Grayson County Public Records /Grayson County Court Records

Grayson County Court Records

What Is Grayson County Court Records

Grayson County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and are maintained pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.303, which establishes requirements for court record maintenance.

Court records in Grayson County 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
Marriage and divorce decrees
Probate and estate documentation

These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, birth certificates, and tax records, which are maintained by separate county departments. Court records specifically document judicial proceedings and decisions rendered by the courts.

The Grayson County court system consists of several courts that maintain distinct records:

District Courts (15th, 59th, 336th, and 397th Judicial Districts)
County Courts at Law (1 and 2)
Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-4)
Municipal Courts (Sherman, Denison, and other municipalities)
Probate Court

Each court maintains records according to its jurisdiction, which may include civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, and traffic violations. The Texas Judicial Branch provides oversight for the uniform maintenance of these records throughout the state's court system.

Are Court Records Public In Grayson County

Court records in Grayson 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 records, 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 files (post-charging)
Court dockets and hearing schedules
Final judgments and court orders
Probate inventories and accountings
Divorce decrees (excluding sensitive financial information)
Small claims judgments

Public access to court records in Grayson County is also governed by Texas Rule of Judicial Administration 12, which establishes procedures for requesting judicial records. Additionally, the Texas Supreme Court has issued administrative orders regarding electronic access to court records that apply to Grayson County courts.

It is important to note that certain records may be sealed or redacted to protect privacy interests, including:

Records involving juveniles
Mental health proceedings
Adoption records
Certain family law matters involving children
Records sealed by specific court order
Information protected by state or federal privacy laws

Federal court records for cases heard in the Eastern District of Texas, which includes Grayson County, are governed by different access rules under federal law and are available through the federal PACER system rather than county resources.

How To Find Court Records in Grayson County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Grayson County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains both physical and digital record systems to accommodate various research needs.

To obtain court records in person:

Identify the specific court that handled the case of interest
Visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours
Complete a records request form providing case number, party names, or other identifying information
Present valid photo identification
Pay any applicable copy fees (currently $1.00 per page for standard copies)
Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents

The primary location for district and county court records is:

Grayson County District Clerk's Office
100 W. Houston Street, 1st Floor
Sherman, TX 75090
903-813-4316
Grayson County District Clerk

For Justice of the Peace records, contact the specific precinct office where the case was filed:

Grayson County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
200 S. Crockett Street
Sherman, TX 75090
903-813-4351
Grayson County JP Courts

For written requests by mail:

Submit a detailed written request including case information and contact details
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
Enclose payment for estimated copy fees (money order or cashier's check)
Address correspondence to the appropriate clerk's office

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, clerks must respond to records requests promptly, typically within 10 business days. For extensive research or voluminous records, additional time may be required, and research fees may apply.

How To Look Up Court Records in Grayson County Online?

Grayson County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These systems offer varying levels of information depending on the court and case type.

The primary online resources for Grayson County court records include:

Grayson County Records Search Portal
- Access at the county's official website
- Search by case number, party name, or filing date
- View case status, hearing dates, and party information
- Access to some document images (subscription required)
- Updated daily with new filings and case activity
Texas Judicial Branch Public Court Records
- Access through the Texas Courts website
- Search across multiple counties including Grayson
- View basic case information and status
- Limited to non-confidential cases
- No document images available
eFileTexas.gov Document Access
- Available through the eFileTexas portal
- Requires registration and possible subscription
- Provides access to electronically filed documents
- Includes both pending and disposed cases
- Most comprehensive document access available online

To conduct an online search:

Select the appropriate portal based on information needed
Create an account if required by the system
Enter search criteria (minimum of last name or case number)
Refine results using date ranges or case types
Review case summary information
Purchase or download available documents if needed

Criminal case information is also available through the Grayson County Sheriff's Office inmate search function, which provides arrest and custody information for current and recently released inmates.

For federal cases involving Grayson County residents heard in the Eastern District of Texas, the PACER system provides online access to federal court records with registration and per-page fees.

How To Search Grayson County Court Records for Free?

Texas law provides for public inspection of court records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.021, members of the public have the right to examine public information during regular business hours without charge.

Free access options in Grayson County include:

In-person inspection at clerk's offices
- Available during regular business hours (typically 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday)
- No appointment necessary for general record searches
- Public access terminals available for self-service searching
- Staff assistance available for locating specific records
- No charge for viewing records, only for copies
Public access computers at Grayson County Law Library Grayson County Law Library
100 W. Houston Street, 1st Floor
Sherman, TX 75090
903-813-4320
Grayson County Law Library
Basic online case information
- Free case status and docket information available through county website
- Limited to basic case details without document images
- Search by party name, case number, or filing date
- Updated regularly with new case information
Texas Judicial Branch Public Access
- Free basic case information through state judicial website
- Includes case type, filing date, and party names
- No registration required for basic searches

The Grayson County District Clerk also provides certain free services, including verification of whether a case exists and confirmation of upcoming court dates. For more extensive research needs, the clerk's office staff can provide guidance on available resources and search strategies at no cost.

