About Robertson County
Robertson County, Texas is located in the east-central portion of the state, approximately 25 miles northeast of Bryan-College Station and 100 miles south of Dallas. Established in 1837 and organized in 1838, Robertson County was named after Sterling C. Robertson, an empresario who brought settlers to Texas during the colonial period. Robertson County Seat is Franklin, a historic town that has served as the governmental center since Robertson County's formation.
- Major landmarks include the historic Robertson County Courthouse in Franklin, built in 1881 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the scenic Brazos River corridor.
Robertson County includes approximately 865 square miles of rolling prairies, agricultural land, and bottomland forests along the Brazos River, which forms part of Robertson County's western boundary. According to recent census estimates, Robertson County has a population of approximately 17,000 residents. Robertson County's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, cotton, corn, and hay production, with energy sector development playing an increasingly important role.
Robertson County Clerk is located at 100 East Morgan Street, Franklin, TX 77856, and handles vital records, court records, and county administrative functions. Robertson County Tax Assessor-Collector, also located at the courthouse complex in Franklin, maintains property tax records and vehicle registration services. Robertson County is unique for its deep historical roots in early Texas settlement, its role in the Cotton Belt economy, and its preservation of 19th-century architecture and rural character while adapting to modern energy development.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Robertson County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Robertson County. It manages Robertson County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is focused on public safety through patrols, investigations, and community engagement. Notable programs include community policing initiatives and partnerships with local schools to enhance safety and security. The Sheriff's Office also collaborates with other law enforcement agencies in Robertson County to address major crimes and emergencies.
Police Departments
In addition to Robertson County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Robertson County. These include the Franklin Police Department, Hearne Police Department, and Calvert Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits, handling local crimes and traffic enforcement. The Sheriff's Office and city police departments coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, sharing resources and information to enhance public safety across Robertson County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Robertson County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for the unincorporated areas of Robertson County and is located at 100 East Morgan Street, P.O. Box 266, Franklin, TX 77856. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains jurisdiction over patrol operations, criminal investigations, courthouse security, and operation of Robertson County Jail. Inmates housed in Robertson County Jail can be located through the Texas Department of Public Safety's online jail roster or by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the Sheriff's Office as part of booking records, though there may be fees associated with copying or processing these records.
Municipal police departments operate in the incorporated cities within Robertson County, including the Franklin Police Department, which provides law enforcement services within Franklin city limits, and the Hearne Police Department, serving the City of Hearne on Robertson County's southern boundary. Arrest records in Robertson County are considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), and requests for arrest records can be submitted to Robertson County Sheriff's Office in writing, in person, or as otherwise directed by the agency. Robertson County does not have tribal lands or tribal police jurisdictions.
For felony cases and major criminal matters, the Sheriff's Office works closely with the Texas Rangers and the District Attorney's office. Citizens seeking information about recent arrests, active warrants, or inmate status should contact the Sheriff's Office directly, as online databases may not be continuously updated in real time for smaller county facilities.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Robertson County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Robertson County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Texas Public Information Act. To run a background check, individuals can request records from the Sheriff's Office or use online databases provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety. The Texas Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking full background checks, including statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Robertson County are maintained by Robertson County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, and requests are subject to the Texas Public Information Act. Arrest records typically contain the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the date of the arrest. The process for obtaining these records may involve submitting a formal request and paying any applicable fees.
Jail & Inmate Records
Robertson County Jail, located in Franklin, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Robertson County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestees. Inmate information, including current status and charges, can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. Visitation rules require scheduling in advance, with specific hours designated for family and attorney visits. The bond and bail process follows Texas state laws, allowing for the release of inmates pending trial upon payment of a set amount.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Robertson County are taken and retained by Robertson 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. Searches for mugshots can be conducted via the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a request in person or by mail. Texas does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty.
Courts & Case Records
Robertson County is served by the 82nd Judicial District Court, which has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters involving amounts over $200, divorce and family law cases, juvenile matters, and appeals from lower courts. Robertson County Court is located at Robertson County Courthouse, 100 East Morgan Street, Franklin, TX 77856, and can be reached for Court records for District Court cases can be accessed through the District Clerk's office at the same address.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee, generally $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
- Some counties in Texas offer online case lookup through re:SearchTX or county-specific portals, though Robertson County primarily provides records access through in-person requests.
