Cochran County Felony Records
Cochran County felony records are kept by the District Clerk's Office in Morton, Texas. The 286th District Court handles all felony criminal cases filed in Cochran County. This page explains how to search and access these records through local, county, and statewide resources.
Cochran County Overview
Cochran County District Clerk
The Cochran County District Clerk's Office is located at the Cochran County Courthouse in Morton, Texas. This office is the official custodian of all felony criminal case records in Cochran County. The District Clerk files grand jury indictments, indexes all case filings, and provides copies of court documents to anyone who requests them. All felony convictions are reported to the Texas DPS, which updates the statewide criminal history database.
Cochran County is a very small county in the South Plains area of West Texas. The 286th District Court also serves Hockley and Lamb Counties on a rotating schedule. Court dates in Cochran County are less frequent than in larger counties, so contacting the District Clerk before attending a hearing is strongly recommended. The courthouse is at 100 N. Main St., Morton, TX 79346. Phone: (806) 266-5450.
Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Confirm before visiting, as hours in small rural offices sometimes vary. Bring a valid ID when requesting records in person. The office typically accepts cash and check as payment for copy fees.
The Cochran County official website provides general information about county offices and courthouse contacts.
The site lists contact information for the courthouse, links to county departments, and any online services available to the public.
286th District Court and Cochran County Felony Cases
The 286th District Court is a multi-county court that handles felony criminal cases in Cochran, Hockley, and Lamb Counties. When sitting in Cochran County, the court hears all felony matters filed under Texas Penal Code jurisdiction. The District Clerk in Morton maintains the case files for all Cochran County cases, including those where the hearing occurred on a court date in another county in the circuit.
Under the Texas Penal Code, felonies range from state jail felonies at the lowest level to capital felonies at the highest. State jail felonies carry 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility. Third-degree felonies run 2 to 10 years. Second-degree felonies carry 2 to 20 years. First-degree felonies can result in 5 to 99 years or life. Capital cases may result in death or life without the possibility of parole.
Every felony case begins with a grand jury indictment. Once the indictment is filed with the District Clerk, a cause number is assigned, and the case file grows with each new filing. Plea documents, motions, and the final judgment all become part of the public record. The District Clerk in Morton holds these documents.
Searching Cochran County Criminal Records
The re:SearchTX portal is the best starting point for online lookups of Cochran County felony records. This free statewide system covers all Texas counties including Cochran. Select Cochran County from the location filter and search by defendant name or cause number. Results include the case name, filing date, charges, and current status. Docket entries are visible, showing you the timeline of filings in each case.
Because Cochran County is small and rural, document images in re:SearchTX may be limited. For copies of actual documents, contact the Cochran County District Clerk at (806) 266-5450. Staff can pull files and provide copies at the standard Texas rate of $1 per page for plain copies and $5 per document for certified copies.
The Texas DPS Crime Records Service at $3 per name search provides a statewide criminal history view that includes Cochran County conviction data. This is a good supplement to a local records search, especially when checking whether a person has prior offenses in other Texas counties. A CRS Public Website Account is required before you can run this search.
Requesting Records In Person or by Mail
For in-person requests, go to the Cochran County Courthouse, 100 N. Main St., Morton, TX 79346. Bring your ID. Give the clerk the defendant's name or cause number. Staff can locate the file and provide copies on the spot. Same-day service is standard for most requests at this size courthouse.
Mail requests should go to the Cochran County District Clerk at 100 N. Main St., Morton, TX 79346. Include the defendant's full name, approximate case filing year, cause number if known, and a description of the records you need. Attach payment for copy fees. Allow up to two weeks for processing and return mail.
Under Texas Government Code Chapter 552, agencies must respond to public information requests within 10 business days. Most felony case records are public in Texas. Juvenile cases, sealed records, and expunged cases are not. If access is denied, the reason must be given in writing and can be appealed through the Texas Attorney General.
Statewide Criminal Justice Tools
The TDCJ offender search shows current incarceration status for anyone in a Texas state facility. Search by name or TDCJ number. The system displays the current unit, projected release date, and offense type. If a Cochran County defendant was sent to state prison, this is how you find them.
The Texas Sex Offender Registry can be searched by Cochran County and shows all registered offenders with current address information and offense history. It is maintained by the Texas DPS and updated regularly.
If you need help understanding how to access public records or what to do when a request is denied, the Texas Attorney General's Open Government page is a useful reference. The AG also runs a hotline for public records questions at (877) OPEN-TEX.
Nearby Counties
Cochran County is a small West Texas county bordered by several neighbors. Use these links to find felony records for nearby areas.