What's Included in a Grayson County Court Record?

Grayson County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with content varying by case type and court jurisdiction. The following components are typically included in complete court records:

For Civil Cases:

Petition or complaint initiating the lawsuit
Summons and proof of service documents
Defendant's answer or response
Motions filed by either party and corresponding rulings
Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
Affidavits and sworn statements
Expert witness reports and testimony
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Court orders and judgments
Transcripts of hearings (if requested)
Settlement agreements (if filed with the court)
Appeals documentation (if applicable)

For Criminal Cases:

Charging documents (indictment or information)
Arrest warrant and return of service
Bail and bond information
Defendant's plea
Pretrial motions and rulings
Evidence inventory lists
Witness statements (unless sealed)
Jury selection records
Verdict forms
Sentencing documents
Probation terms and conditions
Appeal notices and briefs

For Family Law Cases:

Petition for divorce or custody
Financial disclosure statements (may be confidential)
Parenting plans
Child support worksheets and orders
Property division agreements
Temporary and permanent orders
Mediation agreements
Final decree

For Probate Matters:

Will and testament
Inventory of estate assets
Letters testamentary or administration
Claims against the estate
Accountings of estate administration
Distribution orders
Guardian/conservator reports

Each court record also contains a case docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in the case. This docket provides a complete history of the case from filing to disposition.

How Long Does Grayson County Keep Court Records?

Grayson County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under Texas Government Code § 441.158. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods based on case type and document significance.

Key retention periods currently in effect include:

Civil Case Records
- General civil litigation: 12 years after final disposition
- Tax suits: Permanent retention
- Real property cases: Permanent retention
- Personal injury/wrongful death: 15 years after final judgment
- Small claims judgments: 10 years after final disposition
Criminal Case Records
- Capital felonies: Permanent retention
- Non-capital felonies: 75 years after final disposition
- Misdemeanors: 5 years after final disposition
- Dismissed cases: 5 years after dismissal
- Expunged records: Destroyed pursuant to expungement order
Family Law Records
- Divorce decrees: Permanent retention
- Child custody orders: Permanent retention
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
- Child support orders: Until youngest child turns 28
- Protective orders: 20 years after expiration
Probate Records
- Wills admitted to probate: Permanent retention
- Estate inventories and accountings: Permanent retention
- Guardianship records: 10 years after termination of guardianship
Court Dockets and Indexes
- All courts: Permanent retention

Certain historically significant cases may be preserved beyond these minimum requirements. Additionally, records may be transferred to microfilm or electronic format for long-term preservation while the original paper documents are destroyed according to schedule.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides comprehensive guidance on records retention requirements that Grayson County follows for all court documents.

Types of Courts In Grayson County

Grayson County's judicial system consists of several court levels, each with specific jurisdiction and authority. The following courts currently operate within the county:

District Courts
100 W. Houston Street
Sherman, TX 75090
903-813-4316
Grayson County District Courts

15th District Court (Judge Jim Fallon)
59th District Court (Judge Larry Phillips)
336th District Court (Judge Travis Biggs)
397th District Court (Judge Brian Gary)

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Jurisdiction: Felony criminal cases, civil cases over $250,000, family law matters, juvenile cases

County Courts at Law
100 W. Houston Street
Sherman, TX 75090
903-813-4330
Grayson County Courts at Law

County Court at Law No. 1 (Judge James Henderson)
County Court at Law No. 2 (Judge Carol Siebman)

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Jurisdiction: Misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases $20,000-$250,000, probate matters, mental health proceedings

Justice of the Peace Courts

JP Precinct 1 (Judge Rita Noel)
200 S. Crockett Street
Sherman, TX 75090
903-813-4351
JP Precinct 2 (Judge David Hawley)
3014 Woodbine Road
Denison, TX 75020
903-465-0983
JP Precinct 3 (Judge Mike Reeves)
134 N. Main Street
Whitesboro, TX 76273
903-564-7817
JP Precinct 4 (Judge Rita Noel)
100 W. Houston Street
Sherman, TX 75090
903-813-4351

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Jurisdiction: Civil cases under $20,000, Class C misdemeanors, traffic citations, small claims, evictions

Municipal Courts

Sherman Municipal Court
220 W. Mulberry Street
Sherman, TX 75090
903-892-7216
Sherman Municipal Court
Denison Municipal Court
300 W. Main Street
Denison, TX 75020
903-465-2720
Denison Municipal Court

Hours: Vary by location
Jurisdiction: City ordinance violations, Class C misdemeanors within city limits, traffic citations

The court hierarchy in Texas proceeds from Justice/Municipal Courts to County Courts, then to District Courts, followed by the Courts of Appeals, and finally to the Texas Supreme Court (for civil cases) or Court of Criminal Appeals (for criminal cases).