- Fees for copies and research time may apply, and photo identification is typically required for in-person record searches.
Robertson County also has Justice of the Peace Courts that handle misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims disputes, evictions, and traffic violations, with justices serving multiple precincts throughout Robertson County. Robertson County Court at Law, presided over by the County Judge, handles probate matters, guardianships, mental health proceedings, and misdemeanor criminal cases. Municipal courts in Franklin and Hearne handle city ordinance violations and Class C misdemeanors within their respective city limits.
Public access to court records is governed by Rule 12 of the Texas Rules of Judicial Administration and Texas Government Code Chapter 552. Robertson County Clerk maintains an index of all civil and criminal cases, and the public may search records in person during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Property & Public Records
Robertson County Clerk is the official custodian of land and property records and is located at 100 East Morgan Street, Suite 104, Franklin, TX 77856, with phone contact for Robertson County Clerk maintains and records all real property documents including warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage releases, property liens, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, easements, right-of-way documents, and subdivision plat maps. These records date back to Robertson County's founding in the 1830s and are indexed by grantor and grantee names as well as by property legal description.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for statutory fees, typically $5.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page for a certified copy of a recorded instrument.
- The Appraisal District may offer online property record searches through its website, allowing citizens to search by owner name, property address, or account number.
Texas counties are required to make real property records available for public inspection under Texas Local Government Code Section 193.009, and Robertson County provides access through in-person searches at the County Clerk's office during regular business hours. Property tax records, including assessed values, property ownership information, tax payment history, and exemption data, are maintained by Robertson County Appraisal District, located at 304 North Buffalo Street, Franklin, TX 77856, phone. Robertson County Tax Assessor-Collector, located at the courthouse, handles the collection of property taxes and maintains payment records.
Some Texas counties participate in online document recording systems, and interested parties should contact the County Clerk's office to determine current recording procedures and whether remote access to the property records database is available.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Robertson County, Texas are maintained by both Robertson County Clerk at 100 East Morgan Street, Franklin, TX 77856, and the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit in Austin. Birth certificates can be requested from the County Clerk's office for births that occurred within Robertson County, with a current fee typically around $23.00 for a certified copy.
- Death certificates are similarly available through the County Clerk for deaths that occurred in Robertson County, with the same fee structure and identification requirements.
- Processing time for vital records requested through the County Clerk is generally 1-2 weeks, though walk-in requests may be fulfilled same-day if staff are available and the record is readily accessible.
- Online ordering typically adds convenience fees but may offer faster processing and mail delivery options.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191 and 192. Marriage licenses are issued by Robertson County Clerk's office; couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, and pay the marriage license fee, which is typically $81.00 (reduced to $11.00 if the couple completes a premarital education course). The 72-hour waiting period may be waived under certain circumstances.
Divorce records (decrees of dissolution) are maintained by the District Clerk as part of court records rather than vital records. For vital records from other parts of Texas or for expedited service, applicants may contact the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Unit at or order online through the official state vendor at www.dshs.texas.gov/vs.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Robertson County are maintained by multiple offices depending on the type of business activity and registration. Robertson County Clerk at 100 East Morgan Street, Franklin, TX 77856, processes and maintains assumed name certificates (DBA or "Doing Business As" filings) for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under a name other than the owner's legal name, as required by Texas Business & Commerce Code Chapter 71. The filing fee for assumed name certificates is set by state statute.
- This searchable database provides information on business entity status, registered agents, formation dates, and filing history.
- Sales tax permits are issued by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, and businesses can register online through the Texas Comptroller's webfile system.
