Webb County Court Records
What Is Webb County Court Records
Court records in Webb County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. Pursuant to the Texas Government Code § 552.022, court records are categorized as public information and include a comprehensive array of documents. These records typically consist of case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
Webb County court records are distinct from other public records such as:
- Property records (deeds, liens, assessments)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Business records (licenses, permits)
- Election records
The following courts maintain records in Webb County:
- District Courts
- County Courts at Law
- Justice of the Peace Courts
- Municipal Courts
- Probate Courts
These courts handle various matters including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law cases, probate matters, and traffic violations. The Webb County District Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for district court records, while the County Clerk maintains records for county-level courts.
Are Court Records Public In Webb County
Court records in Webb County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act and the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration. Under Texas Government Code § 552.022, court records are presumed to be open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law or sealed by court order.
The following court records are typically available to the public:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Final dispositions
However, certain records may be restricted or redacted, including:
- Records involving juveniles
- Mental health proceedings
- Adoption cases
- Documents containing sensitive personal information
- Cases sealed by judicial order
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Southern District of Texas (which includes Webb County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state regulations. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system.
The Texas Supreme Court has established rules regarding public access to court records through Rule 12 of the Rules of Judicial Administration, which provides guidelines for requesting access to judicial records.
How To Find Court Records in Webb County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Webb County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The appropriate procedure depends on the court of jurisdiction and the type of record sought.
For District Court records:
Webb County District Clerk's Office
1110 Victoria St., Suite 203
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-4268
Webb County District Clerk
- Visit the office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form specifying the case number, party names, and documents needed
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for copies ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
For County Court records:
Webb County Clerk's Office
1000 Houston St., 2nd Floor
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-4181
Webb County Clerk
- Visit the office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Provide case information including case number or party names
- Pay required fees for document reproduction
For Justice of the Peace records, contact the specific precinct office:
Webb County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
1110 Washington St., Suite 102
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-4230
Webb County JP Courts
Written requests may be submitted by mail to the appropriate court clerk's office. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope, payment for copies, and detailed information about the requested records.
How To Look Up Court Records in Webb County Online?
Webb County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records online, providing convenient alternatives to in-person requests. Each system contains different types of records and requires specific search parameters.
For District and County Court records, the primary online resource is:
-
re:SearchTX - This statewide portal provides access to civil and criminal case information from district and county courts.
- Registration is required (free for basic searches)
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney
- Documents filed after 2016 are generally available
- Some documents require payment to view
-
Webb County Public Records Search - The county's official records portal includes:
- Case indexes for civil and criminal matters
- Docket information
- Case status updates
- Search by case number, filing date, or party name
-
Texas Judicial Branch Website - Provides statewide court case information:
- Criminal case data
- Civil case indexes
- Court calendars
- Search by county, court, case type, and date range
For Justice of the Peace and Municipal Court records:
- These courts maintain separate systems
- Contact the specific court directly for online access options
- Some records may only be available through in-person requests
When searching online, users should have the following information ready:
- Case number (if known)
- Full names of parties involved
- Approximate date of filing
- Case type (civil, criminal, family, etc.)
How To Search Webb County Court Records for Free?
Texas law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in Texas Government Code § 552.021. While fees may apply for copies or certified documents, viewing records is generally free of charge.
The following free options are available for accessing Webb County court records:
-
In-person inspection:
- Visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours
- Request to view specific case files
- No fee for examining records on-site
-
Free online resources:
- Webb County Case Information Search - Basic case information
- Texas Judicial Branch - Court Case Information - Statewide case search
- re:SearchTX Basic Access - Limited free searches
-
Public access terminals:
- Available at the District Clerk's Office
- Located at the Webb County Law Library
Webb County Law Library
1110 Victoria St., Suite 203
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-4290
Webb County Law Library
-
Public libraries:
- Some Webb County public libraries offer free access to legal research databases
- Staff can assist with basic navigation of court record systems
While basic searches are free, users should be aware that:
- Printing or copying documents typically incurs fees
- Certified copies have additional charges
- Some detailed document access may require payment
- Commercial databases may charge subscription fees
What's Included in a Webb County Court Record?
