District Clerk

The Harris County District Clerk's Office, led by District Clerk Marilyn Burgess, plays a crucial role in the judicial system of Harris County, Texas. This office is responsible for maintaining official court records, managing various legal processes, and serving as a critical point of contact for the public and the legal community. The District Clerk oversees an array of services, including managing case filings, jury services, electronic filing, and even passport applications. This article will provide an in-depth look at the office's structure, its services, and how residents and legal professionals can navigate its various offerings.

What is the Harris County District Clerk’s Office?

The Harris County District Clerk's Office (DCO) is an essential government office serving the largest county in Texas. As the official record keeper of court documents for over 90 district courts, the office ensures the accurate and efficient processing of legal documents related to civil, criminal, family, juvenile, and specialty courts. With over 600 employees, the District Clerk's Office maintains more than one million civil and 300,000 criminal filings annually.

Key Functions of the District Clerk’s Office

The District Clerk’s Office is responsible for:

Maintaining Court Records: The office keeps official records for all court proceedings, including those in criminal, civil, family, and juvenile cases.

Jury Services: It administers jury service in Harris County, from juror summons to jury selection.

Fee and Fine Collection: The office acts as a fee officer, collecting various court-related fees and fines.

Court Registry and Custodial Accounts: It manages accounts for the court registry, with over $100 million in custodial funds.

Passport Services: The office processes passport applications for residents of Harris County.

Public Access to Records: Through online portals, residents can search for public court documents and case information.

The Role of Marilyn Burgess as District Clerk

Marilyn Burgess, the current Harris County District Clerk, brings extensive leadership experience to the role. With a background in business and community service, Burgess is committed to modernizing the office and improving access to legal services. Under her leadership, the office has implemented various technological advancements, including electronic filing, online jury summons, and digital access to court records. Burgess’s dedication to transparency, efficiency, and innovation is a cornerstone of the District Clerk’s vision.

Services Offered by the Harris County District Clerk

Civil Services

The District Clerk’s Office handles numerous civil services, such as case filings, judgments, and court documents. In the civil domain, the office:

Manages Civil Filings: The District Clerk processes a high volume of civil filings each year, ensuring that the legal process proceeds smoothly.

Electronic Filing (e-Filing): The office has integrated electronic filing systems, allowing attorneys and self-represented litigants to submit documents online. This streamlined process facilitates quicker case progression.

Civil Intake and Post-Trial Services

Civil Intake: This service ensures that civil cases are correctly filed and processed, making the journey through the court system easier for legal professionals and plaintiffs.

Post-Trial Services: After a civil trial, the District Clerk’s office manages post-judgment issues such as appeals and enforcement of court orders.

For more detailed information, you can visit the official Civil e-Filing Information page.

Criminal Services

The Harris County District Clerk also handles criminal case management, from filing charges to processing appeals. Some of its key services include:

Criminal Case Management: It processes and manages all criminal filings, including arrest records, warrants, bonds, and judgments.

Criminal Collections: The District Clerk’s office collects payments related to fines, bonds, and other fees.

Post-Trial Criminal Services: The office plays a role in managing post-conviction cases, including writs of habeas corpus and appeals.

For further details, you can refer to the official Criminal Court Services.

Family Services

The Family Courts section is one of the busiest within the District Clerk's Office, as it handles cases involving child custody, divorce, and juvenile matters. Services provided include:

Family Court Filings: The office processes family law cases, such as divorce petitions and child custody disputes.

Juvenile Services: The District Clerk also manages juvenile court records and filings, ensuring that minors involved in the legal system are treated fairly and appropriately.

Passport Services

For residents in need of passport applications, the Harris County District Clerk’s Office offers a dedicated service at the Civil Courthouse. The office provides:

Passport Application Processing: The District Clerk's Office handles passport applications for individuals within Harris County, offering convenience for residents seeking travel documentation.

Walk-in Services: Passport services are available on weekdays, and applicants are encouraged to visit the Passport Services Page for up-to-date information.

