About Lee County
Lee County is located in the heart of Central Texas, approximately 90 miles east of Austin and 120 miles northwest of Houston. Lee County Seat is Giddings, a charming community that is the commercial and governmental hub for Lee County's approximately 17,000 residents. Lee County was created in 1874 from portions of Bastrop, Burleson, Fayette, and Washington counties and named after Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Lee County includes approximately 629 square miles of rolling prairie and post oak savannah terrain.
Lee County is renowned for its agricultural heritage, particularly cattle ranching and oil production, with the Giddings oil field being one of the most productive in Texas. Lee County's scene features the scenic beauty of the Post Oak Belt, dotted with historic Czech, German, and Wendish settlements that contribute to Lee County's rich cultural mix. Major landmarks include the Wendish Heritage Museum in Serbin, which preserves the culture of the only Wendish settlement in the Americas, and Lake Somerville, a 11,460-acre reservoir that straddles the Lee-Burleson county line.
Lee County Courthouse, built in 1899 in the Romanesque Revival style, stands as a centerpiece in downtown Giddings. Lee County Clerk's office is located at 200 South Main Street in Giddings and maintains vital records, court records, and official county documents. Lee County Tax Assessor-Collector's office, also located in the courthouse, handles property tax assessments and collections.
Lee County Appraisal District, situated at 105 South Grimes Street in Giddings, maintains property ownership and valuation records for tax purposes.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Lee County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Lee County. The office manages Lee County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. It also provides patrol services and works closely with local police departments to ensure public safety. The Sheriff's Office may have specific programs meant to community engagement and crime prevention, reflecting its commitment to serving the residents of Lee County.
Police Departments
In addition to Lee County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Lee County is provided by municipal police departments, including the Giddings Police Department and the Lexington Police Department. These city departments handle law enforcement within their respective city limits, while the Sheriff's Office covers the broader unincorporated areas. Coordination between these agencies is essential for handling major crimes and making sure of full public safety across Lee County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Lee County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1770 East Richmond Street in Giddings, Texas 78942, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Lee County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at www.co.lee.tx.us/page/lee.sheriff. Sheriff Brad White leads the department, which provides patrol services, criminal investigations, court security, and jail operations. Lee County Jail, located adjacent to the Sheriff's Office, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.
- To obtain arrest records, individuals should submit a written request to Lee County Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department, specifying the name and date of birth of the subject.
- Processing fees for copies of arrest records typically range from $0.10 to $1.00 per page, depending on the volume and format requested.
Inmate information can be obtained by calling the jail directly at or by visiting the facility in person during business hours. Municipal law enforcement in Lee County is provided by the Giddings Police Department, which serves Lee County Seat with approximately 15 sworn officers. The Giddings Police Department is located at 128 East Hempstead Street and can be reached for Under the Texas Public Information Act, codified at Texas Government Code Chapter 552, arrest records and booking information are considered public records accessible by any member of the public upon request.
Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the custodial agency, though some information may be withheld if it would interfere with ongoing investigations or jeopardize officer safety. Texas Government Code Section 552.108 allows law enforcement agencies to withhold certain information related to ongoing investigations. There are no tribal law enforcement agencies operating within Lee County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Lee County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Lee County Sheriff's Office, along with local police departments, maintains these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Texas Bureau of Investigation does not exist as a separate entity; instead, the Department of Public Safety fulfills this role for criminal records and background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Lee County are maintained by Lee County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including charges and booking details. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, often requiring a formal request under the Texas Public Information Act. An arrest record in Lee County typically includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Lee County Jail, located in Giddings, is the primary detention facility for Lee County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available to the public, allowing individuals to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance.
- The bond and bail process follows Texas state law, allowing for the release of detainees upon payment of a set amount, which can be arranged through the jail or a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Lee County are taken and retained by Lee County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases, if available. Texas does not have specific mugshot removal laws, so the availability of mugshots depends on the policies of the maintaining agency. Individuals seeking mugshots may need to submit a formal request to the Sheriff's Office.
Courts & Case Records
Lee County's judicial system operates under the Texas court structure with multiple levels of jurisdiction. The 335th District Court serves Lee County and surrounding counties, handling felony criminal cases, major civil litigation involving amounts over $200, divorce and family law matters, and juvenile cases.