Webb County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type and court level, but typically include:
For Civil Cases:
- Petition or complaint (initial filing)
- Summons and proof of service
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and responses
- Discovery documents (when filed with the court)
- Affidavits and declarations
- Court orders and rulings
- Final judgment
- Post-judgment motions
- Appeal documents (if applicable)
For Criminal Cases:
- Indictment or information
- Arrest warrant or citation
- Bail/bond information
- Arraignment records
- Pretrial motions
- Plea agreements
- Trial transcripts (if requested)
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (may be confidential)
- Appeal notices
For Family Law Cases:
- Petition for divorce or custody
- Temporary orders
- Financial affidavits
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Final decree
- Modification requests
For Probate Cases:
- Will (if applicable)
- Petition for probate
- Inventory of assets
- Claims against the estate
- Executor/administrator reports
- Distribution orders
- Estate closing documents
Each court record also contains:
- Case number and filing date
- Judge assignment
- Attorney information
- Docket sheet (chronological list of filings)
- Hearing dates and minutes
- Service of process documentation
Pursuant to Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 76a, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public court records, including Social Security numbers, bank account information, and minors' identifying information.
How Long Does Webb County Keep Court Records?
Webb County maintains court records according to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission retention schedules, which establish minimum retention periods for various document types. These schedules are mandated by Texas Local Government Code § 203.041.
The retention periods for common court records in Webb County are:
District and County Courts:
- Civil case files: 12 years after final disposition
- Criminal case files (felonies): 50 years after final disposition
- Criminal case files (misdemeanors): 5 years after final disposition
- Family law cases: 25 years after final judgment
- Probate cases: Permanently
- Mental health proceedings: 5 years after final judgment
- Juvenile cases: Until the individual reaches age 23, then eligible for destruction
Justice of the Peace and Municipal Courts:
- Civil cases: 4 years after final disposition
- Criminal cases (Class C misdemeanors): 5 years after final disposition
- Traffic cases: 6 months after final disposition if fine paid; otherwise 5 years
Court indexes, dockets, and judgment records are typically maintained permanently, regardless of case type. These records serve as finding aids and summary documentation even after the underlying case files may have been destroyed.
Certain historically significant cases may be preserved permanently regardless of the standard retention period. Additionally, cases that establish precedent or involve matters of substantial public interest may be retained longer than the minimum requirements.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The Webb County District Clerk's Office has implemented digital preservation strategies to ensure long-term access to electronic court records.
Types of Courts In Webb County
Webb County's judicial system consists of several court levels, each with specific jurisdiction and authority. The following courts operate within the county:
49th District Court
1110 Victoria St., 3rd Floor
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-4230
Webb County District Courts
111th District Court
1110 Victoria St., 3rd Floor
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-4274
Webb County District Courts
341st District Court
1110 Victoria St., 3rd Floor
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-4243
Webb County District Courts
406th District Court
1110 Victoria St., 3rd Floor
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-4334
Webb County District Courts
Webb County Court at Law No. 1
1000 Houston St., 2nd Floor
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-4331
Webb County Courts at Law
Webb County Court at Law No. 2
1000 Houston St., 2nd Floor
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-5390
Webb County Courts at Law
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
1110 Washington St., Suite 102
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-4230
Webb County JP Courts
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
901 S. Milmo Ave.
Laredo, TX 78043
(956) 523-5360
Webb County JP Courts
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3
1110 Washington St., Suite 103
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-5140
Webb County JP Courts
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4
8501 San Dario Ave., Suite 1
Laredo, TX 78045
(956) 523-5350
Webb County JP Courts
Municipal Court of Laredo
4610 Maher Ave.
Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 794-1680
Laredo Municipal Court
The court hierarchy in Webb County follows the Texas state judicial structure:
- Municipal/Justice of the Peace Courts (lowest level)
- County Courts at Law
- District Courts
- Fourth Court of Appeals (San Antonio)
- Texas Supreme Court/Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (highest level)
What Types of Cases Do Webb County Courts Hear?