Jury Services

Managing jury duty in a large county such as Harris County requires an organized and efficient system. The District Clerk’s Office manages the process from the initial jury summons to the final selection of jurors:

Jury Summons: Potential jurors receive summonses by mail or electronically, with instructions on how to confirm their availability.

Jury Assembly: The office handles jury orientation and scheduling, ensuring that jurors are well-prepared and informed.

The District Clerk’s office also provides online access to check your jury status and schedule. More information can be found on the Jury Services Page.

Technological Innovations in the Harris County District Clerk’s Office

In recent years, the Harris County District Clerk’s Office has embraced technology to make the legal process more efficient. Here are some of the most notable advancements:

Electronic Case Management: With the move toward a paperless system, the District Clerk now offers electronic case filing (e-Filing) for both civil and criminal cases. This initiative has greatly reduced paperwork and expedited case processing.

Online Access to Court Records: Through the Search Our Records page, residents and legal professionals can easily access public court records and documents.

Electronic Jury Summons: The office has introduced electronic jury summons to streamline the process and reduce the burden on jurors. Prospective jurors can confirm their availability or reschedule their service online.

These technological solutions improve accessibility and make it easier for residents to interact with the legal system.

Contact Information and Department Locations

For individuals seeking assistance or more information, the following are the key contact points and locations for the Harris County District Clerk’s Office:

District Clerk's Office
Address: 201 Caroline St, Suite 420, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 927-5800

Civil Intake & No-Fee Filing
Address: 201 Caroline St, Suite 110, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 927-5600

Civil Post-Trial
Address: 201 Caroline St, Suite 250, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 927-5740

Family Intake
Address: 201 Caroline St, Suite 210, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 927-5700

Family Courts
Address: 201 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 274-8484

Criminal Customer Service
Address: 1201 Franklin St, Suite 3254, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 927-5900

Criminal Collections
Address: 1201 Franklin St, Suite 1016, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 927-5920

Court Registry Accounting
Address: 201 Caroline St, Suite 170, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 927-5670

Jury Assembly
Address: 1201 Congress St, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 755-6392

Passport Services
Address: 201 Caroline St, Suite 170, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 927-5690

IT Help Desk
Address: 201 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 927-5815

Records Center
Address: 5900 Canal St, Houston, TX 77011
Phone: (832) 927-5860

Human Resources
Address: 201 Caroline St, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 927-5790

These departments provide a wide range of services for residents and legal professionals. For further details on specific services or to schedule appointments, contact the relevant department.

Harris County District Clerk FAQs

How can I access court records online?

Harris County residents and legal professionals can easily access public court records through the official Search our Records and Documents page. This allows you to search case information, view related documents, and check the status of cases filed within the district courts. Keep in mind that some records may be confidential and restricted from public access.

How do I file documents electronically?

The Harris County District Clerk’s Office provides a streamlined e-Filing system for civil, criminal, and family court documents. Attorneys must use the eFileTexas.gov portal to electronically submit documents to the court, available 24/7. This system helps reduce paperwork and speeds up the judicial process, benefiting both legal professionals and the public.

Can I get a passport through the District Clerk’s office?

Yes, the Harris County District Clerk’s Office offers passport application processing. You can submit your passport application at the Passport Services location in the Civil Courthouse. Walk-in services are available during business hours, and appointments can be made through the official passport page for more details.

How do I fulfill jury duty in Harris County?

If you've received a jury summons, you can confirm your availability and reschedule online using the Jury Services portal. The District Clerk’s office manages the entire jury process, from summons to jury assembly. They also provide helpful resources for prospective jurors, including instructions on what to expect and how to prepare.

Where can I find information on fees and payments?

The Harris County District Clerk's office provides detailed information on various fees, including court costs and fines. You can access fee schedules for civil, criminal, and family courts through the official Court Costs and Fees page. Payment options are also available online, making it easy to pay fines and fees through secure payment portals.