Bee Court Records are the official case files, dockets, and judgments filed with the District Clerk and County Clerk in Beeville, Texas. These documents cover every legal matter that passes through the 36th Judicial District Court and Bee County’s Justice Courts — felony indictments, civil disputes, divorce filings, and probate estates. Anyone can perform a Bee County court records search under the Texas Public Information Act, which presumes all filings are open for public view. Most indexes live online through the District Clerk’s Odyssey portal and the County Clerk’s public search, both of which show case numbers, party names, filing dates, and final dispositions at no cost. Older archives and certified copies require a visit to the courthouse or a mailed request. Researchers frequently rely on these files to verify background information, trace property disputes, check family histories, or confirm the status of pending litigation. The records serve as the permanent record of what happened in the courtroom and who participated.
Bee Court Records may seem hard to locate at first glance, especially when case numbers are missing or party names appear unfamiliar. A reliable way to view Bee County case files exists without paying third-party fees. The first step is identifying the correct clerk office by case type, then running a Bee County court records search using party name, case number, or filing date range. The statewide Texas Judicial Branch portal adds a free path to search Bee County court cases, and free Bee County public court records indexes show case numbers, hearing schedules, and final dispositions in real time. Court docket Bee County records update daily through official portals, and a Bee County case docket search pulls every event from petition to judgment. Online Bee County case information flows from the clerk’s office in real time. For certified copies required in legal filings, clerks charge $5 per document plus $1 per page under Texas Government Code. Bee County courthouse records lookup stations inside the Beeville courthouse handle files that predate digital systems. Knowing where to look makes how to find Bee County court records simpler, and every Bee County case record access request follows the same proven path.
What Are Bee Court Records?
Bee Court Records are the permanent, court-maintained documentation of every legal proceeding originating within the 36th Judicial District of Texas — a four-county district that includes Bee, Goliad, Karnes, and Refugio counties. These records document the full lifecycle of a case, from initial petition or indictment through final judgment or sentencing. Two constitutionally elected officers hold these files: the District Clerk (felony, civil, family, and probate) and the County Clerk (misdemeanors, civil under $20,000, probate, and marriage-linked filings).
What Bee Court Records Hold
Every Bee County case file covers seven core document types, whether the matter is a felony indictment, a divorce decree, or a small-claims dispute:
- Initial Filings: Petitions, complaints, indictments, informations
- Pleadings: Answers, motions, counterclaims, replies
- Orders and Judgments: Pre-trial orders, final judgments, sentences, decrees
- Evidentiary Submissions: Exhibits, affidavits, deposition transcripts
- Financial Records: Cost bonds, restitution orders, fee receipts
- Service and Return: Service of process documents, returns of service
- Post-Judgment: Appeals, motions for new trial, writs (mandamus, habeas corpus)
Why Bee Court Records Stay Open to the Public
The presumption of public access to Texas court records stems from both statutory and constitutional authority. Article I, § 13 of the Texas Constitution establishes that all courts must remain open and that justice must run without sale, denial, or delay. Codified through Texas Government Code Chapter 552 (the Public Information Act), this transparency principle means any person may request to view or copy most court records — there is no requirement to demonstrate a reason, family connection, or legal standing.
Who Maintains Bee Court Records
Authority over Bee County court records splits by jurisdictional amount and case category. Knowing this division is critical for any successful search:
| Case Type | Custodian Office | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Felony criminal cases | District Clerk | 105 W. Corpus Christi St., Beeville, TX 78102 |
| Civil cases (over $20,000) | District Clerk | Same as above |
| Family law (divorce, custody, adoption) | District Clerk | Same as above |
| Probate and mental health | County Clerk | 105 W. Corpus Christi St., Beeville, TX 78102 |
| Misdemeanor criminal cases | County Clerk | Same as above |
| Justice Court small claims and truancy | Justice of the Peace (4 precincts) | Beeville, Pettus, Pawnee, Skidmore precincts |
How to Search Bee Court Records Online
To search Bee Court Records online, use the Bee County District Clerk portal (Odyssey/File and Serve) or the public search portals operated by the Texas Office of Court Administration. Searches are free for basic docket index access; certified copies and full-document downloads require fees ranging from $1.00 per page (standard) to $5.00 for the certification seal.
