Comal County Court Records
What Is Comal County Court Records
Court records in Comal County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities maintained by various courts operating within Comal County, Texas. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, court clerks are required to maintain accurate records of all court proceedings.
Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
- 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 in criminal matters
- Settlement agreements in civil cases
These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax assessments, which are maintained by other county departments. In Comal County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies, including:
- District Courts handling felony criminal cases and civil matters exceeding $250,000
- County Courts at Law with jurisdiction over misdemeanors and civil cases under $250,000
- Justice of the Peace Courts handling small claims, traffic violations, and minor offenses
- Probate Court overseeing estate administration and guardianship matters
- Municipal Courts addressing city ordinance violations
The Comal County District Court system maintains records for major civil litigation, felony criminal proceedings, family law matters, and juvenile cases in accordance with state regulations.
Are Court Records Public In Comal County
Court records in Comal County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act, codified in Texas Government Code Chapter 552. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including court documents, are open to 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 records (post-charging)
- Court judgments and orders
- Docket sheets and hearing schedules
- Property records related to legal proceedings
- Probate and estate administration documents
However, certain records may be restricted from public access under Texas law, including:
- Juvenile proceedings (except under limited circumstances)
- Mental health commitment records
- Adoption records
- Records sealed by court order
- Documents containing sensitive personal information as defined by Texas Government Code § 552.147
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Western District of Texas (which includes Comal County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state regulations. The Texas Supreme Court Rules provide additional guidance on public access to judicial records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns.
How To Find Court Records in Comal County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Comal County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval, depending on the type of record sought and its age.
For in-person requests:
- Identify the appropriate court that maintains the desired records
- Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form specifying case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees as established by county ordinance
Comal County District Clerk's Office
150 N. Seguin Avenue, Suite 304
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830-221-1270
Comal County District Clerk
Comal County Clerk's Office
150 N. Seguin Avenue, Suite 101
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830-221-1230
Comal County Clerk
For written requests:
- Submit a detailed written request to the appropriate clerk's office
- Include case number, party names, filing date, and document type
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
- Enclose payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
- Allow 10-15 business days for processing
Electronic requests may be submitted through the county's online portal or via email to the appropriate clerk's office. Pursuant to Texas Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 12, requests must be processed promptly, with most non-archived records available within 10 business days.
How To Look Up Court Records in Comal County Online?
Comal County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These systems allow for remote research of case information without visiting the courthouse in person.
The primary online resources include:
-
Comal County Records Search Portal
- Accessible through the Comal County official website
- Provides access to civil, criminal, and probate case indexes
- Allows searches by party name, case number, or filing date
- Displays case status, hearing dates, and document listings
- Requires free registration for enhanced search capabilities
-
Texas Judicial Branch Website
- The Texas Courts Online system provides statewide case information
- Offers access to appellate opinions and orders
- Includes calendar information for district and county courts
- Provides standardized forms for various court proceedings
-
Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER)
- For federal cases involving Comal County residents
- Requires registration and charges nominal fees per page viewed
- Provides comprehensive federal court documents
To conduct an effective online search:
- Select the appropriate database based on case type
- Enter known information (names, dates, case numbers)
- Use wildcard searches if exact spelling is uncertain
- Narrow results using date ranges or case type filters
- Review search results to identify relevant cases
- Access available document images or summaries
- Note any restrictions requiring in-person visits for complete files
Currently, certain older records and exhibits may not be available online and require in-person requests at the appropriate clerk's office.
How To Search Comal 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 copying fees may apply, viewing records is available at no cost through several channels.
Free access options include:
-
In-person inspection at the courthouse during regular business hours
- No charge for reviewing physical records
- Self-service computer terminals available in clerk's offices
- Staff assistance provided for locating files
-
Online basic search functions
- The Comal County Records Search offers free case index searches
- Basic case information available without registration
- Includes party names, case types, and filing dates
- Document images may require fees or in-person requests
-
Public law libraries
- Comal County Law Library provides free access to court records
- Located within the courthouse complex
- Offers assistance from trained staff
- Includes computer terminals with database access
-
Justice of the Peace records
- Basic case information available through court clerk
- Traffic citations and small claims searchable by name
- No charge for viewing docket information
While inspection is free, reproduction costs are established by county ordinance and typically range from $1.00 to $5.00 per page depending on document type and certification requirements. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors pursuant to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145.
