Erath County, TX Courts and Public Records
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Erath County's trial courts are district courts and county-level courts that hear civil, criminal, family, and juvenile matters under Texas law.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Records Kept By | District clerk (district court records); county clerk (county court records) |
| Court Structure | District courts, county courts at law and statutory county courts, constitutional county courts, justice courts, and municipal courts |
| Statewide Case Search | re:SearchTX, a subscription search product with registration and pricing |
Erath County had 43,911 residents in 2025, a change of 57 (-0.19%) from 43,995 in 2024. The county makes up 0.14% of the Texas population of 31,709,821 in 2025 (U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025).
How to Search Erath County Court Records
Have the full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready. Texas district court records are kept by the district clerk and county court records by the county clerk.
Online
Go to re:SearchTX, a statewide subscription search with registration and pricing.
Search by name or case number after you register.
Best for: Statewide lookups for registered users
In Person
Go to the district clerk or county clerk for the court that holds the case.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Clerk Contact
Contact the district or county clerk to confirm the records you need.
Ask which office holds the case before you send a request.
Check txcourts.gov for the clerk's current contact details.
Best for: Requests that need clerk confirmation
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
Erath County Court Statistics (FY 2025)
Erath County's district, statutory county and constitutional county courts added 1,772 cases in FY 2025, including probate, guardianship and mental health filings. The courts disposed of 1,984 cases, and total filings fell 2.9% from FY 2024.
1,772
Total cases added in FY 2025
1,984
Total cases disposed in FY 2025
~886
Filings per judicial position (~2 positions)
-2.9%
Change in total filings vs FY 2024 (1,825 to 1,772)
| Metric | FY 2025 | FY 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | 1,772 | 1,825 | -2.9% |
| Total Dispositions | 1,984 | 1,067 | +85.9% |
| Criminal Filings | 874 | 873 | +0.1% |
| Civil Filings | 518 | 465 | +11.4% |
| Family Law Filings | 213 | 305 | -30.2% |
| Probate Filings | 159 | 144 | +10.4% |
| Mental Health Filings | 6 | 17 | -64.7% |
| Juvenile Filings | 2 | 21 | -90.5% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~2 | ~2 | ~0.0% |
Family law filings drove the change in FY 2025, falling by 92 cases.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Erath County?
This table shows Erath 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 | 1,772 | 1,984 | -2.9% |
| FY 2024 | 1,825 | 1,067 | +17.8% |
| FY 2023 | 1,549 | 1,182 | +5.4% |
| FY 2022 | 1,469 | 1,286 | -14.9% |
| FY 2021 | 1,726 | 1,705 | -2.7% |
Total filings rose 2.7% between FY 2021 and FY 2025, from 1,726 to 1,772. The largest annual change was +17.8% in FY 2024. The latest change of -2.9% was led by family law filings, which fell by 92 cases.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Erath County?
Criminal cases are the largest category in Erath County, at 49.3% of filings in FY 2025.
| Case Type | Filings FY 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 874 | 49.3% | +0.1% |
| Civil | 518 | 29.2% | +11.4% |
| Family law | 213 | 12.0% | -30.2% |
| Probate | 159 | 9.0% | +10.4% |
| Mental health | 6 | 0.3% | -64.7% |
| Juvenile | 2 | 0.1% | -90.5% |
Civil cases grew the fastest at +11.4%, while juvenile cases fell the most at -90.5%.
How Does Erath County Compare With Texas Overall?
Erath 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 | Erath County | Texas | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | 1,772 | 3,129,582 | 0.06% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | -2.9% | +1.8% | Below state |
| Filings per judicial position | ~886 | ~3,610 | 75% below state |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~992 | ~3,472 | 71% below state |
| Criminal share of filings | 49.3% | 42.5% | 6.8 points above state |
| Civil share of filings | 29.2% | 28.9% | 0.4 points above state |
| Family law share of filings | 12.0% | 18.9% | 6.9 points below state |
Its filings fell 2.9% while statewide filings grew 1.8%. Criminal cases make up 49.3% of its filings against 42.5% statewide, and civil cases 29.2% against 28.9%.
