Smith County, Texas court records are available through several channels. SmithCourt.us allows you to search for public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, official records can be viewed through the Smith County Clerk's Records Search Portal, directly at the court clerk's office, or at public terminals in the courthouse in Tyler. Below is a practical guide to navigating the county's court system.
Smith Court System & Jurisdictions
Several courts operate in Smith County, each handling specific categories of cases. Knowing which court you need is the first step in finding the right record.
District Courts handle the most serious cases: felonies, civil lawsuits over $200,000, divorce cases, child custody, and termination of parental rights. Smith County has several district courts — the 7th, 114th, 241st, and 321st judicial districts.
County Courts at Law — there are three of them — handle misdemeanors, civil lawsuits with a medium claim amount, appeals from justice courts, and probate cases (the judicial process for settling estates).
- Traffic violations and minor offenses usually go to Justice of the Peace Courts or Tyler Municipal Courts.
- Small Claims — up to $20,000 — are handled by Justice of the Peace Courts.
- Appeals from district courts may be directed to the Twelfth Court of Appeals in Tyler, which serves seventeen counties.
If you are unsure which court your case belongs to, contact the county clerk's office — they will help determine the appropriate record.
Smith Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule for today, tomorrow, or this week can be found in several ways. Smith County district and county courts publish their calendars through the state's electronic filing system. Check eFileTexas.gov — the official electronic filing platform for Texas courts, where information about scheduled hearings is available.
Additionally:
- The District Clerk's Office publishes schedules for each district court. Call (903) 590-1660 to confirm the date of a specific hearing.
- The County Clerk's Office provides information on county court hearings. Phone: (903) 590-4670.
- Justice of the Peace Courts maintain their own calendars — contact the appropriate precinct directly.
Public terminals in the courthouse allow you to view the schedule on-site. If you need a specific judge or courtroom, confirm this with the clerk's office.
How to Get a Copy of a Smith Court Document
You can obtain a copy of a court document online, in person, or by mail. The type of copy determines the procedure and cost.
Certified and Non-Certified Copies
A certified copy has the official seal of the clerk and confirms the authenticity of the document — it is required for most legal purposes. A non-certified copy is suitable for informational purposes only.
How to Order
- Online: Use the Smith County Clerk's Records Search Portal to view official records. Some documents are available for free download, but certified copies require a separate request.
- In Person: Visit the county clerk's or district clerk's office in the courthouse in Tyler. Bring identification and the case number if you know it.
- By Mail: Send a written request including the full name of the party, type of document, approximate filing date, and a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
Smith County Clerk's Office
District Clerk's Office
Marriage and divorce records can also be ordered through the Texas Vital Records Ordering Portal.
Smith Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees are set according to Chapter 118 of the Texas Local Government Code for the county clerk and Chapter 51 of the Texas Government Code for the district clerk. Specific amounts may vary — check current rates directly with the office.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Record search (by name) | $5.00 |
| Non-certified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy of a document | $5.00 (first page) + $1.00 for each additional |
| Certified copy of a court judgment | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Public Information Act request | Depends on volume; first 50 pages often free |
Payment is accepted in cash, money orders, and typically credit or debit cards. A processing fee may apply for card payments. For mail requests, use a check or money order payable to the appropriate clerk.
If you need a statewide criminal history, you can request it through the Texas Department of Public Safety. State-level inmate information is provided by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. To search for individuals held in the county jail, use the resources of the Smith County Sheriff's Office.