Rockwall County was established in 1873 and is considered the smallest county in Texas, covering only 147 square miles. The county has an estimated population of 107,819 people, and its seat of government is Rockwall City.

Courts in Rockwall County

Rockwall County is home to District Courts, Courts at Law, a Justice Court, and Municipal Courts. Residents are served by the 382nd and 439th District Courts, both of which have general jurisdiction to hear felony criminal cases and civil actions. The two District Courts also entertain matters relating to divorce, personal injury, juvenile cases, disputes involving title to land, and election dispute cases.

The County Courts at Law have broad jurisdiction over misdemeanor offenses, civil matters, family law, and juvenile cases. In addition, the courts hear probate cases, including guardianships and cases involving mental health.

Rockwall County has a Justice Court organized into four precincts. Each precinct is headed by a Justice of the Peace who has the authority to handle landlord and tenant disputes, traffic, and other misdemeanors punishable by fine only. Furthermore, the court conducts inquests and hears civil cases in which the amount in dispute is up to $20,000.

There are also Municipal Courts in Rockwall County that deal with misdemeanors, felony preliminary hearings, and city ordinance violations. These courts also preside over criminal matters involving fines of up to $200.

Where to Find Public Court Records in Rockwall County

The County Clerk and District Clerk Offices are responsible for arranging and maintaining court records in Rockwall County. To access court documents online, interested residents may use the Search Hearings or Smart Search option. Residents may also search for court records on the re:SearchTX portal. This platform provides access to different kinds of civil cases from the district and county courts in Rockwall County. Anyone may also physically visit the courthouses in Rockwall County to access official copies of court documents.

Types of Public Court Records in Rockwall County

Court records come in various forms in Rockwall County. These records consist of documents and materials filed with the court and accessible to the public. Some examples include:

• Transcripts
• Court orders
• Case files
• Court calendars
• Docket sheets
• Trial exhibits

Confidential Court Records in Rockwall County

Some court records may be restricted by federal or state law or by court order. These records are considered confidential to protect sensitive information and the privacy of the parties involved. Examples include:

• Family cases
• Cases involving minors
• Mental health records
• Grand jury records
• Records relating to victims of sexual assaults.

Juvenile Delinquency in Rockwall, TX

Unfortunately, in many areas of the Rockwall County, juvenile delinquency issues are on the rise. There are many reasons for the rise in youth offenders. The juvenile sentence in Texas often depends on the severity of the crime, the number of crimes, and other family matters.

In 2017, a total of 121 juvenile cases were reported for every 100,000 people age 10 to adulthood in the jurisdiction of Rockwall County. Of that total, 100% of those proceedings were delinquencies which equaled 121 court cases. Another 0% were dependency cases that accounted for 0 of the juvenile cases.

A lot of counties, including, Rockwall County, are focusing on family therapy and relationships rather than punishment for juvenile crimes. Future Rockwall County juvenile delinquency numbers will show whether or not this approach is working.

Government of Rockwall County, TX

https://texas.gov/

County Seat:	Rockwall
Government Type:	County
Authority:	Dillon's Rule
Year Organized:	1873
Total Square Miles:	149
2019 Population:	96,788
Persons/Square Mile:	0.00
County Contact:	1111 E Yellow Jacket Lane STE 202 Rockwall , TX 75087-3783 https://www.rockwallcountytexas.com/

Rockwall County, TX Courts