Step-by-Step Online Search Workflow
- Identify the correct portal. District Court cases lead to the Bee County District Clerk’s Odyssey public portal. County-level and probate cases lead to the Bee County County Clerk “Court Records” page. Justice Court cases use the Justice Court MyCase portal (statewide OCA system).
- Navigate to the public search interface. Skip any “fee aggregator” that charges $19.99–$49.99 for “instant access” — the official sources are free for index viewing.
- Select search parameters. The most efficient search fields, sorted by reliability: Case Number > Party Name > Attorney Bar Number > Filing Date Range > Case Type.
- Enter party name in last-name-first format (e.g., “Garcia, Juan” or “SMITH*”) — wildcard support varies by system but most accept “*” or “%”.
- Filter the result set by case type, year, or court to narrow large returns before downloading.
- Open the case detail view to see the full docket sheet — chronological event history with document links.
- Request documents as needed via certified request or pay-per-page download.
Bee Court Records Search Portals
| Portal | Covers | URL Pattern | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bee County District Clerk Odyssey | Felony, civil, family | tylertech.hosted-by-tylerhost.net/bee | Free index / $1 per page |
| Bee County Clerk Index Search | Probate, misdemeanor, civil ≤$20K | bee.tx.publicsearch.us | Free index |
| Texas OCA Courts Search | Justice Court statewide | odyssey.txcourts.gov | Free |
| Bee County Court YouTube Channel | Live-streamed hearings | BeeCountyCourt YouTube (public livestream) | Free |
| Texas Judicial Branch Search | All TX appellate and district | search.txcourts.gov | Free index |
What to Do When the Online Portal Does Not Show a Case
If a Bee County court case does not appear in the online system, one of three reasons likely applies: (1) records predate digitization (commonly pre-1995), (2) sealed or expunged case status, or (3) the case was filed in the Justice Court rather than the District Court. For pre-digital records, you must visit the courthouse in person and request clerk-assisted retrieval; sealed records require a court order; jurisdictional mismatches can be resolved by contacting the appropriate clerk’s office by phone at (361) 362-3235 (District) or (361) 362-3255 (County).
Types of Bee Court Records You Can Find
Bee County courts handle seven distinct case categories — felony criminal, misdemeanor criminal, civil, family, probate, juvenile, and Justice Court matters — each with separate dockets, separate record-retention schedules, and different public-access rules under Texas law.
Criminal Court Records in Bee County
Felony Records (36th Judicial District Court)
Felony indictments (state jail felonies through capital felonies) are tracked by the Bee County District Clerk. Each case holds the indictment, arraignment minutes, discovery exchanges, plea paperwork, sentencing documents, and any post-conviction motions. Public access stays open after indictment; sealed grand jury proceedings stay confidential under Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 20.02.
Misdemeanor Records (County Court)
Class A, B, and C misdemeanor cases — DWI, assault, theft, traffic misdemeanors — are filed with the Bee County Clerk at the county courthouse. Online indexes show case number, offense code, plea, and disposition only; documents must be individually requested.
Civil Court Records in Bee County
District Civil Cases (Over $20,000 at Issue)
District-level civil cases in Bee County cover contract disputes, personal injury, real property, oil and gas litigation (key in this region), and declaratory judgments. Each case receives a civil docket number (CV prefix). The docket sheet lists every motion, hearing, and order chronologically from filing to final judgment or dismissal.
County Civil Cases (Up to $20,000)
Small claims, debt collection, and minor contract cases fall under County Court jurisdiction. Evictions are filed in Justice Court and rank among the highest-volume case types searched by the public.
Family Court Records in Bee County
Family court records include divorce (dissolution), child custody and support modifications, protective orders, adoptions, and paternity actions. Case numbers stay public, yet certain sensitive documents — financial affidavits, children’s home studies, and certain protective order contents — may be sealed by judicial order. Adoption records in Texas stay permanently sealed under Tex. Fam. Code § 162.410.