Webb County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with each court level having specific jurisdictional authority as defined by the Texas Government Code.
District Courts (49th, 111th, 341st, 406th):
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil matters with amounts in controversy over $250,000
- Family law cases (divorce, child custody, support)
- Juvenile matters
- Real property disputes
- Probate cases (contested)
- Administrative agency appeals
County Courts at Law (No. 1 and No. 2):
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $250,000
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (Class A and B)
- Probate matters (uncontested)
- Mental health proceedings
- Appeals from Justice of the Peace and Municipal Courts
- Eminent domain cases
Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-4):
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy up to $20,000
- Small claims cases (up to $20,000)
- Class C misdemeanors
- Traffic violations
- Eviction proceedings
- Debt claims
- Magistrate functions (search warrants, emergency protective orders)
- Inquests
Municipal Court of Laredo:
- City ordinance violations
- Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
- Traffic offenses within city limits
- Parking violations
- Code enforcement cases
- Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
The distribution of cases among these courts ensures efficient administration of justice while providing appropriate forums based on case complexity and severity. Certain specialized matters, such as capital murder cases or complex commercial litigation, may be assigned to specific courts with expertise in those areas.
How To Find a Court Docket In Webb County
Court dockets in Webb County provide chronological listings of scheduled hearings, filings, and case activities. Members of the public can access these dockets through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
-
Webb County District Clerk's Website - Provides searchable dockets for district courts
- Select the court of interest
- Choose the date range
- Search by case number or party name
- View upcoming hearings and trial settings
-
re:SearchTX Portal - Offers docket information for district and county courts
- Register for a free account
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney
- View case history and scheduled events
-
Texas Judicial Branch Website - Provides court calendars for many Texas courts
- Select Webb County from the dropdown menu
- Choose the specific court
- View daily or weekly docket schedules
In-Person Docket Access:
- Visit the clerk's office for the relevant court
- Request to view the daily or weekly docket
- Docket sheets are typically posted outside courtrooms on hearing days
Telephone Inquiries:
- Contact the appropriate court clerk's office
- Provide case number or party names
- Request information about upcoming hearings
For Justice of the Peace and Municipal Court dockets:
- Contact the specific court directly
- Some JP courts post weekly dockets on their websites
- Municipal Court dockets may be available through the City of Laredo website
When searching for docket information, it is advisable to have the following details available:
- Case number
- Full names of parties involved
- Attorney names (if known)
- Approximate date of filing or next hearing
Which Courts in Webb County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Texas judicial system, a "court of record" maintains official transcripts of proceedings and has the authority to fine or imprison for contempt. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 30.00003, courts not of record do not routinely create or preserve verbatim transcripts of their proceedings.
In Webb County, the following courts are not courts of record:
Justice of the Peace Courts (all precincts):
- These courts handle minor civil matters and Class C misdemeanors
- Proceedings are not transcribed by an official court reporter
- Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (new trial) in County Courts at Law
- While docket sheets and judgments are maintained, verbatim records of testimony are not preserved
Municipal Court of Laredo (non-record):
- Handles city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors
- Does not maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings
- Appeals are heard de novo in County Courts at Law
- Written judgments and orders are preserved, but not testimony
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for appeal purposes. When appealing from a court not of record, the higher court conducts a completely new trial rather than reviewing a transcript for errors. This means witnesses must testify again, and evidence must be re-presented.
All District Courts and County Courts at Law in Webb County are courts of record. These courts employ official court reporters who create and maintain verbatim transcripts of all proceedings. Appeals from these courts are based on the official record and legal errors rather than de novo trials.
The Texas Legislature has authorized municipalities to establish municipal courts of record through local ordinance. However, at present, the Municipal Court of Laredo operates as a non-record court.