Kent 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
The District Clerk and County Clerk of Kent County keep the court records for the county. Use the contacts below to ask about case files, court dates, and records requests.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| District Clerk | Harrison, Craig |
| District Clerk Phone | (806) 237-3881 |
| County Clerk | Harrison, Craig |
| County Clerk Phone | (806) 237-3881 |
How to Search Kent County Court Records
Have the person's full name, a case number if you have one, and approximate dates ready before you search Kent County court records.
Online
Go to re:SearchTX to search statewide court records.
Register for the subscription service before you search.
Check the service's pricing before you sign up.
Best for: Searching statewide records by name
In Person
Call (806) 237-3881 to confirm the office address and hours.
Bring the person's full name and any case number you have.
Ask the clerk which records are available at the counter.
Best for: Records the clerk must pull for you
By Phone
Call the District Clerk at (806) 237-3881.
Ask which records the office can look up for you.
Confirm what the clerk needs before you call.
Best for: Confirming what the office can provide
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
Kent County Court Statistics (FY 2025)
Kent County's district, statutory county and constitutional county courts added 14 cases in FY 2025, including probate, guardianship and mental health filings. The courts disposed of 17 cases, and total filings fell 39.1% from FY 2024.
14
Total cases added in FY 2025
17
Total cases disposed in FY 2025
~14
Filings per judicial position (~1 positions)
-39.1%
Change in total filings vs FY 2024 (23 to 14)
| Metric | FY 2025 | FY 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | 14 | 23 | -39.1% |
| Total Dispositions | 17 | 14 | +21.4% |
| Criminal Filings | 8 | 6 | +33.3% |
| Civil Filings | 1 | 6 | -83.3% |
| Family Law Filings | 5 | 7 | -28.6% |
| Probate Filings | 0 | 3 | -100.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | 0 | 1 | -100.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | 0 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~1 | ~1 | ~0.0% |
Civil filings drove the change in FY 2025, falling by 5 cases.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Kent County?
This table shows Kent 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 | 14 | 17 | -39.1% |
| FY 2024 | 23 | 14 | +43.8% |
| FY 2023 | 16 | 13 | +0.0% |
| FY 2022 | 16 | 12 | -15.8% |
| FY 2021 | 19 | 27 | -34.5% |
Total filings fell 26.3% between FY 2021 and FY 2025, from 19 to 14. The largest annual change was +43.8% in FY 2024. The latest change of -39.1% was led by civil filings, which fell by 5 cases.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Kent County?
Criminal cases are the largest category in Kent County, at 57.1% of filings in FY 2025.
| Case Type | Filings FY 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | 8 | 57.1% | +33.3% |
| Civil | 1 | 7.1% | -83.3% |
| Family law | 5 | 35.7% | -28.6% |
| Probate | 0 | 0.0% | -100.0% |
| Mental health | 0 | 0.0% | -100.0% |
| Juvenile | 0 | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Criminal cases grew the fastest at +33.3%, while probate cases fell the most at -100.0%.
How Does Kent County Compare With Texas Overall?
Kent County accounted for 0.00% of the 3,129,582 cases filed in Texas district, statutory county and constitutional county courts in FY 2025.
| Metric | Kent County | Texas | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | 14 | 3,129,582 | 0.00% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | -39.1% | +1.8% | Below state |
| Filings per judicial position | ~14 | ~3,610 | 100% below state |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~17 | ~3,472 | 100% below state |
| Criminal share of filings | 57.1% | 42.5% | 14.6 points above state |
| Civil share of filings | 7.1% | 28.9% | 21.7 points below state |
| Family law share of filings | 35.7% | 18.9% | 16.8 points above state |
Its filings fell 39.1% while statewide filings grew 1.8%. Criminal cases make up 57.1% of its filings against 42.5% statewide, and civil cases 7.1% against 28.9%.