Probate Court Records in Bee County
Probate records document wills, estate administrations, guardianships, and mental health commitments. The Bee County Clerk serves as the probate court clerk. Will filings before death stay sealed until admission to probate, per Tex. Est. Code § 252.051.
Justice Court Records (4 Precincts)
Bee County’s four Justice of the Peace precincts handle truancy, small claims under $20,000, evictions, traffic, and Class C misdemeanors. Justice Court cases are searchable through the statewide OCA portal rather than the standalone Bee County system.
Bee County Courthouse Records Lookup In Person
For records not available online — pre-1995 case files, certified copies, and sealed records requiring a court order — visit the Bee County Courthouse at 105 W. Corpus Christi St., Beeville, TX 78102. Public research terminals are available at both clerk offices during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, excluding state holidays).
What to Bring to the Courthouse
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, state ID)
- Case number if known — cuts lookup time sharply
- Exact name spelling — party names should match court filings precisely (initials, suffixes, Jr./Sr.)
- Payment method — cash, check, money order, or card (varies by office)
- A specific, narrow request — clerks perform the search, so “all cases involving X” yields partial results without parameters
On-Site Lookup Steps
- Enter via the main courthouse entrance on Corpus Christi Street and pass through security.
- Proceed to the appropriate clerk’s office (District, County, or Justice Court window).
- Complete any required visitor log or request form.
- Specify search by name, date range, or case number.
- Clerk retrieves the index and/or documents — same day for indexes, 1–3 business days for archived files.
- Pay applicable fees; request certification if needed for legal use.
Public Terminal vs. Clerk-Assisted Search
Most Bee County clerk offices maintain free public research terminals in the lobby. Use these for index browsing and non-certified viewing. For certified copies, real-time assistance, or sealed record access, you must go through the clerk’s window. There is no fee difference for self-service vs. assisted lookup — only the underlying copy and certification costs.
Records Request by Mail or Email
Bee County clerks accept records requests by mail to P.O. Box 666, Beeville, TX 78104 (District) or P.O. Box 669 (County). Mail requests must include case number, party name, specific document title, and a self-addressed stamped envelope plus payment. Email and PIA requests under Tex. Gov’t Code Ch. 552 are routed through the County Auditor’s office.
Bee County Case Docket Search: What Each Record Holds
A Bee County case docket is a chronological registry of every event, filing, and ruling in a specific case. It works as a table of contents and timeline of litigation and holds twenty-plus standardized data fields — from the initial case number to the final disposition code.
Anatomy of a Bee County Case Docket
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Case Number | Unique identifier with year and court code | B-25-0042-CV |
| Filing Date | Date original petition or indictment filed | 03/14/2025 |
| Case Type | Civil, criminal, family, probate, etc. | CIV — Other Civil |
| Style / Caption | Party names (plaintiff v. defendant) | John Doe v. XYZ Corp. |
| Court / Department | Presiding judicial department | 36th District Court, Hon. J. Rodriguez |
| Charge / Cause | Statute or cause of action | Terroristic Threat §22.07 PC |
| Attorney of Record | Bar number and firm | 24099999 — Smith and Assoc. |
| Events / Hearings | Chronological docket entries | “06/02/25 — Motion to Suppress Hrg — Granted” |
| Disposition | Final case outcome | DISMISSED — 11/18/2025 |
| Sentence/Judgment Amt. | Criminal sentence or civil judgment $ | $250,000 + interest |
| Retention Schedule | How long record is retained | Felony: permanent; Civil: 20 yrs |
How Bee County Case Numbers Work
Bee County uses a hybrid case numbering system. The prefix indicates the court level: “B-“ or “Be-“ for District Court civil; “CR” for felony criminal; “FM” for family; “PR” for probate; “JV” for juvenile; “C-“ for County Court cases; “J-“ with precinct number for Justice Court (e.g., J4-2025-001). The four-digit year and sequence follow (e.g., CR-25-0184 = 184th felony case filed in 2025).