- Lee County is served by four Justice of the Peace precincts, each handling small claims up to $20,000, Class C misdemeanors including traffic violations, and serving as magistrates for arrest warrants and setting bail.
- Court records can be accessed through Lee County District Clerk's office, where staff can perform record searches for a fee.
- Texas Government Code Section 51.317 establishes fees for certified copies of court documents at $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee.
- Visitors must request searches in person, by mail, or by phone during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Lee County Court is located in Lee County Courthouse at 200 South Main Street, Giddings, TX 78942, and can be reached for Lee County Court at Law presides over Class A and B misdemeanors, civil cases with amounts in controversy between $200 and $250,000, probate matters, and appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts. Precinct 1 is located in Giddings at 200 South Main Street. Municipal Court in Giddings handles city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors occurring within city limits.
Lee County Clerk maintains an index of civil and criminal cases, though Lee County does not currently offer full online case lookup. Some case information may be restricted from public access under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 76a for cases involving minors or sealed by court order.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Lee County are maintained by Lee County Clerk's office, located at 200 South Main Street, Giddings, TX 78942, phone. Lee County Clerk is the official recorder of deeds and maintains the Official Public Records, which include warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage documents, releases of liens, mechanic's and materialmen's liens, federal tax liens, judgment abstracts, easements, rights-of-way, oil and gas leases, and plat maps for subdivisions.
- Lee County does not currently offer free online access to recorded documents, though some index information may be available.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $5.00 certification fee per document.
- Lee County Appraisal District, at 105 South Grimes Street, Giddings, TX 78942, phone, provides property valuations, ownership information, and maintains Lee County's tax roll.
- Property maps and GIS data may be available through the appraisal district office upon request.
Documents can be searched by grantor/grantee name, recording date, or legal description. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Property tax information is maintained by Lee County Tax Assessor-Collector's office, also located in the courthouse.
Their website at www.leeCAD.org offers a property search feature where users can look up parcels by owner name, property address, or account number to view assessed values, exemptions, and ownership history. The appraisal district's records include property characteristics, improvement details, and land use classifications. Texas Property Code Section 11.001 et seq.
Governs property taxation and appraisal procedures.
Vital Records
Vital records for Lee County, Texas are maintained at both Lee County and state levels. Birth and death certificates from 1903 forward are available through the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section in Austin. For births and deaths occurring in Lee County, certified copies can also be requested through local registration. Lee County Clerk's office at 200 South Main Street, Giddings, TX 78942, phone, can provide information about vital records, though most certified copies must be ordered through the state.
- Birth certificates cost $23.00 for the first copy and $22.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost $21.00 each.
- Processing time is typically 3-4 weeks for mail-in requests to the state vital statistics office.
- Expedited service is available for an additional fee, reducing processing time to approximately 5-7 business days.
- The fee for a marriage license in Texas is $81.00, or $21.00 if the couple completes a premarital education course.
Marriage licenses are issued by Lee County Clerk's office, which also maintains marriage records. There is a 72-hour waiting period after issuance before the license is valid, though this can be waived by court order. Divorce decrees are maintained by Lee County District Clerk at the same courthouse address, phone.
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191 governs vital statistics and establishes who may request certified copies. Only immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest may obtain certified copies. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship to the person named on the certificate.
Online ordering is available through the state VitalChek service at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs, though additional processing fees apply.
Business & Licensing
Business registration and licensing in Lee County involves multiple agencies at county and state levels. Lee County Clerk's office at 200 South Main Street, Giddings, TX 78942, phone, maintains assumed name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As) for businesses operating under names other than their legal entity names. The filing fee for an assumed name certificate is typically $16.00 and must be renewed every 10 years. These records are public and can be searched at the County Clerk's office during regular business hours.
For formal business entity registration including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations, entrepreneurs must file with the Texas Secretary of State. The Texas Secretary of State's SOSDirect online portal at www.sos.state.tx.us provides full business entity search capabilities, allowing users to look up company information, registered agents, filing history, and current status. Most business filings with the Secretary of State can be completed online.
Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and can be applied for online at www.comptroller.texas.gov. Professional licenses for regulated occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by respective state licensing boards. Local business permits and certificates of occupancy are handled by the City of Giddings for businesses within city limits.