What's Included in a Comal County Court Record?
Court records in Comal County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records typically include multiple components that collectively document the judicial process from initiation through resolution.
For civil cases, records generally contain:
- Petition or complaint initiating the action
- Service of process documentation
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Court orders and rulings on motions
- Final judgment or dismissal order
- Post-judgment collection documents
- Appeal notices and related filings
Criminal case records typically include:
- Charging documents (indictment or information)
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Bond information and conditions
- Defendant's plea
- Pretrial motions and rulings
- Evidence logs and exhibits admitted
- Trial transcripts (if prepared)
- Jury instructions in jury trials
- Verdict or judgment
- Sentencing documents
- Probation terms and compliance reports
- Appeal documentation
Family law cases may contain:
- Divorce petitions and decrees
- Child custody and support orders
- Parenting plans and visitation schedules
- Financial affidavits and property divisions
- Protective orders and related findings
- Adoption proceedings and home studies
- Name change applications and orders
Probate records typically include:
- Wills and codicils
- Applications for probate or administration
- Inventories of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Guardianship applications and reports
- Annual accountings
- Orders approving distributions
- Estate closing documents
Each case file also contains a docket sheet chronologically listing all actions taken, hearings held, and documents filed, serving as the official index to the case record.
How Long Does Comal County Keep Court Records?
Comal County adheres to the records retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission pursuant to Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various court documents based on case type, significance, and legal requirements.
Key retention periods include:
-
Civil case records
- General civil litigation: 12 years after final disposition
- Tax suits: Permanent retention
- Real property cases: Permanent retention
- Other civil matters: 12 years after final judgment
-
Criminal case records
- Capital felonies: Permanent retention
- Other felonies: 50 years after final disposition
- Class A and B misdemeanors: 10 years after final judgment
- Class C misdemeanors: 5 years after final judgment
-
Family law records
- Divorce decrees: Permanent retention
- Child custody orders: Until youngest child reaches 18
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
- Name changes: Permanent retention
-
Probate records
- Wills admitted to probate: Permanent retention
- Estate administration: Permanent retention
- Guardianship cases: 10 years after termination of guardianship
-
Justice and Municipal Court records
- Traffic cases: 5 years after final disposition
- Small claims: 5 years after final judgment
- Evictions: 5 years after final judgment
After the mandatory retention period expires, records may be transferred to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for historical preservation or disposed of according to established procedures. Certain historically significant cases may be preserved permanently regardless of standard retention schedules.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as physical documents, with additional protocols for ensuring long-term accessibility and data integrity.
Types of Courts In Comal County
Comal County's judicial system consists of multiple courts with varying jurisdictions, organized in a hierarchical structure according to Texas law. Each court handles specific case types as defined by state statute.
Comal County District Courts
150 N. Seguin Avenue
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830-221-1270
District Courts of Comal County
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The 22nd, 207th, 274th, and 433rd District Courts serve as courts of general jurisdiction handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $250,000, family law cases, and juvenile proceedings.
Comal County Courts at Law
100 Main Plaza
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830-221-1180
County Courts at Law
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
County Courts at Law #1, #2, and #3 handle misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters between $20,000 and $250,000, probate proceedings, and mental health commitments.
Comal County Justice of the Peace Courts
Justice of the Peace Precinct 1
1297 Church Hill Drive
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830-221-1295
Justice Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Four Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-4) handle small claims up to $20,000, evictions, traffic cases, Class C misdemeanors, and perform magistrate duties.
New Braunfels Municipal Court
550 Landa Street
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830-221-4180
Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Municipal Courts handle city ordinance violations, Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits, and traffic offenses.
Appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts are heard by the County Courts at Law. Appeals from District Courts and County Courts at Law proceed to the Third Court of Appeals in Austin, with final appeals to the Texas Supreme Court for civil cases or the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals for criminal matters.
What Types of Cases Do Comal County Courts Hear?