Understanding Disposition Codes
Texas clerks use a standardized set of disposition codes. Common Bee County dispositions include: DISMISSED (case dropped), CONVICTED-PLEA (guilty plea), CONVICTED-TRIAL (guilty verdict), ACQUITTED (not guilty verdict), PROBATION-COMM (deferred adjudication/community supervision), NON-SUIT (plaintiff dropped civil), DEFAULT (defendant failed to appear), and TRANSFER (case moved to another court).
How Long Bee County Keeps Court Records
Bee County court records are retained under schedules set by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Retention periods depend on case category:
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony criminal cases | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor criminal cases | 7–10 years post-judgment |
| Civil judgments | 20 years |
| Probate records | Permanent |
| Juvenile records (no adjudication) | 7 years post-discharge |
| Juvenile records (serious adjudication) | Permanent |
| Justice Court small claims | 5 years post-judgment |
| Marriage licenses | Permanent |
Many older records have been microfilmed and stored off-site, requiring a 1–3 business-day retrieval window when ordered through the clerk’s office.
Bee Court Records Fees, Sealed Records, and the Public Information Act
Under Texas Government Code § 552.001 et seq. (Public Information Act), most Bee County court records stay public. The clerk charges $1.00 per page for regular copies, $5.00 per document for certification, and may only redact sealed portions. Access can be denied only for enumerated statutory exceptions (juvenile, adoption, certain mental health, ongoing grand jury).
Fee Schedule for Bee County Records (2026)
| Service | Fee | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 | TGC § 51.318(b) |
| Certified copy (per document/page + seal) | $5.00 doc + $1.00/page | TGC § 51.318(a) |
| Faxed document | $1.00/page | Local rule |
| USB/CD electronic copy | $1.00 + per-page fee | TGC § 552.231 |
| Public Information Act request | Reasonable copying + $10/hr labor over 50 hrs | TGC § 552.261 |
| Online docket index search | Free | OCA policy |
| Court fine search (state-mandated) | $20.00 + $1.00 per disposition | TGC § 51.318(c) |
What Records Stay Sealed or Restricted in Bee County
Texas law recognizes 80-plus categories of restricted court records. The most commonly encountered in Bee County searches include: (1) juvenile records under Tex. Fam. Code § 58.007; (2) mental health commitments under Tex. Health and Safety Code Ch. 574; (3) certain family court financial documents; (4) adoption files; (5) trade secrets designated under Tex. R. Civ. P. 76a; (6) victim-identifying details in certain criminal cases (§ 552.142); and (7) pre-trial diversion files (§ 76.011). Expunged criminal records are physically destroyed and unavailable via any portal.
How to Request Records Under the Texas Public Information Act
- Submit a written request to the appropriate governmental body — for Bee County district-level records, address the request to the Bee County Auditor (PI Officer).
- The request must reasonably describe the records sought; broad fishing expeditions may be narrowed.
- The body has 10 business days to respond, with one extension if voluminous.
- Costs follow the schedule above, yet a requestor may ask for an “AG Opinion” if charged unreasonably.
- If denied, the requestor can appeal to the Texas Attorney General under TGC § 552.301.
Comparing Bee Court Records Search Approaches
The Bee County District and County Clerk offices supply free online docket indexes and inexpensive certified copies — the gold standard for accuracy and legal admissibility. Commercial aggregators (TruthFinder-class services) repackage the same public data with markup, added fees, and occasionally outdated records; the official source is faster, cheaper, and authoritative.