Building permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, and mechanical permits are issued by the appropriate municipal or county building official, depending on location. Zoning information and land use regulations are administered by Lee County Development Department or city planning departments for incorporated areas. The Giddings Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 183 East Austin Street, Giddings, TX 78942, phone, website www.giddingschamber.com, provides business development resources, networking opportunities, and information about the local business climate.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Lee County, Texas are administered by Lee County Elections Administrator, operating under the authority of the County Clerk's office located at 200 South Main Street, Giddings, TX 78942. The elections office can be reached for Voter registration in Lee County is managed according to Texas Election Code requirements, with applications processed through Lee County Voter Registrar. Texas residents may register to vote online at www.votetexas.gov or by submitting a completed voter registration application by mail. The registration deadline is 30 days prior to any election.
- In the November 2024 general election, Lee County voter turnout was approximately 62-68% of registered voters, reflecting strong civic engagement typical of presidential election years.
Applicants must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old by election day, residents of Lee County, and not finally convicted of a felony or, if convicted, have completed their sentence including probation and parole. Voters can find their assigned polling location by visiting the Texas Secretary of State website at www.votetexas.gov and entering their address, or by contacting Lee County elections office directly.
Lee County typically operates approximately 8-12 polling locations on election day, with early voting available at Lee County Courthouse and potentially other designated locations during the early voting period. Election records that are public under Texas law include voter registration lists (though with certain personal information redacted per Texas Election Code Section 18.066), precinct-level election results, candidate filings and applications, campaign finance reports for local candidates (filed with Lee County), and certified election results. Lee County Elections Administrator maintains these records and makes them available for public inspection during regular business hours.
The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House races for Texas Congressional District 10, potential U.S. Senate races depending on the election cycle, statewide constitutional offices including Governor and other executive positions, all Texas House seats, state judicial positions, and local county and municipal offices.
Mail-in (absentee) voting in Texas is restricted to specific categories: voters who will be 65 or older on election day, voters who will be out of Lee County during the early voting period and on election day, voters who are sick or disabled, or voters who are confined in jail but otherwise eligible. Applications for mail-in ballots must be submitted to Lee County Early Voting Clerk and received (not postmarked) by the 11th day before election day. Texas has relatively strict voter ID requirements under Texas Election Code Section 63.001, requiring voters to present one of seven approved forms of photo identification.
Lee County demonstrates commitment to election transparency by providing public access to election records, posting election results promptly after canvassing, and making voter registration statistics available upon request, though online access to some records remains limited compared to larger Texas counties.
Economy & Demographics
Lee County's economy has historically been built on agriculture and energy production, with significant diversification in recent decades. Lee County's major economic sectors include oil and gas extraction, cattle ranching, agricultural production, and related support industries. The Giddings oil field, discovered in the 1960s, remains one of the most productive in Texas, generating substantial royalty income for landowners and tax revenue for local governments.
- The median household income in Lee County is approximately $58,000, slightly below the Texas state average.
- Lee County's strategic location between major metropolitan areas, relatively affordable land and housing costs, and available workforce represent key competitive advantages.
Major employers in Lee County include the Giddings Independent School District, Lee County government, various energy sector companies, and retail establishments. Agriculture continues to play a vital role, with cattle operations, hay production, and some row crop farming. Lee County's unemployment rate typically tracks close to state and national averages, ranging between 3.5% and 5.5% in recent years.
Manufacturing has a limited presence, though some fabrication and oilfield services companies operate facilities in Lee County. Tourism contributes to the local economy through visitors to Lake Somerville State Park, which offers fishing, camping, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Wendish Heritage Museum in Serbin attracts cultural and genealogical tourists interested in this unique immigrant community.
Retail trade and food services are concentrated in Giddings along U.S. Highway 290, which is a major transportation corridor between Houston and Austin. Economic development efforts are coordinated through the Giddings Economic Development Corporation, which works to attract new businesses and support existing employers.
Recent economic development initiatives have focused on infrastructure improvements, workforce development programs, and marketing Lee County's quality of life attributes to potential relocators and business investors.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person/Phone | Property: Yes: Appraisal District Online | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: State System Required | Business: Yes: State Online/County In-Person | Elections: Limited: Online | Overall Score: 6/10, Lee County provides moderate access to public records with property appraisal data available online, though most records require in-person or phone requests to county offices.