Comal County's court system adjudicates a diverse range of legal matters, with each court type assigned specific case categories 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 $250,000
- Family law matters (divorce, child custody, support modifications)
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings
- Real property disputes and title questions
- Civil forfeitures and seizures
- Complex commercial litigation
- Administrative agency appeals
County Courts at Law preside over:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (DWI, assault, theft under $2,500)
- Civil matters with amounts between $20,000 and $250,000
- Probate proceedings and guardianships
- Mental health commitments
- Appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts
- Eminent domain proceedings
- Certain family law matters concurrent with District Courts
Justice of the Peace Courts adjudicate:
- Small claims disputes up to $20,000
- Eviction proceedings (forcible entry and detainer)
- Traffic violations and Class C misdemeanors
- Debt claims under $20,000
- Repair and remedy cases
- Magistrate functions (arrest warrants, emergency protective orders)
- Inquests and death investigations
- Truancy cases
Municipal Courts handle:
- City ordinance violations
- Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
- Traffic offenses within municipal boundaries
- Parking violations
- Code enforcement cases
- Limited juvenile matters (curfew violations, tobacco/alcohol possession)
Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established in the Texas Government Code and may occasionally involve concurrent jurisdiction where multiple courts could potentially hear the same matter. In such instances, cases are typically assigned based on court specialization, docket availability, and administrative efficiency.
How To Find a Court Docket In Comal County
Court dockets in Comal County provide the official schedule of proceedings and case status information. These records are accessible through multiple channels depending on the court and case type.
To access court dockets:
-
Online Docket Search
- Visit the Comal County website
- Navigate to the appropriate court section
- Enter case number, party name, or attorney
- Review upcoming hearings and case status
- Note that some older cases may not appear in online systems
-
In-Person Docket Review
- Visit the clerk's office for the relevant court
- Request to view the daily or weekly docket
- Provide case information if seeking a specific matter
- Public terminals may be available for self-service searching
-
Telephone Inquiry
- Contact the appropriate clerk's office during business hours
- Provide case number or party names
- Request hearing date and time information
- Note that detailed case information may require in-person visits
-
Court Call Systems
- Some courts offer automated telephone systems
- Enter case number when prompted
- Receive updated hearing information
- Available 24 hours for basic scheduling information
For District Court dockets, contact:
Comal County District Clerk
150 N. Seguin Avenue, Suite 304
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830-221-1270
District Court Records
For County Court dockets, contact:
Comal County Clerk
150 N. Seguin Avenue, Suite 101
New Braunfels, TX 78130
830-221-1230
County Court Records
Pursuant to Texas Rule of Judicial Administration 7, courts must maintain current docket information and make non-confidential portions available to the public. Docket information is typically updated daily, though last-minute changes may occur due to continuances or emergency matters.
Which Courts in Comal County Are Not Courts of Record?
In the Texas judicial system, a "court of record" maintains official transcripts of proceedings and detailed documentation that can be used in appeals based on the record created. Conversely, courts "not of record" do not maintain such comprehensive documentation, and appeals from these courts typically result in trials de novo (new trials) rather than record-based reviews.
In Comal County, the following courts are classified as courts not of record pursuant to Texas Government Code § 27.001:
-
Justice of the Peace Courts (all four precincts)
- Appeals from these courts to County Courts at Law are conducted as new trials
- No official court reporter records proceedings
- Limited documentation of evidence presentation
- Informal procedures compared to courts of record
-
Municipal Courts (unless designated as Municipal Courts of Record)
- The New Braunfels Municipal Court operates as a non-record court
- Garden Ridge Municipal Court functions as a non-record court
- Appeals proceed to County Courts at Law for new trials
- Simplified procedures for handling minor offenses
The practical implications of a court not being a court of record include:
- Simplified procedures with fewer formal requirements
- No verbatim transcript of proceedings unless specially arranged
- Appeals result in completely new trials rather than reviews of procedural errors
- Judges have greater procedural flexibility
- Proceedings typically move more quickly with less documentation
All other courts in Comal County, including District Courts and County Courts at Law, function as courts of record with official court reporters, comprehensive evidence preservation, and appeals based on the record created during the original proceedings.
Lookup Court Records in Comal County
District Court records and information