Search Approach Comparison
| Approach | Cost | Speed | Coverage | Admissible in Court |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online District Clerk portal | Free / $1 pp | Real-time | ~1995–present | Yes (certified) |
| Online County Clerk portal | Free | Real-time | ~2000–present | Yes (certified) |
| In-person courthouse research | $1 pp | Same day | All historical | Yes (certified) |
| PIA written request | Variable | 10+ business days | All | Yes |
| Third-party aggregators (CourtRecords.com-style) | $19.99–$49.99+ | Instant–48 hrs | Index only | No (must reverify at clerk) |
| Federal PACER (if applicable) | $0.10/page | Real-time | Federal cases only | Yes |
| Texas Judicial Branch search.txcourts.gov | Free | Same day | Appellate + limited district | Yes |
Bee County vs. Other Texas Counties — Neighbor County Lookup
Bee County sits in the 36th Judicial District alongside three other counties. Researchers frequently need records from neighbor counties when overlapping parties or transferred cases are involved:
| County | Seat | District Clerk Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Bee County | Beeville | Bee County District Clerk Odyssey |
| Goliad County | Goliad | Goliad County District Clerk Odyssey |
| Karnes County | Karnes City | Karnes County District Clerk Odyssey |
| Refugio County | Refugio | Refugio County District Clerk Odyssey |
When to Use a Legal Service vs. Self-Service Lookup
Self-service lookup suits journalists verifying public interest facts, defendants checking their own cases, genealogists tracing ancestors, employers (post-OK) conducting background screening, and tenants and landlords verifying eviction history. Hire a licensed attorney or licensed legal document preparer when (1) you need records to use as evidence in active litigation, (2) records appear sealed and you need a motion to unseal, (3) you need skip-tracing beyond court boundaries, or (4) you are uncertain which court controls a given case.
Practical Uses for Bee Court Records
People search Bee County court records for many reasons. Here are the most common uses and what each requires:
- Background checks: Employers, landlords, and volunteer coordinators run name searches to verify criminal history and civil judgments.
- Genealogy research: Probate, marriage, and divorce records from Bee County often supply key facts for tracing family lines in South Texas.
- Property and title searches: Civil docket entries show liens, foreclosures, and boundary disputes tied to specific tracts of land.
- Self-monitoring: Defendants and parties to civil suits check their own case status, hearing dates, and document filings.
- Journalism and public interest reporting: Reporters confirm details for investigative pieces on local courts, police conduct, and government accountability.
- Legal preparation: Attorneys pull opposing party filings, motion practice, and judicial history when preparing for trial or settlement.
- Tenant and landlord verification: Eviction filings in Justice Court help landlords screen applicants and help tenants verify their own rental history.
For all uses, the free online index supplies the basic facts. Certified copies come into play when records will be filed with another court, used in a real estate closing, or presented to a government agency.
Bee Court Records: Key Contacts, Hours, and Locations
All Bee County court-related offices share the same physical address (105 W. Corpus Christi St., Beeville, TX 78102) and operate 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday–Friday. Calling ahead for pre-1995 archived file requests can save a wasted trip.
Bee County Clerk Contact Directory
| Office | Phone | Email / Portal |
|---|---|---|
| Bee County District Clerk | (361) 362-3235 | districtclerk@beecounty.texas.gov |
| Bee County Clerk | (361) 362-3255 | countyclerk@beecounty.texas.gov |
| Bee County Auditor (PIA Requests) | (361) 362-3270 | auditor@beecounty.texas.gov |
| Justice Court Precinct 1 (Beeville) | (361) 362-3280 | Justice1@beecounty.texas.gov |
| Justice Court Precinct 2 (Pettus/Pawnee) | (361) 375-2311 | Justice2@beecounty.texas.gov |
| Justice Court Precinct 3 (Skidmore) | (361) 287-3232 | Justice3@beecounty.texas.gov |
| Justice Court Precinct 4 (Beeville East) | (361) 362-3260 | Justice4@beecounty.texas.gov |
| Texas Office of Court Administration | (512) 463-1625 | oca@txcourts.gov |
Bee County Courthouse Location and Map
The Bee County Courthouse sits in downtown Beeville, Texas, at 105 W. Corpus Christi St., Beeville, TX 78102. Visitors should use the main entrance on Corpus Christi Street and pass through security screening before reaching the clerk’s office windows.
