Collin County Court Records
What Is Collin County Court Records
Court records in Collin County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to the Texas Government Code § 552.022, these records constitute public information maintained by the judicial system for administrative and historical purposes. Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and petitions
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
- Sentencing and probation records
- Settlement agreements and consent decrees
Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax records, which are maintained by separate county departments. The Collin County public records system provides access to various types of records based on their classification and the maintaining authority.
Within Collin County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:
- District Courts (felony criminal cases, civil matters over $200,000)
- County Courts at Law (misdemeanors, civil matters under $200,000)
- Justice of the Peace Courts (small claims, traffic violations)
- Probate Courts (wills, estates, guardianships)
- Municipal Courts (city ordinance violations)
These records encompass civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, and traffic violations occurring within Collin County jurisdiction. The Texas Judicial Branch oversees the statewide court system, while individual courts maintain their specific records.
Are Court Records Public In Collin County
Court records in Collin County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act, codified in Texas Government Code Chapter 552, and the judicial records access provisions under Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration. These statutes establish the presumption that court records are open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
The following court records are typically available for public access:
- Civil case files (with certain privacy exceptions)
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Court judgments and orders
- Docket sheets and hearing schedules
- Property records related to judgments
- Probate and estate proceedings
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile proceedings (per Texas Family Code § 58.007)
- Mental health commitment records
- Adoption records
- Cases sealed by judicial order
- Records containing sensitive personal information as defined by statute
- Family violence protective orders (access restrictions apply)
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (which includes Collin County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than county resources.
The Texas Supreme Court has established specific rules regarding electronic access to court records, balancing public access rights with privacy concerns. Currently, Collin County provides various levels of electronic access to court records through its online case information portal.
How To Find Court Records in Collin County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Collin County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains multiple access points depending on the type of record sought and the court of origin.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit the appropriate clerk's office:
Collin County District Clerk's Office
2100 Bloomdale Road, Suite 12132
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 548-4320
Collin County District Clerk
Collin County Clerk's Office
2300 Bloomdale Road, Suite 2104
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 548-4185
Collin County Clerk
To request court records in person:
- Identify the specific court where the case was filed
- Complete the appropriate records request form
- Provide case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Present valid identification
- Pay any applicable fees for copies or certified documents
For written requests, individuals may submit the County Clerk Record Request Form for misdemeanor cases or contact the District Clerk for felony and civil matters. Written requests should include:
- Requestor's contact information
- Specific case information (names, dates, case numbers)
- Description of records sought
- Whether certified copies are needed
- Payment for applicable fees
Electronic requests may be submitted through the county's online systems. The Collin County Courts Records Inquiry system provides access to case information, while complete documents may require formal requests through the clerk's offices.
Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, requests should be processed promptly, with most routine requests fulfilled within 10 business days. Complex requests may require additional time as permitted by statute.
How To Look Up Court Records in Collin County Online?
Collin County provides comprehensive online access to court records through several digital portals. These systems allow for remote searching of case information without visiting county offices in person.
The primary online resources for court record searches include:
-
Collin County Courts Records Inquiry - This system provides access to:
- Criminal court cases
- Civil litigation records
- Family court matters
- Probate proceedings
- Justice of the Peace cases
To use this system:
- Select the appropriate court type
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, date range)
- Review search results
- Access available case information and documents
-
Collin County Clerk Records Search - This portal provides access to:
- Property records
- Marriage licenses
- Assumed name certificates
- Other county clerk records
Search steps include:
- Selecting record type
- Entering name or property information
- Filtering by date range
- Viewing document images when available
-
Case Information Portal - This unified search engine allows users to review:
- Traffic tickets
- Misdemeanor and felony criminal cases
- Civil litigation
- Family law matters
- Probate proceedings
For criminal case information specifically, the District Clerk's criminal records section provides specialized search capabilities and information about criminal proceedings in Collin County district courts.
Attorneys and legal professionals may access additional features through secure portals requiring bar credentials. The eFileTexas system serves as the official electronic filing system for court documents in Texas, including Collin County courts.
While many documents are available online, certain records may require in-person requests due to confidentiality restrictions or technical limitations. Additionally, some online searches may show case metadata but require separate requests for complete document images.
How To Search Collin County Court Records for Free?
Texas law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in the Texas Government Code § 552.021, which states that public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body. While copying fees may apply, viewing records is generally free of charge.
Collin County provides several no-cost options for accessing court records:
-
In-person inspection at clerk's offices:
- District Clerk's Office (felony criminal, civil litigation, family law)
- County Clerk's Office (misdemeanors, probate, property records)
- Justice of the Peace offices (small claims, traffic cases)
Visitors may review files at public terminals without paying fees unless copies are requested.