Kent County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Texas statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Kent County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 11.5% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 99.4% of Texas's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
109,812
Violent crimes, Texas statewide, 2025
570,196
Property crimes, Texas statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
346.3
Violent crime rate per 100K, Texas statewide, 2025 (population 31,709,821)
-11.5%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Texas statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (680,008 vs 768,398)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 1,469 | 4.6 | 1,656 | -11.3% |
| Rape | 15,525 | 49.0 | 16,824 | -7.7% |
| Robbery | 16,503 | 52.0 | 19,902 | -17.1% |
| Aggravated assault | 76,315 | 240.7 | 85,354 | -10.6% |
| Violent crimes total | 109,812 | 346.3 | 123,736 | -11.3% |
| Burglary | 78,683 | 248.1 | 89,481 | -12.1% |
| Larceny-theft | 410,020 | 1293.0 | 448,535 | -8.6% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 78,980 | 249.1 | 103,852 | -23.9% |
| Property crimes total | 570,196 | 1798.2 | 644,662 | -11.6% |
Rates use the Texas 2025 population of 31,709,821. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Kent County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Kent County Courthouse Locations
Kent County court proceedings are held at the Kent County Clerk's Office. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kent County Clerk's Office | 101 Main Street, Jayton, TX 79528 | (806) 237-3881 | 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 Kent County?
Cases in Kent 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 | Kent 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 Kent 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 | Kent County District Court | Felony cases are tried in district court after grand jury indictment. |
| DUI | County Court of Kent County or County Court at Law | DWI misdemeanors are usually heard here; felony DWI goes to district court. |
| Domestic violence | County Court of Kent 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 Kent 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 | Kent County Justice of the Peace Court | Justice courts hear small claims cases within their dollar limit. |
| Eviction | Kent County Justice of the Peace Court | Eviction suits are filed in the justice court for the precinct where the property is located. |
| Divorce | Kent County District Court | Family matters are heard in district court, sometimes a dedicated family district court. |
| Child custody or support | Kent County District Court | The Attorney General's Child Support Division may also be involved in support cases. |
| Probate or estate | County Court of Kent County or Probate Court | Estates are handled by the county court, a statutory probate court, or a county court at law. |
| Juvenile case | Kent 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 Kent County | Appeals from trial courts go to the intermediate Court of Appeals; federal matters go to the U.S. District Court. |
Texas courts are organized into district courts, county courts, justice courts, and municipal courts. District courts keep their records with the District Clerk for Kent County, and county court records are kept by the County Clerk.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Felony | District court (general jurisdiction) | Records are kept by the District Clerk at (806) 237-3881. |
| Civil lawsuit | District court (general jurisdiction) | Records are kept by the District Clerk at (806) 237-3881. |
| Traffic ticket | The court named on your ticket | Check the court listed on the citation before you pay or appear. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by the court. |
Are Kent County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Kent County court records are public, with exceptions for sealed and confidential records. Court records are generally open under the Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552, Government Code) and court public-access rules.
Public records
Most court records are open for inspection, and the clerk can help you locate them.
Restricted or confidential records
Sealed records and records that a law or court order makes confidential are not available to the public.
Online access
re:SearchTX is a subscription service that requires registration. It does not show every document, and access depends on the record.
In-person access
Ask the District Clerk at (806) 237-3881 how to view or request records at the office.
How to Search Kent County Court Records Online
Case information for Kent 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 Kent 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 Kent 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 Kent 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 | Kent 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 Kent County District Clerk | Family case index and status where available. | Sealed, confidential, and protected records are not public online. |
| Probate | re:SearchTX or the Kent County Clerk | Probate case index and filing information where available. | Document access varies; request copies from the clerk if not online. |
| Juvenile | Kent County Juvenile Probation Department or District Clerk | Juvenile matters are generally confidential. | Juvenile records are not available through public online search. |
Use the official court contacts to search Kent County court records by case type, and ask the clerk for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, civil, family law, or juvenile.
- Open re:SearchTX to search statewide records by name or case number.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details and note any scheduled dates.