For formal business entity formation such as corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and professional associations, filings are made with the Texas Secretary of State's Corporations Section in Austin, and these records can be searched free of charge through the SOSDirect online portal at www.sos.state.tx.us. Professional and occupational licenses are primarily regulated at the state level through various Texas licensing boards depending on the profession. Local business licenses and permits, including health permits for food service establishments, may be required by the cities of Franklin and Hearne; inquiries should be directed to the respective city halls.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and development permits for unincorporated areas of Robertson County are handled by Robertson County's planning or development office, typically coordinated through the County Judge's office. Robertson County Chamber of Commerce, serving the Franklin area, provides business support services and economic development information and can be a resource for businesses seeking to establish or expand operations in Robertson County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Robertson County, Texas are administered by Robertson County Elections Administrator, operating under the County Clerk's office at 100 East Morgan Street, Franklin, TX 77856. Robertson County Clerk can be reached for election related inquiries. Voter registration in Texas is handled through a centralized system coordinated by Robertson County voter registrar; Robertson County residents can register to vote by submitting a completed voter registration application to Robertson County Voter Registrar at the same address.
Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Texas offers online voter registration application submission through the Texas Secretary of State's website at www.votetexas.gov, where residents can complete the application online, print it, sign it, and mail it to Robertson County registrar. Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling location by using the "Am I Registered?" tool on the Texas Secretary of State's website or by contacting the County Clerk's office directly.
Election records that are public in Texas include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted), election results by precinct, candidate filing documents, and campaign finance reports for local candidates, all available under Texas Election Code provisions. In the November 2024 general election, Robertson County, like many rural Texas counties, typically sees voter turnout ranging from 50% to 65% of registered voters in presidential election years, with lower turnout in midterm and off-year elections. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, and will include U.S.
House of Representatives races, state executive offices, Texas House and Senate seats, and county and local positions. Voters in Robertson County who qualify for mail-in voting under Texas law, including those 65 years or older, those who will be absent from Robertson County during the entire early voting period and on election day, those confined in jail but eligible to vote, or those with a disability or illness, can request an application for a ballot by mail from the County Clerk's office or download the application from the Texas Secretary of State's website. Texas requires an excuse to vote by mail and does not offer universal mail-in voting.
Early voting in Robertson County takes place at designated locations announced before each election, typically at the courthouse or other county facilities, for a period beginning 17 days before election day and ending 4 days before election day. Robertson County provides transparency in election administration by making precinct-level results available after each election, maintaining publicly accessible voter registration records (subject to privacy protections), and following Texas Election Code requirements for public notice of election procedures, polling places, and sample ballots.
Economy & Demographics
Robertson County's economy has historically been anchored by agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, row crop production including corn, cotton, grain sorghum, and hay, and timber harvesting from Robertson County's forested areas. According to recent economic data, agriculture and related industries continue to employ a significant portion of Robertson County's workforce and contribute substantially to the local economy.
- The median household income in Robertson County is estimated at approximately $45,000 to $50,000, which is below the Texas state median, reflecting Robertson County's rural character and agricultural economic base.
Major employment sectors include agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting; educational services and health care; retail trade; and manufacturing. The energy sector has grown in importance with oil and gas exploration and production activities in parts of Robertson County, as well as renewable energy development. Major employers in Robertson County include the local school districts (Robertson County ISD, Franklin ISD), healthcare facilities, agricultural operations, and retail establishments.
Robertson County benefits economically from its proximity to the Bryan-College Station metropolitan area, home to Texas A&M University, which provides access to markets, services, and employment opportunities for Robertson County residents. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice operates facilities in neighboring counties that contribute to regional employment. Unemployment rates in Robertson County have generally tracked state trends, with some seasonal variation related to agricultural cycles.
Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing agricultural enterprises, attracting light manufacturing and distribution operations that can benefit from Robertson County's location along major transportation corridors, and promoting heritage tourism related to Robertson County's rich 19th-century history. Robertson County Courthouse and historic downtown Franklin represent potential assets for cultural tourism development.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person Primary | Property: Limited: Online | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person Required | Business: Yes: State Online (DBA at County) | Elections: Limited: State Portal/In-Person County | Overall Score: 5/10, Robertson County maintains traditional in-person access to most public records with limited online database availability, reflecting its rural character and smaller administrative capacity.