Potter County Court Records
What Is Potter County Court Records
Potter County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts operating within Potter County, Texas. Court records are distinct from other public records such as property records, vital statistics, or tax documents, as they specifically document judicial proceedings.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.022, court records are categorized as public information subject to disclosure requirements. These records are maintained by various courts within Potter County's judicial system, including:
- District Courts
- County Courts at Law
- Justice of the Peace Courts
- Municipal Courts
- Probate Courts
The records maintained by these courts cover a wide range of legal matters including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law cases, probate matters, and traffic violations. Each type of case generates specific documentation that becomes part of the official court record.
The Texas Judicial Branch defines court records as "information that is collected, maintained, or stored by a court or clerk of court in connection with a judicial proceeding." This definition encompasses both physical documents filed with the court and electronic records maintained in case management systems.
Are Court Records Public In Potter County
Court records in Potter County are generally public documents accessible to citizens under Texas law. The Texas Public Information Act, codified in Texas Government Code Chapter 552, 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 limited exceptions for sealed records)
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
It is important to note that while most court records are public, certain documents may be restricted or sealed by court order. According to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a, court records may be sealed only upon a showing of:
- A specific, serious, and substantial interest which clearly outweighs the presumption of openness
- No less restrictive means to adequately protect that interest
- The sealing order is narrowly tailored to serve the specific interest to be protected
Additionally, certain types of cases, such as juvenile proceedings, adoption records, and mental health commitments, have statutory confidentiality protections that limit public access. Federal courts in Texas operate under separate rules governed by federal statutes and the policies of the United States Courts.
How To Find Court Records in Potter County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Potter County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Present valid identification
- Pay any applicable copy fees
Potter County District Clerk's Office
500 S. Fillmore, Room 1B
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2300
Potter County District Clerk
Potter County Clerk's Office
500 S. Fillmore, Room 201
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2275
Potter County Clerk
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate clerk's office
- Include specific case information and documents requested
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
- Include payment for applicable fees
Electronic Requests:
- Access the Potter County Records Search portal
- Register for an account if required
- Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
- Select desired documents for viewing or purchase
- Pay any applicable fees for copies or certified documents
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 51.318, clerks may charge reasonable fees for copies of court records. Current fees include $1.00 per page for standard copies and $5.00 for certified copies.
How To Look Up Court Records in Potter County Online?
Potter County offers several online resources for accessing court records electronically. These systems provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits and are accessible through the following portals:
Potter County Records Search:
- Navigate to the Potter County Records Search portal
- Select the appropriate record type (District Court, County Court, etc.)
- Enter search criteria such as case number, party name, or date range
- Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
- Purchase copies of documents if needed (fees apply)
re:SearchTX: This statewide platform provides access to court records from participating counties, including Potter County.
- Visit re:SearchTX
- Create a user account or log in
- Select Potter County from the jurisdiction menu
- Enter search parameters
- View available documents (subscription fees may apply)
Texas Judicial Branch Website: The Texas Courts website provides access to appellate case information, including cases from Potter County that have been appealed to higher courts.
- Access the judicial branch website
- Navigate to the case search function
- Enter case information
- Review available case information and documents
Municipal Court Records: The Amarillo Municipal Court maintains a separate online system for traffic and municipal ordinance violations.
- Visit the municipal court website
- Access the online case search feature
- Enter citation number or personal information
- View case status and payment options
When using online systems, users should note that document availability varies by court and case type. Some documents may only be available for in-person inspection due to confidentiality restrictions or technical limitations.
How To Search Potter County Court Records for Free?
Texas law provides for free public inspection of court records at the courthouse where they are maintained. According to Texas Government Code § 552.021, "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." This statutory provision ensures that members of the public can access court records without charge for viewing, though fees may apply for copies.
Free access options include:
-
In-Person Inspection: Visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours to view records at no cost. The Potter County District Clerk and County Clerk offices maintain public access terminals for this purpose.
-
Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the courthouse for searching electronic records without charge. These terminals are located at:
Potter County Courts Building
500 S. Fillmore
Amarillo, TX 79101
-
Basic Online Searches: Some basic case information is available without charge through the Potter County website, though document downloads may incur fees.
