The Critical Role Of The Tom Green County District Clerk: Vicki Vines And The 2024 Transition

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The District Clerk of Tom Green County plays a foundational, yet often unseen, role in the local justice system, acting as the chief administrative officer for the District Courts. As of December 22, 2025, the office is led by Vicki Vines, who maintains the integrity of all court records, from felony criminal cases to complex civil and family law matters, for the entire county. The office's operations are critical to the function of the 51st and 119th Judicial District Courts in San Angelo, Texas, ensuring that every legal document is accurately filed, preserved, and made accessible to the public and legal professionals. This pivotal county office recently underwent a significant change, with a leadership transition occurring in 2024 following the resignation of previous District Clerk Anthony Monico, making the current administration a fresh and highly relevant topic for residents and legal practitioners. The District Clerk is an elected official, serving a four-year term, but vacancies are filled by appointment from the District Judges until the next general election. Understanding the scope of this office's responsibilities is key to navigating the judicial landscape of Tom Green County.

Vicki Vines: Biography and The 2024 Leadership Transition

The Tom Green County District Clerk is currently Vicki Vines, a dedicated public servant whose role is central to the county’s judicial infrastructure.
  • Current Officeholder: Vicki Vines
  • Office: Tom Green County District Clerk
  • Location: 112 W. Beauregard Avenue, San Angelo, TX 76903
  • Party Affiliation: Republican Party (Ran in a special election)
  • Key Role: Serves as the chief administrative officer for the District Courts.
  • Term: The District Clerk is elected for a four-year term.
  • Other Official Roles: Member of the Tom Green County Bail Bond Board.
The office experienced a notable period of transition in 2024. Former District Clerk Anthony Joseph Monico, who had previously served as Chief Deputy District Clerk, announced his resignation, which became effective on May 1, 2024. This event necessitated the appointment of a successor by the District Judges—including Judge Ben Woodward, Judge Jay Weatherby, and Judge Carmen Dusek—to fill the unexpired term until the next election. Vicki Vines’s subsequent presence in the role highlights her experience and the trust placed in her by the local judiciary and the Republican Party.

The Five Essential Functions of the District Clerk’s Office

The District Clerk’s responsibilities extend far beyond simple record-keeping. The office is the central hub for all legal proceedings that take place within the District Courts, which handle the most serious and complex cases in the county.

1. Custodian of Judicial Records (Civil, Family, and Felony)

The primary duty of the District Clerk is to serve as the official record-keeper, or custodian, for all documents, minutes, and papers related to any cause of action filed in the Tom Green County District Courts. This includes a wide array of case types, which are typically divided into distinct operational departments:
  • Felony Department: Manages all criminal cases, which are usually the most serious offenses.
  • Civil Department: Handles general civil litigation, such as contract disputes, personal injury claims, and other non-criminal matters.
  • Family Department: Processes all family law cases, including divorces, child custody disputes, adoptions, and child support matters.
The Clerk ensures the accuracy and security of these records, which are vital for appeals, historical reference, and public transparency.

2. Management of Jury Duty Systems

The District Clerk is the official charged with managing the entire jury process for the District Courts. This includes drawing names from the county's registered voters and driver’s license lists, issuing summonses, processing juror questionnaires, and managing the daily attendance and payment of citizens called for jury service in San Angelo. The process is often streamlined through modern technology, such as the I-Jury online registration system, allowing prospective jurors to manage their service, check for disqualifications, and claim exemptions online.

3. Facilitation of E-Filing and Court Services

In alignment with modern judicial standards, the Tom Green County District Clerk’s office is responsible for the implementation and management of electronic filing (e-filing) systems. These local rules govern the electronic submission and service of court documents by attorneys and self-represented litigants. This move to digital processes has dramatically increased efficiency and accessibility for legal professionals across the 51st Judicial District Court and the 119th Judicial District Court. The Clerk's office also provides essential "Court Services," which includes maintaining the court dockets, issuing citations and writs, and preparing the official court minutes.

4. Support for Judicial Districts and Guardianships

The District Clerk provides direct administrative and clerical support to the District Judges, including the judges of the 51st and 119th Judicial District Courts. The office is fundamental to the smooth operation of these courts, acting as the official liaison between the public, attorneys, and the judiciary. Furthermore, the Clerk’s office is involved in the administration of guardianship cases, which fall under the District Court's jurisdiction. The Clerk must notify the Judicial Branch Certification Commission (JBCC) when a guardianship is established, terminated, or when a successor guardian is appointed.

5. Financial and Fee Management

The Clerk is responsible for collecting, managing, and disbursing all court-related fees, fines, and costs. This includes filing fees for civil cases, court-ordered restitution in criminal cases, and various other statutory fees. The office must maintain meticulous financial records and ensure that funds are properly allocated to the county general fund, state funds, and other designated recipients. The Clerk also plays a role in managing the funds lawfully deposited in the clerk's office as part of a cause of action.

Contact and Operational Details for the San Angelo Office

For residents and legal professionals in San Angelo and the wider Tom Green County area, knowing the operational details of the District Clerk's office is crucial for conducting court business. The office is centrally located in the county seat of San Angelo.
  • Physical Address: 112 W. Beauregard Avenue, San Angelo, TX 76903
  • Main Phone Number: (325) 659-6578 (or 325-659-6579)
  • Hours of Operation: Standard business hours, typically Monday through Friday.
  • Key Services: Civil/Family Filings, Felony Filings, Jury Service Information, Records Search.
The District Clerk's office remains a cornerstone of the Tom Green County government, linking the public to the judicial process. Whether you are called for jury duty, filing a family law petition, or tracking a felony case, the office under Vicki Vines provides the essential administrative framework for justice in the region.
The Critical Role of the Tom Green County District Clerk: Vicki Vines and the 2024 Transition
district clerk tom green county
district clerk tom green county

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