- Call the District Clerk at (806) 237-3881 to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | re:SearchTX | Case information by name or case number | Confirm coverage and documents with the clerk |
| Civil | re:SearchTX | Case information by name or case number | Confirm coverage and documents with the clerk |
| Family law | re:SearchTX | Case information by name or case number | Confirm coverage and documents with the clerk |
| Juvenile | District Clerk, (806) 237-3881 | Case information through the clerk | Juvenile records are restricted |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Kent County
Fines and citations for Kent County are paid through the court that issued them, and the District Clerk can confirm which payment methods the office accepts.
- Phone: Call the District Clerk at (806) 237-3881 to ask which payment methods the office accepts and what you need to pay.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the court.
Kent County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Kent County court records?
Use re:SearchTX to search statewide records by name, or call the District Clerk at (806) 237-3881.
Are court records public?
Court records are generally open under the Texas Public Information Act, but sealed and confidential records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name in re:SearchTX or call the District Clerk at (806) 237-3881 with the defendant's full name.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket or notice, or call the District Clerk at (806) 237-3881 to ask about the scheduled date.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Call the District Clerk at (806) 237-3881 to ask which payment methods the court accepts for your citation.
How many cases are added in Kent County each year?
The district courts added 16 cases in FY2024 and disposed of 14.
What is the most common type of case?
Criminal cases made up 25.0% of the 16 cases added in FY2024, with 4 added.
What is 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.
Useful Links
- Kent County, Texas - Official government website providing information on county services, departments, and contact details for Kent County residents.
- Texas Judicial Branch - Comprehensive resource for accessing Texas court information including court structure, judges, administration, and educational resources.
- Texas Judicial Directory - Find contact information and addresses for judges and county court officials across the state of Texas.
- Texas State Library Archives - Local Records Retention Schedules - Policies and schedule for maintaining and accessing local government records in Texas.
- Texas Court Rules & Standards - Access and learn about rules governing the practice within Texas courts including appellate and civil procedures.
- Texas Courts Overview - Texas State Law Library - Understand the structure and jurisdiction of Texas courts along with useful legal terminologies.
- FindLaw's TX Laws & Court Opinions - Search through Texas laws, court cases, and rulings with detailed legal analysis and summaries.
- State Bar of Texas - Information and resources for Texas attorneys, including professional development, legal research, and continuing legal education resources.
- Dallas County District Attorney's Office - Criminal justice information and procedural details regarding prosecution services, and victim support in Dallas County, Texas.
- Office of the Texas Attorney General - Official state source for information on consumer protection, child support, and open records in Texas.
- Texas Law Help - Free legal information and resources for Texans seeking answers to civil legal questions and issues.
- Texas Association of Counties - Support resource offering county government education and services, addressing the needs of Texan communities and officials.
- Texas Appleseed - Nonprofit Advocacy for Social Justice - Engages in research and advocacy to promote social, economic, and racial justice across the state of Texas.
- Travis County Official Site - Government service site offering court information, records access, public notifications, and resident resources in Travis County, Texas.
- United States Courts - Federal court system insights, procedural guidelines, and case record access information for U.S. district and appellate courts.
- Legal Services Corporation - Largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans, promoting equal access to justice under the law.
- National Center for State Courts - Provides research, information, and education to state court practitioners to improve judicial administration.
- American Bar Association - National professional organization offering law-related resources on ethics, continuing education, and public-facing legal information.
- Texas Supreme Court Historical Society - Dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the Texas judiciary through educational programs and publications.
- Supreme Court of the United States - Official source for information on Supreme Court cases, opinions, rules, and public events in Washington D.C.
Table of Contents
- Kent County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Kent County Court Records
- Kent County Court Statistics (FY 2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Kent County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Kent County?
- How Does Kent County Compare With Texas Overall?
- Kent County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Kent County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Kent County?
- Are Kent County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Kent County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Kent County
- Kent County Court Records FAQ
- Useful Links