Justice of the Peace courts are the lowest level of trial courts in Texas. They are sometimes called “JP courts.” Each county in Texas has at least one JP court, and larger counties have several. The judge in a JP court is called a Justice of the Peace.
Need legal advice?
Having trouble finding answers to your legal questions? Amy can help!
What JP Courts Do:
- Handle Small Claims: JP courts hear civil cases where the amount in dispute is relatively small (currently up to $20,000).
- Eviction Cases: They handle landlord-tenant disputes, including evictions.
- Traffic Tickets and Minor Criminal Offenses: JP courts deal with traffic violations and other minor criminal matters (called “Class C misdemeanors”), such as public intoxication or disorderly conduct.
- Warrants and Magistrate Duties: Justices of the Peace can issue search and arrest warrants, conduct preliminary hearings, and perform other duties as magistrates.
- Other Duties: They may also conduct inquests (investigations into certain deaths), perform marriages, and handle truancy cases.
Jurisdiction (What Cases They Can Hear):
- Geographic: JP courts serve specific areas within a county, called precincts.
- Monetary Limit: They can only hear civil cases where the amount in question is $20,000 or less.
- Type of Cases: They do not handle family law cases (like divorce or child custody), felonies, or larger civil disputes.
Why JP Courts Matter:
JP courts are designed to be accessible and user-friendly, especially for people without lawyers. The procedures are simpler and the costs are lower than in higher courts.
If you have a small claim, a minor criminal charge, or an eviction issue in Texas, the Justice of the Peace court is likely where your case will start.
Do you have questions about your a matter before a JP court in Texas?
Amy can help! Schedule your free initial consultation with The Gustafson Firm now!