Cochran County Criminal Court Records

Cochran County criminal court records are filed and maintained at the courthouse in Morton, Texas. Like many small Texas counties, Cochran operates with a combined District and County Clerk office that handles both felony and misdemeanor criminal records. You can search district court cases for free through the re:SearchTX portal or contact the clerk's office directly at (806) 266-5454. This page explains the clerk's office, how to find records, what they contain, and how to get copies.

Cochran County District and County Clerk

The Cochran County clerk's office in Morton handles both the District Clerk and County Clerk functions under one roof. This means the same office stores felony criminal records from the district court and Class A and B misdemeanor records from the county court. In a county as small as Cochran, combining these offices is a practical arrangement that lets residents get both types of records with a single call or visit.

The office maintains all criminal case files from the time of indictment through the final judgment. Records include the charging documents, bond papers, motions, and sentencing information. Cochran County is served by the 286th Judicial District Court, a multi-county district that covers several South Plains counties. Because the judge covers multiple counties, court sessions in Morton may be scheduled on a rotating basis. The clerk's office handles all filings regardless of when the judge is in town. Expunction and non-disclosure petitions for Cochran County cases are filed with this office as well.

How to Search Cochran County Criminal Records

The re:SearchTX portal is free and covers Cochran County district court criminal cases along with records from all other Texas district courts. Search by name or cause number without registering. The portal shows case status, charges, court dates, and documents filed in the case.

Search results show party names, case status, charges, and court dates for Cochran County criminal cases filed in the district court.

For a statewide criminal history report, use the DPS Criminal History Search for $3 per name. This pulls records from courts across all Texas counties, not just Cochran. The FAST fingerprint program provides a result tied to a verified identity rather than just a name, which is more reliable in cases where names may be common.

For in-person searches, go to 100 N. Main Street in Morton. Clerk staff can search both felony and misdemeanor records at the same counter, which saves time compared to counties with separate offices.

Cochran County Misdemeanor Records

Class A and Class B misdemeanor cases in Cochran County go through the county court and are stored by the County Clerk function of the combined clerk's office in Morton. These cases include DWI, assault, theft below felony thresholds, and similar charges. Since both District Clerk and County Clerk duties are handled in the same office, one contact covers both record types.

Class C misdemeanors are different. These low-level offenses are handled by justice of the peace courts and are not part of the County Clerk's records. Those records must be requested from the specific JP court that heard the case.

Note: Class C misdemeanor records are held by individual justice of the peace courts and are not part of the District or County Clerk records system.

Cochran County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Cochran County are created and maintained by the Sheriff's Office in Morton. Every time someone is booked into the county jail, a booking record is created with the arrest date, the charges at booking, and identifying information. This is separate from any court case that follows. An arrest does not mean the person was convicted. Charges may be dropped, reduced, or result in acquittal. The arrest record stays on file regardless.

For current jail inmate information, contact the Cochran County Sheriff's Office. People convicted of a crime and sent to a Texas state prison appear in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice offender search. The Texas sex offender registry lets you search by name or ZIP code for registered offenders living in Cochran County.

What Cochran County Criminal Records Contain

Cochran County criminal case files vary in length based on how the case was resolved. A simple plea case has fewer documents than a case that went to trial. Most felony case files in Cochran County include:

• Grand jury indictment
• Arrest warrant and affidavit
• Bond setting and release conditions
• Pre-trial motions from both sides
• Plea agreement or jury trial record
• Judgment and sentence
• Probation or community supervision terms if applicable

These documents are public records under Texas Government Code Chapter 552. Sealed documents and juvenile records are not publicly available. Records expunged under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure are removed from the public record, and all agencies involved in the case must destroy or return their copies under the court's order.

Fees and Record Access in Cochran County

Standard copies of criminal court records from the Cochran County clerk cost $1 per page. Certified copies add a $5 fee. You can get copies in person at the courthouse in Morton or by mailing a written request with payment included. Send a check or money order payable to the County Clerk.

Free searches are available through re:SearchTX. No account is needed. Full documents may require a direct request. The DPS name search costs $3 statewide. Court record forms are available at the Texas Courts website. Call (806) 266-5454 to confirm fees before mailing. Legal help resources are at TexasLawHelp.org. The Texas Bar Find-A-Lawyer tool can connect you with a licensed attorney in the South Plains region.

Cities in Cochran County

Morton is the county seat of Cochran County and where the courthouse is located. All criminal cases filed in Cochran County are handled through the district and county courts in Morton.

Whiteface is the only other incorporated community in the county. It does not have a separate court system. All Cochran County criminal cases go through the courts in Morton.

Nearby Counties

Cochran County is in the far western part of the South Plains. If you need to check neighboring counties for criminal records, look at Bailey County, Lamb County, Hockley County, Yoakum County, and Terry County.