Court records in Hays County, Texas can be searched through several channels. HaysCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through official county court portals, visit the County Clerk's or District Clerk's office in person, or use public access terminals at the Hays County courthouse. These resources cover criminal, civil, family, and probate case records.
Hays Court System & Jurisdictions
Hays County operates several courts, each handling specific case types. Knowing which court has jurisdiction over a case helps you search the correct docket.
- District Courts (22nd, 207th, 274th, 428th Judicial Districts) — Felony criminal cases, civil matters where the amount in controversy exceeds $200, divorce and family law cases, juvenile cases, and contested probate matters. The 428th District Court focuses primarily on family law.
- County Courts at Law (Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4) — Class A and B misdemeanors, civil cases with amounts in controversy between $200 and $200,000, appeals from Justice of the Peace courts, probate matters, and mental health commitments. Some county courts at law in Hays County handle family law matters as well.
- Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1–5) — Small claims up to $20,000, eviction suits, Class C misdemeanors (including traffic offenses), and debt claims. These courts also conduct inquests and issue magistrate warnings.
All criminal, civil, family, and probate case records can be searched through the Hays County Courts Records Inquiry portal, which runs on the Odyssey Public Access system.
Hays Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The Hays County court calendar is available online through the Odyssey system. To look up today's, tomorrow's, or this week's hearings:
- Visit the Hays County Courts Records portal.
- Select Court Calendar from the main menu.
- Choose the specific court location or select "All Courts" to view a combined schedule.
- Filter by date range, judicial officer, or case type to narrow results.
Calendar entries typically display the case number, party names, hearing type, judge, and courtroom. Schedules can change on short notice due to continuances or settlements, so confirm with the clerk's office if you are planning to attend a hearing.
For law enforcement and jail-related scheduling, the same portal provides access to jail records and bond information. If you need local police activity reports, the City of San Marcos publishes daily police blotters that cover incidents across Hays County jurisdictions.
How to Get a Copy of a Hays Court Document
Court documents in Hays County are maintained by two offices depending on the court level:
- District Clerk — Records from District Courts (felonies, civil cases over $200, family law in district courts).
- County Clerk — Records from County Courts at Law, probate, and recorded documents such as deeds and liens.
Online Access
Unofficial copies of many court documents can be viewed and printed through the Odyssey Public Access portal at no charge. The Hays County Clerk Self-Service site provides access to recorded documents including deeds, liens, and vital records indexes.
In Person or by Mail
To obtain certified copies, visit or mail your request to the appropriate clerk's office:
Hays County Clerk
Hays County District Clerk
When requesting by mail, include the case number (if known), party names, case type, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include payment by check or money order payable to the appropriate clerk.
What You Need to Know
- Certified copies carry the clerk's seal and signature and are accepted by other courts and agencies.
- Uncertified copies are for personal reference only.
- Some records are restricted — sealed cases, juvenile records, and certain family law documents may not be available without a court order.
- Statewide criminal history searches can be run through the Texas DPS Criminal History Name Search.
Hays Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Hays County are set by Texas statute (Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 118 for county clerks; Government Code, Chapter 51 for district clerks). The following table reflects standard fees — contact the clerk's office to confirm current amounts.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (first page) | $5.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $1.00 |
| Noncertified photocopy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certificate under seal (no document attached) | $5.00 |
| Search fee (County Clerk, per name/year searched) | $5.00 |
| Statewide criminal history (Texas DPS online) | $3.00 |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card (a convenience fee may apply for card payments).
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Hays County Clerk" or "Hays County District Clerk."
- Online: The DPS criminal history search accepts credit card payment at the DPS Crime Records portal.
Fees for vital records verifications (marriage, divorce) ordered through the state are handled separately by the Texas DSHS vital records application. Contact the clerk's office directly if you are unsure which fees apply to your request.