Court records in Fannin County, Texas are maintained by the county clerk and the district clerk and can be accessed through online tools, official court portals, and the clerk's offices. FanninCourt.us can help you find publicly available court record information for Fannin County. You can also search records directly through the Fannin County Court Public Records Search portal, contact the District Clerk's Office or the County Clerk's Office, or use state-level resources through the Texas Judicial Branch website.
Fannin County Court System Overview
Fannin County is part of the 336th Judicial District in Texas. The county seat is Bonham, where the Fannin County Courthouse serves as the hub for county and district court proceedings. The county court, presided over by the County Judge, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters within its jurisdictional limits, and probate matters. The 336th District Court handles felony cases, higher-value civil disputes, family law matters, and juvenile cases. You can verify current judicial assignments through the Texas Office of Court Administration judicial directory.
Courthouse offices are generally open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours may vary by department. Contact the specific clerk's office to confirm availability before visiting.
Courts Serving Fannin County
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| 336th District Court | Fannin County Courthouse, 101 E. Sam Rayburn Dr., Bonham, TX 75418 | 903.583.7459 |
| Fannin County Court (County Judge) | 101 E. Sam Rayburn Dr., Ste. 214, Bonham, TX 75418 | 903.583.7455 |
| U.S. District Court – Eastern District of Texas | See Eastern District of Texas website for division locations | — |
Municipal courts may also operate within incorporated cities in Fannin County, such as Bonham. Contact the individual city for municipal court information. Federal bankruptcy matters for Fannin County are handled through the Eastern District of Texas.
What Types of Cases Fannin County Courts Hear
Fannin County courts handle a broad range of case types across the county court and district court levels. The following categories are addressed within the county's court system:
- Felony criminal cases
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic and transportation violations
- Civil litigation (including small claims)
- Family law — divorce, custody, child support, paternity, protective orders
- Probate — decedent estates, guardianships, conservatorships
- Juvenile matters — delinquency, child protective proceedings
- Adoption and termination of parental rights
The sections below explain which court handles each type and how cases move through the system.
District Court Cases in Fannin County
The 336th District Court in Fannin County hears felony criminal cases, civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds the county court's jurisdictional limit, divorce and family law matters, juvenile cases, and appeals from lower courts. Felony cases typically arrive at the district court after indictment by a grand jury. A district judge presides over all proceedings, and cases are assigned through the District Clerk's Office. The district clerk maintains all case files for the district court, including civil, criminal, and family case records. Record and information requests should be submitted in writing to the district clerk.
Magistrate Court Cases in Fannin County
In Texas, magistrate functions — such as issuing arrest warrants, setting bail, and conducting preliminary hearings — are performed by judges who hold magistrate authority, including the county judge and justices of the peace. The Fannin County Court handles Class A and Class B misdemeanors, civil cases within its jurisdictional limits (generally up to $200,000 under Texas Government Code), probate matters, and appeals from justice courts. Justices of the peace in Fannin County handle Class C misdemeanors, traffic violations, small claims cases (up to $20,000), and eviction proceedings. If you need to resolve a minor civil dispute or traffic citation, start with the justice of the peace court in your precinct.
Family Law, Probate, and Juvenile Matters in Fannin County
Family Law
Divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, protective orders, and termination of parental rights are handled by the 336th District Court. Petitions are filed with the District Clerk's Office. Divorce records in Fannin County can be obtained through the district clerk, as confirmed by the Texas DSHS local vital records directory.
Probate
Decedent estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and trust matters are generally handled by the Fannin County Court, with the county judge presiding as the probate judge. Probate filings go through the County Clerk's Office.
Juvenile
Juvenile cases — including delinquency proceedings and child protective cases — are heard in the district court. Juvenile records are confidential under Texas Family Code and are not available through public records searches. Contact the district clerk for guidance on accessing juvenile case information if you are a party to the case.
How Cases Move Through the Fannin County Court System
- Filing / Initiation: A criminal case begins with an arrest or complaint; a civil case begins with a petition or complaint filed with the appropriate clerk's office.
- Assignment: Cases are assigned to the county court or district court based on jurisdiction. The clerk assigns a cause number.
- Initial Hearing: Criminal defendants appear for arraignment, where charges are read and bail may be set. Civil cases receive a scheduling order or initial conference.
- Pre-Trial Phase: Both sides exchange information through discovery, file motions, and — in criminal cases — may negotiate plea agreements.
- Trial or Resolution: Cases proceed to a bench or jury trial, or are resolved through a plea, settlement, dismissal, or default judgment.
- Post-Judgment: In criminal cases, sentencing follows a guilty verdict. In civil cases, enforcement of the judgment or appeal may follow. Appeals from county court go to the district court or court of appeals; appeals from district court go to the appropriate Texas appellate court.
Court Administration, Local Rules, and Public Access in Fannin County
The Fannin County courts are administered under the oversight of the county judge for county-level matters and the presiding judge of the administrative judicial region for district court matters. You can look up current judges and court contacts through the Texas OCA judicial directory.
- Local Rules: Local rules for the judicial district govern filing deadlines, hearing procedures, and courtroom conduct. Check with the district clerk or the Texas Judicial Branch website for the most current local rules applicable to Fannin County.
- Public Access: Under the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Rules of Judicial Administration, most court records are generally public. Exceptions include sealed records, juvenile records, and certain family law records. You can submit a public information request to the District Clerk's Office or County Clerk's Office in writing.
- Attending Hearings: Court hearings in Fannin County are generally open to the public. Contact the clerk's office to ask whether a particular hearing will be held in person or if remote participation is available.
Court Records and Related Court Resources in Fannin County
- Court Records Search: Fannin County provides online access to county and district court records, including civil and criminal case information and the court calendar.
- Court Records Research Guide: The Texas State Law Library court records guide explains how to locate and request court records statewide, including district clerk records.
- County Clerk – Vital Records: The Fannin County Clerk's Office issues birth, death, and marriage records and maintains land and property records. The Texas DSHS local vital records page confirms which records are available locally.
- Criminal History Search: The Texas DPS Crime Records Division offers a criminal history name search for a fee. The Crime Records Division also manages statewide criminal justice data.
- Inmate Search: The Texas Department of Criminal Justice inmate search allows you to look up individuals in state custody. For Fannin County Jail information, contact the Fannin County Sheriff's Office at 903.640.4171.
- Violent Offender Database: Texas DPS maintains a public violent offender database as required by state law.
- Legal Aid: If you need legal help but cannot afford an attorney, the Texas Judicial Branch legal aid page and the Texas State Law Library legal help guide list free and low-cost resources available to Fannin County residents.
- Court Forms and Self-Help: Many standard court forms are available through the Texas Judicial Branch website or by contacting the district clerk or county clerk directly.