Erath County Crime Statistics (2025)
These are the crimes reported to the FBI in 2025 by the 6 law enforcement agencies in Erath County that reported, added together. For the agencies with both years on file, violent crimes fell 35.7% and property crimes fell 24.8% from 2024.
47
Violent crimes in Erath County, 2025
308
Property crimes in Erath County, 2025
107.0
Violent crime rate per 100K, Erath County, 2025
-26.8%
Change in total reported crimes vs 2024 (396 to 290)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 0 | 0.0 | ~0 | ~0.0% |
| Rape | 17 | 38.7 | ~26 | ~-34.6% |
| Robbery | 1 | 2.3 | ~2 | ~-50.0% |
| Aggravated assault | 29 | 66.0 | ~45 | ~-35.6% |
| Violent crimes total | 47 | 107.0 | ~73 | ~-35.6% |
| Burglary | 34 | 77.4 | ~45 | ~-24.4% |
| Larceny-theft | 251 | 571.6 | ~334 | ~-24.9% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 23 | 52.4 | ~31 | ~-25.8% |
| Property crimes total | 308 | 701.4 | ~410 | ~-24.9% |
Erath County's violent crime rate of 107.0 per 100K is below the Texas rate of 346.3, and its property crime rate of 701.4 is below the state's 1,790.2.
Erath County Courthouse Locations
Erath County court proceedings are held at the Erath County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erath County Courthouse | 100 W Washington, Stephenville, TX 76401 | 254-965-1452 | 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 Erath County?
Cases in Erath 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 | Erath 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 Erath 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 | Erath County District Court | Felony cases are tried in district court after grand jury indictment. |
| DUI | County Court of Erath County or County Court at Law | DWI misdemeanors are usually heard here; felony DWI goes to district court. |
| Domestic violence | County Court of Erath 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 Erath 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 | Erath County Justice of the Peace Court | Justice courts hear small claims cases within their dollar limit. |
| Eviction | Erath County Justice of the Peace Court | Eviction suits are filed in the justice court for the precinct where the property is located. |
| Divorce | Erath County District Court | Family matters are heard in district court, sometimes a dedicated family district court. |
| Child custody or support | Erath County District Court | The Attorney General's Child Support Division may also be involved in support cases. |
| Probate or estate | County Court of Erath County or Probate Court | Estates are handled by the county court, a statutory probate court, or a county court at law. |
| Juvenile case | Erath 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 Erath County | Appeals from trial courts go to the intermediate Court of Appeals; federal matters go to the U.S. District Court. |
Are Erath County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Erath County court records are public, with exceptions set by Texas law and court rules.
Public records
Most court records are open for inspection and copying, including dockets, filings, and orders, unless a law, rule, or court order says otherwise.
Restricted or confidential records
Sealed records and records that law or court rules list as confidential are not open to the public. Access to these records requires the proper legal process.
Online access
re:SearchTX is a statewide subscription search with registration and pricing. Online results may not show every document or case.
In-person access
Visit the district clerk or county clerk that holds the case to view or request records.
How to Search Erath County Court Records Online
Case information for Erath 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 Erath 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 Erath 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 Erath 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 | Erath 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 Erath County District Clerk | Family case index and status where available. | Sealed, confidential, and protected records are not public online. |
| Probate | re:SearchTX or the Erath County Clerk | Probate case index and filing information where available. | Document access varies; request copies from the clerk if not online. |
| Juvenile | Erath 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 Erath County
No statewide online fine payment option is listed here for Erath County. Payment methods for fines and citations are set by the district clerk or county clerk that handles the case, so contact that office before you pay.
Parking tickets are generally handled by the agency that issued them, not by the court.
Erath County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Erath County court records?
Use re:SearchTX, a statewide subscription search, or contact the district clerk or county clerk that holds the case.
Are these court records public?
