Can the public see court records remotely?
Remote Access by the Public If it can, a court that keeps electronic records must allow the public to see them at the courthouse or through remote access. But there are several exceptions to remote access in sensitive cases such as divorce, child custody, civil harassment, and criminal.
Are the trial court law libraries open to the public?
The Trial Court Law Libraries are open to the public, providing in-person and virtual services (email, chat, phone, text). All virtual services (email, chat, phone, text) and remote research access continue to be available. Please contact the library in your area to verify the availability of services.
Where can I access my court records?
On a computer, tablet, or smart phone anywhere with an internet connection, such as your home, or the public library. This is known as “remote access.” How you can access an electronic record depends on your relationship to the case. If you are a party, you have full remote access.
Where can I find more information about virtual court services?
To learn more, please see the page Virtual Court Service Centers. The Trial Court Law Libraries are open to the public, providing in-person and virtual services (email, chat, phone, text). All virtual services (email, chat, phone, text) and remote research access continue to be available.
What court has put together protocols and tips for appearing in remote hearings?
The Superior Court has put together protocols and tips for appearing in remote hearings.
What time does the land court virtual recorder open?
The Land Court Virtual Recorder’s Office will be available from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (except on legal holidays).
What is the number to call to get help in trial court?
The Help Line will be staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can reach the helpline by calling 833-91COURT (912-6878). Learn more about how to Get general court information through the Trial Court Help Line .
What is a virtual counter in a courthouse?
Each Housing Court Clerk's Office and Housing Specialist Department provides a virtual front counter where court staff will be able to answer questions, help court users virtually, and provide information on available court resources. Court users can receive "face-to-face" help from court staff without being physically present at a courthouse. Please see the schedule and access information for each division's virtual counters below.
Is a court hearing remote?
Because of COVID-19, many court hearings are now remote. That means some or all of the people participate by video or phone. Please watch the video below and read the Guide to virtual hearings to learn how to prepare for a remote hearing.
Is the trial court library open?
The Trial Court Law Libraries are closed to the public, but continue to provide services remotely during COVID-19.
How to access court records?
Access to Electronic Court Records 1 Go to the courthouse and ask to look at paper records. 2 Go to the courthouse and look at electronic court records. 3 If your court offers it, look at electronic records over the internet. This is called “remote access.”
What is it called when a court offers you access to electronic records?
If your court offers it, look at electronic records over the internet. This is called “remote access.”
What is an electronic court record?
When someone files a case in court, the court will keep an official record about the case. Information about you may be contained in a court record. For example, if you file a lawsuit claiming another person owes you money, your name and how much money you are asking for will become part of the court record.
What is court appointed?
Court-appointed People — Sometimes the court will appoint people to participate in a case who are not a party’s attorney. For example, a child’s interests can be impacted by a case where the child is not a party. If so, the court may appoint someone to look out for the child’s interests. As another example, the court may appoint an investigator to find information. In situations where the court has appointed a person to participate in a case, that person is allowed to use remote access to view electronic records to fulfill the responsibilities the court assigned.
What are some examples of confidential cases?
Examples of confidential cases include “juvenile dependency” (when a child is removed from their parents) and “juvenile delinquency” (when a child is accused of committing a crime). Court records for these cases are not available to the public.
What information is in a court record?
Information about you may be contained in a court record. For example, if you file a lawsuit claiming another person owes you money, your name and how much money you are asking for will become part of the court record. A court may keep a record in paper or electronic format.
Can a courthouse see electronic records?
If it can, a court that keeps electronic records must allow the public to see them at the courthouse or through remote access. But there are several exceptions to remote access in sensitive cases such as divorce, child custody, civil harassment, and criminal. These exceptions strike a balance between the public’s right to know about the court’s business and individual privacy.
How to request a remote patron account with Lexis?
To request a remote patron account with Lexis, please email our Virtual Reference Desk: https://www.harriscountylawlibrary.org/email-reference.
Is LexisNexis available in Harris County?
Free, remote access to the LexisNexis® Digital Library is available for all Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library patrons. Click the image below and complete the form on the next page to request an account or to request assistance with an existing account. Public access to over 100 titles is available on any internet-connected device.