-
Public Law Library Access: The Potter County Law Library provides free access to legal research materials and some court records.
Potter County Law Library
501 S. Fillmore, Room 2C
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2325
- Texas Court Records Guides: The Texas State Law Library provides free guides on accessing court records throughout Texas, including Potter County.
While basic searches are free, users should be aware that comprehensive searches or document retrieval may require payment of statutory fees. Additionally, some specialized databases like re:SearchTX may require subscription fees for full access.
What's Included in a Potter County Court Record?
Potter County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:
Civil Case Records:
- Petition or complaint initiating the lawsuit
- Summons and proof of service
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and responses
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Affidavits and declarations
- Court orders and rulings
- Final judgment
- Post-judgment motions
- Appeal notices and related documents
Criminal Case Records:
- Indictment or information
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Bail and bond information
- Arraignment records
- Pretrial motions and orders
- Plea agreements
- Trial transcripts (if requested)
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (may be confidential)
- Appeal notices
Family Law Records:
- Divorce petitions
- Child custody and support orders
- Parenting plans
- Financial affidavits
- Property division agreements
- Protective orders
- Name change documents
- Adoption records (often sealed)
Probate Records:
- Wills and codicils
- Applications for probate
- Letters testamentary or administration
- Inventories of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Accountings
- Distribution orders
- Guardianship documents
Court Dockets:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Attorney information
- Hearing schedules
- Document filing history
- Case status information
According to the Seventh Court of Appeals, which serves Potter County, court records also include appellate briefs, opinions, and orders for cases appealed from Potter County courts.
How Long Does Potter County Keep Court Records?
Potter 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 specify minimum retention periods for various types of court records:
Permanent Retention:
- Civil and criminal case files involving real property
- Probate case files
- Mental health commitment records
- Family law cases involving child custody
- Final judgments and decrees
- Indexes to all cases
- Minute books
75-Year Retention:
- Felony case files
- Capital case files
50-Year Retention:
- Divorce cases
- Child support cases
- Paternity cases
20-Year Retention:
- Civil case files not involving real property
- Misdemeanor case files
10-Year Retention:
- Small claims and justice court civil cases
- Traffic cases resulting in conviction
- Juvenile case records (after final disposition)
5-Year Retention:
- Dismissed cases
- Traffic cases resulting in dismissal
- Administrative records
The retention periods begin after final disposition of the case, including any appeals. After the required retention period expires, records may be destroyed or archived according to county policy. However, many historically significant or genealogically valuable records are preserved permanently even beyond the required retention period.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The Potter County District Clerk's office has undertaken digitization efforts to preserve older records and improve accessibility while maintaining compliance with retention requirements.
Types of Courts In Potter County
Potter County's judicial system consists of several levels of courts, each with specific jurisdiction and authority:
Potter County District Courts
501 S. Fillmore, 3rd Floor
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2350
Potter County District Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Potter County has four district courts (47th, 108th, 181st, and 320th) that handle felony criminal cases, civil matters involving amounts over $250,000, family law cases, and juvenile matters.
Potter County Courts at Law
500 S. Fillmore, 2nd Floor
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2380
Potter County Courts at Law
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Two County Courts at Law handle misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases valued between $20,000 and $250,000, probate matters, and appeals from justice and municipal courts.
Potter County Justice of the Peace Courts
Justice of the Peace Precinct 1
715 S. Fillmore
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2420
Potter County JP Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Justice courts handle small claims (up to $20,000), evictions, traffic cases, Class C misdemeanors, and perform magistrate duties.
Amarillo Municipal Court
201 SE 4th Avenue
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 378-3072
Amarillo Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The municipal court handles city ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits.
Seventh Court of Appeals
Potter County Courts Building
501 S. Fillmore, 2nd Floor
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 342-2650
Seventh Court of Appeals
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
This appellate court hears appeals from trial courts in Potter County and 45 other counties in the Texas Panhandle and South Plains regions.
The court hierarchy in Texas proceeds from Municipal/Justice Courts to County Courts at Law to District Courts, then to the Courts of Appeals, and finally to the Texas Supreme Court (for civil cases) or the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (for criminal cases).