-
Free online search systems:
- Collin County Courts Records Inquiry - Provides basic case information at no charge
- Collin County Public Information portal - Offers guidance on accessing various record types
- Case Information search tool - Allows free searching of case status and basic information
-
Public access terminals:
- Located in the Collin County Law Library
- Available at clerk's offices
- Provide more comprehensive access than some online systems
While basic searches are free, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies ($1.00 per page is typical)
- Certified copies (additional certification fee)
- Research assistance from clerk staff
- Expedited requests
- Electronic copies delivered via email or other methods
The Texas Judicial Branch also provides statewide resources for locating cases across multiple counties, though detailed document access may require county-specific systems.
What's Included in a Collin County Court Record?
Court records in Collin County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include the following components:
For Criminal Cases:
- Charging documents (indictments, information)
- Arrest warrants and probable cause affidavits
- Bond information and conditions
- Attorney appearances and appointments
- Motions filed by prosecution and defense
- Court orders and judicial rulings
- Plea agreements or trial verdicts
- Sentencing information
- Probation terms and conditions
- Appeal notices and related documents
For Civil Cases:
- Original petitions and complaints
- Service of process documentation
- Defendant answers and counterclaims
- Discovery-related motions and orders
- Expert witness designations
- Summary judgment motions and responses
- Trial exhibits admitted into evidence
- Court reporter transcripts (when ordered)
- Final judgments and decrees
- Post-judgment collection documents
For Family Law Matters:
- Divorce petitions and responses
- Child custody and support orders
- Property division agreements
- Protective orders
- Name change documents
- Adoption records (with access restrictions)
- Modification petitions
- Enforcement actions
For Probate Proceedings:
- Wills and testamentary documents
- Applications for probate
- Inventories of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Guardian appointment documents
- Annual accountings
- Orders approving distributions
- Estate closing documents
Each case file also contains a docket sheet that chronologically lists all actions taken in the case, serving as an index to the complete record. Pursuant to Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 26, court clerks maintain these records in a systematic manner to ensure their accuracy and accessibility.
How Long Does Collin County Keep Court Records?
Collin County retains court records according to schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under authority granted by the Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These retention periods vary based on case type, disposition, and historical significance.
Standard retention periods for major record categories include:
Criminal Case Records:
- Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Felony cases: 20 years after final disposition
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
- Dismissed cases: 5 years after dismissal
- Expunged records: Destroyed as ordered by the court
Civil Case Records:
- General civil litigation: 12 years after final disposition
- Tax suits: 20 years after final judgment
- Family law cases: 25 years after final judgment
- Child support orders: Until the youngest child turns 28
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
Probate Records:
- Wills admitted to probate: Permanent retention
- Estate administration: 10 years after closing
- Guardianship cases: 10 years after termination of guardianship
Justice Court Records:
- Civil cases: 4 years after final disposition
- Criminal cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Traffic cases: 6 years after final disposition
Court dockets, indexes, and minutes are typically retained permanently due to their historical and administrative value. Electronic records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage medium may differ.
The Collin County District Clerk and County Clerk serve as the official custodians of these records and implement the retention schedules in accordance with state mandates. Records scheduled for destruction are reviewed to ensure compliance with all legal requirements before disposal.
Types of Courts In Collin County
Collin County's judicial system consists of multiple court levels with varying jurisdictions. Each court type handles specific case categories as defined by Texas law.
Collin County District Courts
2100 Bloomdale Road
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 548-4320
Collin County District Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
District Courts are courts of general jurisdiction handling felony criminal cases, civil matters involving amounts over $200,000, family law cases, and certain specialized matters. Collin County currently has nine district courts (199th, 219th, 296th, 366th, 380th, 401st, 416th, 417th, and 471st).
Collin County Courts at Law
2100 Bloomdale Road
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 548-4185
Collin County Courts at Law
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
County Courts at Law handle misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters between $20,000 and $200,000, probate proceedings, and mental health commitments. Collin County has eight County Courts at Law (1-8).
Collin County Justice of the Peace Courts
Multiple locations throughout the county:
Justice Court Precinct 1
2300 Bloomdale Road, Suite 2106
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 548-4125
Justice Court Precinct 1
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Justice Court Precinct 2
920 E. Park Blvd., Suite 100
Plano, TX 75074
(972) 881-3025
Justice Court Precinct 2
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Justice Court Precinct 3
920 E. Park Blvd., Suite 100
Plano, TX 75074
(972) 881-3070
Justice Court Precinct 3
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Justice Court Precinct 4
4920 Park Blvd.
Plano, TX 75093
(972) 731-7300
Justice Court Precinct 4
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Justice of the Peace Courts handle small claims cases (up to $20,000), traffic violations, Class C misdemeanors, evictions, and perform magistrate duties.
Municipal Courts
Located in each incorporated city within Collin County, these courts handle city ordinance violations, traffic cases, and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits.
