There are multiple levels to the Texas state courts system. The type of case you have determines what type of court hears the case. To file your case properly, a basic knowledge of TX state courts is helpful. If you find the need to file a lawsuit, or are at the receiving end of a lawsuit, a lack of knowledge on how the Texas State Courts system works may leave you lost in the proceedings.

It’s important to understand that there are multiple courts in the state of Texas that oversee various types of cases. Each of these courts has judges that administer the law and case process. When considering Texas state courts, keep the following in mind:

1. The state Constitution requires that there are between one and eight Justice of the Peace courts in each county.

2. Three sections make up the county courts in the state of Texas: Constitutional County Courts, County Courts at Law and Statutory Probate Courts.

3. You must file an appeal to a decision made in the lower court system with the appropriate appellate Texas court house.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine what courts handle minor cases in the state of Texas court system

At the lowest tier of the Texas state court system are the Justice of the Peace and Municipal courts. Justice courts maintain original jurisdiction for class C misdemeanors, minor civil cases and small claims cases. In the state of Texas, there are approximately 826 Justice of the Peace courts. The Texas municipal court system functions in all 908 incorporated cities and towns in the state; their jurisdiction is original and exclusive for city ordinance violations and they maintain limited jurisdiction in civil matters regarding violent dogs. Additionally, municipal courts share jurisdiction with Justice courts on class C misdemeanor cases that result in a small fine only.

I recommend: Many county websites, such as Ellis County, contain information for each precinct of Justice of the Peace courts. Additionally, most municipal courts in Texas cities and towns, such as the Municipal Court – City of Austin, maintain a website with helpful information for resolving and paying fines for traffic violations.

Locate Texas district courts and county courts

The Texas state county court system has 494 courthouses, with jurisdiction limited to the county in which the court resides. Constitutional County Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over misdemeanors that result in a fine of more than $500 or jail time, hear juvenile cases and handle appeals from justice and municipal court decisions. County Courts at Law handle criminal matters and civil cases up to $10,000 and appeals filed on Constitutional County Court decisions. Both the Constitutional County Courts and Statutory Probate Courts hear probate cases. There are 444 district state trial courts in Texas. These district courts maintain original jurisdiction in civil matters for $200-$500, divorce, land title matters, contested elections and felonies. Designated 'State Trial Courts of General and Special Jurisdiction,' district courts also handle some juvenile cases.

I recommend: Locate the proper district court for your case on Texas Courts Online. Find your local county court by accessing the Texas county website directory provided by the Texas Association of Counties.

File an appeal with the Texas Supreme Court and Court of Appeals

The Texas Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals and Court of Appeals all hear only appellate cases. The purpose of an appellate court is to review the trial transcript and original evidence of a case to determine if there were errors in the original case decision. There are no witnesses, jurors or new evidence in a case heard before the Texas appellate courts and the justices' decisions are final.

I recommend: Examine the rules of appellate procedures at The Supreme Court of Texas. Obtain information on each of the 14 Courts of Appeals on Texas Courts Online. Search the Opinions archive, for past criminal case appellate decisions, for on the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Regardless of how much knowledge you have of state courts in Texas, you should hire an attorney who specializes in your specific type of case to represent you.