal court. |
| Felony | Cooke County District Court | Felony cases are tried in district court after grand jury indictment. |
| DUI | County Court of Cooke County or County Court at Law | DWI misdemeanors are usually heard here; felony DWI goes to district court. |
| Domestic violence | County Court of Cooke County or County Court at Law, or District Court | Charges are heard as misdemeanors or felonies; protective orders are handled by district or county courts at law. |
| Civil lawsuit | County Court of Cooke County at Law or District Court | The court depends on the amount in dispute; federal claims go to the U.S. District Court. |
| Small claims | Cooke County Justice of the Peace Court | Justice courts hear small claims cases within their dollar limit. |
| Eviction | Cooke County Justice of the Peace Court | Eviction suits are filed in the justice court for the precinct where the property is located. |
| Divorce | Cooke County District Court | Family matters are heard in district court, sometimes a dedicated family district court. |
| Child custody or support | Cooke County District Court | The Attorney General's Child Support Division may also be involved in support cases. |
| Probate or estate | County Court of Cooke County or Probate Court | Estates are handled by the county court, a statutory probate court, or a county court at law. |
| Juvenile case | Cooke County Juvenile Board and County or District Court | Juvenile matters are handled by the juvenile court designated for the county. |
| Appeal | Court of Appeals for the district covering Cooke County | Appeals from trial courts go to the intermediate Court of Appeals; federal matters go to the U.S. District Court. |
Are Cooke County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Cooke County court records are public, with some exceptions. Court records are generally open under the Texas Public Information Act (Gov't Code ch. 552) and court public-access rules.
Public records
Most court records are open to the public. Ask the district clerk or county clerk to inspect or copy a file.
Restricted or confidential records
Some records are restricted by statute or court order. The clerk can confirm which records are closed.
Online access
The statewide case search is re:SearchTX, a subscription service that requires registration and pricing. Online results may not include every document.
In-person access
Visit the district clerk or county clerk office to view or request records. Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Fees
Ask the clerk about any fees for copies before you make a request.
How to Search Cooke County Court Records Online
Case information for Cooke County courts is available through statewide and county clerk portals, but coverage differs by court and case type.
- Identify your case type (criminal, traffic, civil, family, probate, or juvenile).
- Pick the official portal that covers that court and county.
- Search by party name or case number.
- Review the case details, parties, and scheduled hearings.
- Contact the clerk to request documents that are not available online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | re:SearchTX for district-level cases, or the Cooke County District Clerk portal | Case index and status for many district court criminal cases, depending on county. | Statewide coverage of criminal cases is not guaranteed; some counties use their own system. Documents may require a fee or the clerk. |
| Traffic | The city municipal court or Cooke County Justice of the Peace Court website | Ticket status and payment options where the court offers them. | Not part of the general statewide portal; availability depends on the court. |
| Civil | re:SearchTX or the Cooke County District or County Clerk portal | Civil case index, parties, and docket entries for participating courts. | Some documents require registration, a fee, or a request to the clerk. |
| Small claims | Cooke County Justice of the Peace Court | Contact the court for case status and filings. | Small claims are not generally searchable in the statewide portal. |
| Family law | re:SearchTX or the Cooke County District Clerk | Family case index and status where available. | Sealed, confidential, and protected records are not public online. |
| Probate | re:SearchTX or the Cooke County Clerk | Probate case index and filing information where available. | Document access varies; request copies from the clerk if not online. |
| Juvenile | Cooke County Juvenile Probation Department or District Clerk | Juvenile matters are generally confidential. | Juvenile records are not available through public online search. |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Cooke County
No statewide online fine payment option is listed for Texas courts. Contact the court or clerk named on your citation to confirm the payment methods it accepts.
Cooke County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Texas court records for Cooke County?
Use re:SearchTX, the statewide case search, which requires registration, or contact the district or county clerk.
Are Cooke County court records public?