The court hierarchy in Texas proceeds from Municipal/Justice Courts to County Courts at Law to District Courts, with appeals going to the Court of Appeals (5th District for Collin County), and ultimately to the Texas Supreme Court (civil cases) or Court of Criminal Appeals (criminal cases).
What Types of Cases Do Collin County Courts Hear?
Collin County's court system adjudicates a wide range of legal matters, with each court level assigned specific case types based on subject matter and monetary thresholds as established by Texas law.
District Courts handle:
- Felony criminal prosecutions (murder, robbery, drug trafficking)
- Civil lawsuits with amounts in controversy exceeding $200,000
- Divorce and marriage dissolution proceedings
- Child custody and support determinations
- Property division in high-asset divorces
- Title to land disputes
- Election contests
- Civil forfeitures
- Injunctions and declaratory judgments
- Complex commercial litigation
County Courts at Law adjudicate:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (DWI, theft under $2,500, assault)
- Civil matters with amounts between $20,000 and $200,000
- Probate proceedings and will contests
- Guardianship appointments and monitoring
- Mental health commitments
- Appeals from Justice and Municipal courts
- Eminent domain proceedings
- Landlord-tenant disputes exceeding Justice Court limits
Justice of the Peace Courts preside over:
- Small claims cases (up to $20,000)
- Eviction proceedings
- Traffic violations
- Class C misdemeanors (fine-only offenses)
- Debt claims under $20,000
- Repair and remedy cases
- Magistrate functions (setting bail, issuing search warrants)
- Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
- Truancy matters
- Death inquests
Municipal Courts handle:
- City ordinance violations
- Traffic offenses within city limits
- Class C misdemeanors occurring in the municipality
- Parking violations
- Code enforcement cases
- Limited juvenile matters (curfew violations, minor alcohol offenses)
Specialized dockets exist within these court structures, including drug courts, veterans courts, mental health courts, and family violence courts, which provide focused attention to specific case types requiring specialized approaches.
The Texas Judicial Branch establishes jurisdictional boundaries for these courts, while local rules adopted by Collin County courts further define procedures for case management and processing.
How To Find a Court Docket In Collin County
Court dockets in Collin County provide chronological listings of scheduled hearings, filings, and judicial actions for specific cases. Members of the public may access these dockets through several methods.
Online docket access is available through:
-
Collin County Courts Records Inquiry - This system allows users to:
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney
- View upcoming court dates
- See case status and disposition
- Access register of actions (docket entries)
- Check jury trial settings
-
Case Information Portal - This comprehensive search tool provides:
- Consolidated docket information across multiple courts
- Advanced search capabilities
- Current case status updates
- Historical case information
For in-person docket access, individuals may visit:
District Clerk's Office
2100 Bloomdale Road, Suite 12132
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 548-4320
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
County Clerk's Office
2300 Bloomdale Road, Suite 2104
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 548-4185
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Public terminals at these locations provide access to complete docket information, including entries that may not be available through online portals due to privacy restrictions.
For specific court dockets, contact the court coordinator for the relevant court. Court coordinators maintain daily and weekly dockets for their assigned courts and can provide information about upcoming hearings.
Attorneys registered with eFileTexas receive electronic notifications of docket entries in their cases and have enhanced access to docket information through the attorney portal.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, court clerks are required to maintain accurate docket records. These records are generally updated within one business day of court actions or filings.
Which Courts in Collin County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Texas judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains an official transcript or recording of its proceedings, which can be used for appeals. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 27.056, certain courts are designated as not being courts of record, meaning they do not maintain such official transcripts.
In Collin County, the following courts are not courts of record:
Justice of the Peace Courts (all precincts):
- These courts handle small claims, evictions, traffic cases, and Class C misdemeanors
- Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (new trial) in the County Courts at Law
- No official court reporter records proceedings
- While docket sheets and judgments are maintained, verbatim transcripts are not created
Some Municipal Courts:
- Several municipalities in Collin County operate non-record municipal courts
- These handle city ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and Class C misdemeanors
- Appeals proceed to County Courts at Law for a completely new trial
- Documentation is limited to citations, judgments, and basic case information
It is important to note that some municipalities in Collin County have established Municipal Courts of Record under Texas Government Code Chapter 30. These courts do maintain official records of proceedings, and appeals from these courts are based on the record created rather than through a new trial.
The distinction between courts of record and non-record courts is significant for:
- Appeal procedures (de novo vs. on the record)
- Evidence preservation
- Procedural formality
- Availability of transcripts for review
When a case is appealed from a non-record court, the entire matter is retried in the higher court as if the original proceeding never occurred, rather than reviewing the lower court's decision for errors based on a transcript.
Lookup Court Records in Collin County
Search court cases by name, case number or citation
Submit a County Clerk record request form
Access public records information
Visit the County Clerk's website
Review criminal case information
Access the Texas Judicial Branch website
Use the eFileTexas electronic filing system