Yes, most are public under Texas law and court rules, but sealed and confidential records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name on re:SearchTX, or contact the district clerk or county clerk that keeps the court records.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket or notice, or contact the clerk of the court that holds your case.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
No statewide online payment option is listed here. Contact the clerk of the court named on your ticket to learn the accepted payment methods.
How many cases are filed in Erath County each year?
The district courts added 751 total cases in FY 2024 (September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024).
What is the most common type of case?
A breakdown by case type is not published in this data. Total cases added in FY 2024 were 751.
What was the crime trend in the latest year?
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
Erath County District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 298 S. Graham, Stephenville, TX, 76401 |
| Phone Number: | 254-965-1486 |
| Fax: | 254-965-7156 |
| Website: | https://www.co.erath.tx.us/172/District-Clerk |
Stephenville Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 298 W Washington St, Stephenville, TX, 76401 |
| Fax: | (254) 918-1207 |
| Website: | https://www.stephenvilletx.gov/municipal-court |
Useful Links
- District Clerk - Erath County, TX Official Website: Provides district court records and case information, handles jury services, and processing of civil and criminal court cases.
- County Clerk - Erath County, TX Official Website: Access to county court records, including probate and civil documents, official public records, and vital statistics for Erath County.
- Supreme Court of Texas - Home: The highest court for civil cases in Texas oversees legal practices and publishes opinions, rules, and procedures for district courts.
- Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - Home: The state's highest court for criminal matters, including case opinions, rules, procedures, and court services resources.
- Judicial Directory - Texas Courts: Provides a comprehensive list of judges and court personnel across Texas, useful for locating contacts related to specific court cases.
- Erath County Sheriff's Office - Public Information: Offers access to records requests, inmate information, and provides details on how to obtain public information.
- Online Case Search - Texas Judiciary: Searches for Texas court cases including civil, criminal, and family matters with specific courts and case management systems overview.
- Office of the Attorney General of Texas: Legal resources, opinions, and services like child support enforcement, consumer protection, and crime victim assistance programs.
- State Bar of Texas | Home: Information on legal services, finding an attorney, legal aid resources, lawyer referral services and public protection details.
- Law Help Texas: Free Legal Help, Legal Aid & Pro Bono Assistance: Provides resources for free or low-cost legal help and pro bono services in Texas, with specific county resources listed.
- Texas Court Help - Self-Help Information: Offers resources to assist individuals with court processes in Texas including forms, instructions, and court procedure guidelines.
- Erath County Judge | Official Website: Provides information on the Erath County Commissioners' Court proceedings, functions of the county judge's office, and contact details.
- Courts of Texas - Law Library Briefings: An overview of the Texas court system, jurisdiction, function, and access to resources for each court level in Texas.
- Justice of the Peace - Erath County, TX Official Website: Information on small claims, evictions, criminal misdemeanors, and truancy cases within Erath County jurisdiction.
- Commissioners Court - Erath County, TX Official Website: Insights into the county's governing body, meeting agendas, minutes, sessions, and resolutions affecting Erath County.
- Texas Code of Criminal Procedure - 38th Judicial District Court: Comprehensive guide to criminal procedure laws in Texas, crucial for understanding courtroom procedures and defendant rights.
- Erath County Government Records Management: Online access to various public records such as property records, deeds, and liens crucial for legal research.
- Texas Law Help | Free Legal Forms, Information, and Resources: Access to free forms, guides, and legal assistance catering specifically to Texas residents on a variety of legal topics.
- Crime Victim Services - Texas Attorney General's Office: Offers support and service details to crime victims across Texas, including compensation programs and advocacy resources.
- Erath County Appraisal District: Provides essential property appraisal services, tax information, and public access to property valuation records within the county.
Table of Contents
- Erath County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Erath County Court Records
- Erath County Court Statistics (FY 2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Erath County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Erath County?
- How Does Erath County Compare With Texas Overall?
- Erath County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Erath County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Erath County?
- Are Erath County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Erath County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Erath County
- Erath County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links