What Types of Cases Do Grayson County Courts Hear?

Grayson County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictional authority. Each court level is designated to handle specific case types as established by Texas law.

District Courts (15th, 59th, 336th, and 397th) hear:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil lawsuits with amounts in controversy exceeding $250,000
Divorce and marriage dissolution proceedings
Child custody and support disputes
Property division in family law matters
Juvenile delinquency cases
Child protective services cases
Real property disputes
Complex commercial litigation
Injunctions and restraining orders

County Courts at Law (1 and 2) adjudicate:

Misdemeanor criminal cases (Class A and B)
Civil matters with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $250,000
Probate and guardianship proceedings
Mental health commitments
Appeals from justice and municipal courts
Eminent domain cases
Certain family law matters (concurrent with District Courts)

Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-4) handle:

Civil cases with amounts in controversy up to $20,000
Small claims proceedings
Eviction (forcible entry and detainer) suits
Class C misdemeanors punishable by fine only
Traffic violations
Issuance of search and arrest warrants
Magistration of arrested persons
Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
Peace bond proceedings
Truancy cases

Municipal Courts (Sherman, Denison, and other municipalities) preside over:

Violations of city ordinances
Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits
Traffic violations within city boundaries
Parking citations
Code enforcement cases
Limited juvenile matters (curfew violations, etc.)

The distribution of cases among these courts follows the jurisdictional framework established by the Texas Constitution and statutes. In some instances, courts may have overlapping or concurrent jurisdiction, allowing certain case types to be filed in multiple courts.

How To Find a Court Docket In Grayson County

Court dockets in Grayson County provide the official schedule of cases set for hearing or trial on a particular day. These dockets are public records that can be accessed through several methods.

To locate current court dockets:

Online Access
- Visit the Grayson County website's court section
- Select the specific court of interest
- Navigate to the "Court Dockets" or "Court Calendar" section
- Search by date, judge, or case type
- View or download available docket information
In-Person Inspection
- Visit the clerk's office for the court of interest
- Request to view the current docket book or printout
- Dockets are typically organized by date and judge
- Staff can assist with locating specific case settings
Telephone Inquiry
- Contact the appropriate clerk's office during business hours
- Provide case number or party names
- Request information about upcoming hearings
- Basic docket information can be provided by phone
eFileTexas Registered Users
- Log in to eFileTexas portal
- Access case information for matters where you are a registered party
- View scheduled hearings and docket entries
- Receive notifications of docket changes

For District Courts, docket information is maintained by:

Grayson County District Clerk
100 W. Houston Street, 1st Floor
Sherman, TX 75090
903-813-4316
Grayson County District Clerk

For County Courts at Law, contact:

Grayson County Clerk
100 W. Houston Street, Suite 17
Sherman, TX 75090
903-813-4211
Grayson County Clerk

Docket information is typically updated weekly, with some courts posting daily updates online. Special dockets, such as arraignments or motion hearings, may have separate listings from trial dockets. Attorneys registered with the courts may receive automatic notifications of docket changes affecting their cases.

Which Courts in Grayson 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 § 30.00003, courts not designated as courts of record typically do not maintain verbatim transcripts of their proceedings.

In Grayson County, the following courts are not courts of record:

Justice of the Peace Courts (all precincts)
- Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (new trial) in County Courts
- No official court reporter is assigned to these courts
- Proceedings are not transcribed unless specially arranged
- Case documentation consists of citations, complaints, and judgment forms
- Audio recordings may be made but are not official transcripts
Municipal Courts (unless designated as Municipal Courts of Record)
- Sherman Municipal Court (not a court of record)
- Denison Municipal Court (not a court of record)
- Other municipal courts within Grayson County
- Appeals are heard de novo in County Courts
- Proceedings are documented through forms and orders rather than transcripts

The distinction between courts of record and those that are not affects the appeals process significantly. When appealing from a court not of record, the case is heard completely anew in the higher court, without reference to evidence or testimony from the original proceeding. This contrasts with appeals from courts of record, where the appellate court reviews the existing record for errors of law or procedure.

All District Courts and County Courts at Law in Grayson County are courts of record, with official court reporters who create verbatim transcripts of all proceedings. These transcripts form the official record used in any subsequent appeals to higher courts.