What Types of Cases Do Potter County Courts Hear?
Potter County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with each court level assigned specific types of cases based on subject matter and monetary value:
District Courts (47th, 108th, 181st, and 320th):
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil lawsuits with amounts in controversy exceeding $250,000
- Divorce and family law matters
- Child custody and support cases
- Juvenile proceedings
- Real property disputes
- Civil forfeitures
- Election contests
- Complex commercial litigation
County Courts at Law (1 and 2):
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (Class A and B)
- Civil cases with amounts in controversy between $20,000 and $250,000
- Probate matters and guardianships
- Mental health commitments
- Appeals from justice and municipal courts
- Eminent domain proceedings
- Occupational driver's license applications
Justice of the Peace Courts:
- Small claims cases (up to $20,000)
- Eviction proceedings
- Class C misdemeanors
- Traffic violations
- Debt claims
- Repair and remedy cases
- Magistrate functions (setting bail, issuing search warrants)
- Inquests
- Peace bond hearings
- Truancy cases
Amarillo Municipal Court:
- City ordinance violations
- Traffic offenses within city limits
- Class C misdemeanors occurring in Amarillo
- Parking violations
- Code enforcement cases
- Juvenile cases involving Class C misdemeanors
Seventh Court of Appeals:
- Appeals from district and county courts
- Original proceedings (mandamus, habeas corpus)
- Interlocutory appeals
- Accelerated appeals
Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established by the Texas Constitution and statutes. In some instances, courts may have concurrent jurisdiction, meaning more than one court could potentially hear a particular case.
How To Find a Court Docket In Potter County
Court dockets in Potter County provide schedules of hearings, trials, and other proceedings. Members of the public can access these dockets through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Potter County website
- Navigate to the appropriate court section
- Select "Court Docket" or "Calendar"
- Choose the desired date range
- View scheduled proceedings
District and County Court Dockets: The Potter County District Clerk maintains dockets for district courts and county courts at law. These can be accessed through:
- Potter County District Clerk's Office online portal
- Public access terminals at the courthouse
- Daily printed dockets posted outside courtrooms
Justice Court Dockets: Justice of the Peace court dockets are available:
- Through the Potter County JP Courts website
- By calling the court clerk's office
- On bulletin boards at the justice court locations
Municipal Court Dockets: The Amarillo Municipal Court provides docket information:
- Through their online case search system
- By telephone inquiry
- On displays at the municipal court building
Seventh Court of Appeals Docket: The appellate court docket is accessible through:
- The Seventh Court of Appeals website
- Case management access portal
- Published hearing notices
For most accurate and up-to-date docket information, contacting the specific court clerk's office directly is recommended, as dockets are subject to change due to continuances, settlements, or other scheduling modifications.
Which Courts in Potter County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Texas, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains a verbatim record of proceedings, typically through a court reporter or electronic recording system. According to Texas Government Code § 30.00003, courts not designated as courts of record typically do not maintain official transcripts of proceedings, which affects appeal procedures.
In Potter County, the following courts are not courts of record:
Justice of the Peace Courts: Justice courts in Potter County are not courts of record. Appeals from these courts are handled through a process called "trial de novo" (new trial) in the county courts at law, meaning the case is essentially retried from the beginning rather than reviewed based on a record of the original proceedings.
It is important to note that while the Amarillo Municipal Court was historically not a court of record, it has been designated as a court of record pursuant to Chapter 30 of the Texas Government Code. This means that appeals from the Amarillo Municipal Court are based on the record created in the original proceeding rather than through a trial de novo.
All other courts in Potter County are courts of record, including:
- District Courts (47th, 108th, 181st, and 320th)
- County Courts at Law (1 and 2)
- Seventh Court of Appeals
The distinction between courts of record and those that are not affects several procedural aspects:
- Appeal procedures (trial de novo vs. appeal on the record)
- Availability of transcripts
- Preservation of testimony
- Formality of proceedings
Litigants in courts not of record should be aware that if they anticipate appealing a decision, they may need to make their own arrangements to document the proceedings, as no official record will be maintained by the court.