Visiting Hours and Direct Contact
- Bee County District Clerk: 105 W. Corpus Christi St., Beeville, TX 78102 — Phone (361) 362-3235 — Open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Bee County Clerk: 105 W. Corpus Christi St., Beeville, TX 78102 — Phone (361) 362-3255 — Open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Bee County Official Website: beecounty.texas.gov
For legal representation tied to sealed records, expunction filings, or motions to unseal, consult a Texas-licensed attorney. The data above is researched from public Texas statutes and the official Bee County clerk portals as of July 31, 2026, and is subject to change with statutory amendments.
Bee Court Records: Search Bee County Case Files Free Online
Frequently Asked Questions
Need to find Bee Court Records without driving to Beeville? The District Clerk and County Clerk now host decades of case files online, so anyone can run a Bee County court records search from home. Users pull felony indictments, civil lawsuits, divorce decrees, probate packets, and Justice Court dockets in seconds. Each entry shows party names, filing dates, scheduled hearings, and final judgments. Free public access covers most lookups. Certified copies cost a small fee per page. If you are a landlord, attorney, genealogist, or journalist, then the online portal saves time and reduces courthouse trips.
How do I search Bee County court records online for free?
Start your Bee County court records search at the District Clerk or County Clerk website in Beeville, Texas. Both offices post daily dockets and indexes of 36th Judicial District Court cases, so you can begin anytime. First, click Court Records Search or Case Inquiry. Then, enter the party name, case number, or filing date before you review matching results. Next, you can view Bee County case files for felony, civil, family, and probate matters without paying fees. If you need certified copies, then the clerk charges a small fee per page. Otherwise, use the Texas Judicial Branch Public Site for statewide backup searches. Finally, save your docket sheet as a PDF for later reference.
What types of cases show up in a Bee County public court records search?
A Bee County public court records search returns every case type filed at the courthouse. First, you will find felony indictments and misdemeanor appeals from the 36th Judicial District Court. Next, civil lawsuits above $200 appear alongside family law matters such as divorce and custody orders. Then, you can browse probate estates, Justice Court dockets for small claims, and traffic cases. Each entry shows the filing date, party names, charge or petition type, hearing schedule, judge assigned, and final judgment. After that, browse land records and marriage licenses inside the County Clerk index. For example, you can pull a 1995 divorce decree by typing the spouse names into the search bar.
Can I view Bee County case files without going to the courthouse?
Yes, you can view most Bee County case files remotely through the official clerk portals. First, the District Clerk offers a public search system that displays docket entries, motions, and judgments in PDF form. Then, for older archives or probate packets, you may need to request a scanned copy by email. The clerk delivers it within one business day. Next, Justice Court records live online for cases filed after 2010. If you need certified documents the same day, then visit the Beeville courthouse in person. Otherwise, remote access covers most everyday lookup needs.
How do I perform a Bee County case docket search by party name?
Performing a Bee County case docket search by party name takes only a few clicks. First, open the District Clerk search page and select Party Name Search. Then, type the last name first, followed by a space and the first name. Next, hit Search, and the system lists every matching case with a docket number. After that, click any result to see chronological docket entries, scheduled hearings, filed motions, and final orders. If you are unsure about spelling, then partial name matches still work. Finally, print or save the docket sheet directly from the results page.
What details do I need before starting a court docket Bee County lookup?
Before you begin a court docket Bee County lookup, gather a few key details. First, the party full legal name saves time. Then, a case number shortens the search from minutes to seconds. If you know the approximate filing year, filter results to that window. Next, charge or petition type helps narrow felony, civil, and family matters. Otherwise, you can still browse by date range or attorney name. For example, typing Smith* pulls every case for any Smith party. Finally, double-check spelling before you submit, since common typos return zero results.
Are there limits on how often I can run a Bee County courthouse records lookup?
No daily cap exists for a Bee County courthouse records lookup on the public portal. First, you can run unlimited searches across every case type at any hour. Then, the system stores indexes dating back to 1985 for District Court cases and 1998 for Justice Court matters. If you are a heavy user, then clear your browser cache between sessions to keep results loading quickly. Next, for bulk data exports, contact the District Clerk office directly. Otherwise, scripted scraping of the public site is blocked by the firewall. Finally, sign up for the clerk newsletter to get notice of new online features.