Grayson County, Texas State Court Records
Grayson County court records are the official documentation of all legal proceedings within the county’s court system. Grayson County is served by several trial courts, each of which generates its own records. However, the District Courts are the courts of general jurisdiction with the power to hear almost any type of case in the county.
A court record is created the moment a case is filed via e-Filing, mail, or in person at the clerk’s office. New documents are typically added as the case progresses until closure. Court records are considered public records in Grayson County. However, they are distinct from other public records (e.g., arrest records and vital records) in that they are governed by judicial rules and not the Texas Public Information Act.
Are Grayson County Court Records Public?
Yes. Grayson County court records are generally public based on the presumption of openness of government records in the Texas Constitution and judicial rules. This means anyone can inspect and obtain copies of a court record from a court in the county. However, there are limitations to the type of information that is open to the public eye. These limitations usually exist to protect the privacy or safety of individuals. Limitations are generally placed on
- Juvenile court records
- Child abuse and neglect records
- Adoption records
- Expunged records and records subject to nondisclosure orders
What Information is Available in Grayson County Court Records?
Grayson County public court records generally comprise the following information:
- The names of the parties involved in the case
- The case number, case type, case status, and case summary
- The case docket
- Charging documents (for criminal cases) and petitions (for civil cases)
- Exhibits
- Court orders and judgments
Grayson County Court Records Search
Grayson County court records are generally accessible through the following means.
Online Access
The Grayson County Judicial Records Search portal (available in the left menu on the District Clerk or County Clerk page) is the primary tool for online access to court records in the county. The portal contains criminal, civil, family, and probate records. Individuals can generally search the portal by name, case number, date filed, and attorney information. For criminal records, a search can also be performed using the citation number.
Researchers should note that online access to court records is limited to public information only. One cannot view confidential information, except in person.
In-Person Access
Grayson County court records can be accessed in person at the courthouse where the case was filed. Visiting the courthouse, specifically the Clerk of Court’s Office, allows individuals to inspect physical files and obtain copies of the record. Inquirers will be asked for any known details about the record, such as the case number or party names. Individuals may also be asked to provide an ID if access to the record is limited to certain parties.
The Grayson County Law Library is equipped with public access computers that individuals can also use to search for case information. However, copies of any document can only be obtained from the Clerk of Court’s Office.
Mail and Phone Requests
Mail-in requests for court records in Grayson County are possible. Individuals may send a written request, with a detailed description of the record (case number, name, and date filed), along with a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of the documents, and payment for copy fees. The mail should include a copy of the requester’s ID if the request is for a confidential record.
Fees for Court Records in Grayson County
The fees for obtaining court records in Grayson County depend on the type of copy. While inspection of records is generally free, obtaining physical or digital copies incurs the following costs:
- Paper copies: $1 per page
- Electronic copies: $1 total for the first 10 pages; 10 cents per page for each additional page
- Certified copies: $5 for the certification plus the per-page copy fee
- Search fee (for name search): $5 per name
Grayson County Courthouse Locations
The Grayson County court system is organized into several levels, ranging from local municipal courts to district courts. Most major county-level courts are housed within the Grayson County Justice Center or the Grayson County courthouse. Below is the contact information of the courts in the county.
Grayson County Justice Center (County Courts at Law and District Courts)
200 South Crockett Street
Sherman, TX 75090
County Court at Law Phone: (903) 813-4249
District Court Phone: (903) 813-4352
Justice of the Peace Precinct 1
100 West Houston Site 27
Sherman, TX 75090
Phone: (903) 813-4346
Justice of the Peace Precinct 2
101 West Woodard Street
Denison, TX 75021
Phone: (903) 465-0984
Justice of the Peace Precinct 3
West Government Center
509 North Union
Whitesboro, TX 76273
Phone: (903) 564-3550
Justice of the Peace Precinct 4
117 South Main
Van Alstyne, TX 75495
Phone: (903) 482-6543
Sherman Municipal Court
405 North Rusk Street
Sherman, TX 75090
Phone: (903) 892-7295
Denison Municipal Court
300 West Main Street
Denison, TX 75020
Phone: (903) 465-2720
Fax: (903) 465-2765
Whitesboro Municipal Court
111 West Main Street
Whitesboro, TX 76273
Phone: (903) 564-3587
Fax: (903) 564-6105
Van Alstyne Municipal Court
242 North Preston Avenue
Van Alstyne, TX 7549
Phone: (903) 482-5251
Fax: (903) 482-0328
Criminal Records Access in Grayson County
Access to criminal records in Grayson County varies depending on whether individuals are looking for local arrest/jail information, specific court case files, or a comprehensive statewide background check.
At the county level, these records are split between law enforcement and the courts. The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office maintains records of arrests and current inmates, while the courts maintain records of dispositions and convictions. Inquisitive persons can visit either agency to inspect or obtain a copy of the relevant record.
Statewide background checks are handled by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Background checks provide individuals access to criminal history record information compiled by the department. The public can perform a background check on an individual using their name on the Criminal History Name Search portal. Each search on the platform costs $1. This search only reveals cases that resulted in a conviction or deferred adjudication. An individual’s complete record cannot be accessed by the public and can only be obtained through a fingerprint-based search.
Grayson County Probate Records
Grayson County probate records document how a person’s assets are distributed after their death and the management of guardianships for minors or incapacitated adults. Probate records often include wills, probate petitions, small estate affidavits, and other estate records.
Probate matters in the county are generally handled by the County Court. Uncontested cases are typically handled by the Grayson County judge, while contested cases are referred to the County Court at Law 1 or County Court at Law 2. Probate records in Texas are public records, allowing the public to access them and creditors to file claims. However, certain information is restricted, such as guardianship records, social security numbers, bank account numbers, and birth dates.
Probate proceedings can be accessed online through the Grayson County Judicial Records Search portal using a name or case number. Inquirers can also visit the County Clerk’s Office to inspect the record. If researching probate cases that occurred between 1846 and 1983, individuals may complete and submit a Copy Request Form in person or by mail.
Grayson County Family Court Records
Grayson County family court records document the proceedings of all family law cases handled by the local District Court. These cases include Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship, protective orders, name changes, annulments, and divorce.
Basic case details on a family court record can be accessed on the Grayson County Judicial Records Search portal. The full file is generally only obtainable in person at the District Clerk’s Office. Requesters should note that while family court records are generally considered public, specific contents are often restricted to protect families. Such content may need authorization to access.
Federal Court Records in Grayson County
Federal court records for cases originating from Grayson County are maintained by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Grayson County falls under the Sherman Division’s Jurisdiction. Federal cases from the county are generally heard at the Paul Brown United States Courthouse.
Researchers can access a federal court record in person at the Clerk’s Office in the courthouse where the case was filed or search for the record online using the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. Searching PACER typically costs 10 cents per page (capped at $3 per document).