Court records are generally open under the Texas Public Information Act (Gov't Code ch. 552) and court public-access rules, though some records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name in the statewide case search, or contact the district or county clerk that handles criminal matters.
How do I find a court date?
Check your citation or notice, or contact the clerk for the court that holds your case.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
No statewide online fine payment option is listed for Texas courts, so contact the court named on your citation.
How many cases are filed in Cooke County each year?
District courts in Cooke County added 1,060 total cases in fiscal year 2024 (September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024) and disposed of 1,273.
What is the most common type of case?
The published FY 2024 figures for Cooke County combine civil, family, juvenile and criminal cases, so a most common case type cannot be determined from them.
Is crime in Texas rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 11.3% to 109,812 in 2025 from 123,736 in 2024, and property crimes fell 11.6% to 570,196 from 644,662, as reported to the FBI. These are Texas statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Cooke County District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 101 S Dixon Street, Gainesville, TX, 76240 |
| Phone Number: | 940-668-5450 |
| Fax: | 940-668-5476 |
| Website: | http://www.co.cooke.tx.us/page/cooke.district.clerk |
Gainesville Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 201 Santa Fe St, Gainesville, TX, 76240 |
| Phone Number: | (940) 668-4750 |
| Website: | https://www.gainesville.tx.us/609/Municipal-Court |
Useful Links
- Cooke County Clerk - Access vital records, public documents, and business registrations managed by the Cooke County Clerk's office.
- Cooke County District Clerk - Provides information on district court records and services in Cooke County, Texas, including jury summons and child support.
- Texas Judiciary - Office of Court Administration - Official Texas judicial branch portal offering comprehensive court information, case tracking, and administrative resources across Texas.
- Rules and Standards - Texas Courts - Detailed rules and standards governing practice and procedure in Texas state courts, including Cooke County.
- TexasLawHelp.org - Free Legal Information and Resources - Free assistance and legal documents for low-income Texans seeking court-related information and services.
- CourthouseDirect: Cooke County Clerk Records - Access property records and other public documents from Cooke County Clerk via CourthouseDirect.
- Texas.gov - Official Portal of Texas - Access a wide range of government services, resources, and information for Texas residents including court services.
- U.S. Courts - Comprehensive federal court information and resources, including links to nationwide court records and services.
- Cooke County, Texas Public Records Directory - Extensive database on Cooke County's public records including court documents, property records, and vital statistics.
- Cooke County Justice of the Peace - Provides services and information for small claims, evictions, and other justice court matters in Cooke County.
- Texas State Law Library - Court Records - Access to criminal court records information and how to obtain records in Texas including Cooke County.
- Self-Help for Self-Represented Litigants - Texas Courts - Resources and guides for individuals representing themselves in Texas courts.
- Justia: Texas Law - Detailed legal resources including statutes, court rules, and case law from Texas for legal research.
- CourtReference.com - Cooke County Texas Court Directory - Directory of court locations in Cooke County, Texas, including contact details, court types, and operational information.
- Texas Child Support - Office of the Attorney General - Information and resources for navigating the Texas child support process and accessing related records.
- National Center for State Courts (NCSC) - Provides support and resources for courts across the United States, including best practices and tools.
- Federal Rules of Civil Procedure - U.S. Courts - Complete text of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure governing civil litigation in federal courts, useful for Texas cases.
- Library of Congress - Texas Legal Resources - Guide to legal information relevant to Texas, including statutory, court, and administrative materials.
- Cooke County Appraisal District - Provides access to property records, tax information, and appraisal details in Cooke County, Texas.
- State Bar of Texas - Find a Lawyer - Use this lookup tool to find licensed attorneys in Texas, including those practicing in Cooke County.
Table of Contents
- Cooke County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Cooke County Court Records
- Cooke County Court Statistics (FY 2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Cooke County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Cooke County?
- How Does Cooke County Compare With Texas Overall?
- Cooke County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Cooke County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Cooke County?
- Are Cooke County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Cooke County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Cooke County
- Cooke County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links