A basic knowledge of Texas courts and judges can be very beneficial if you ever find yourself in the courtroom. All too often individuals and businesses find the need to file a lawsuit, or are at the receiving end of a lawsuit, and their lack of knowledge on how the court system works leaves them lost in the proceedings. Regardless of the circumstances that put you there, it helps to understand the court process and to know a little about the individual overseeing your case.
It’s important to understand that there are multiple courts in Texas that oversee different types of cases. Each of these courts have judges that administer the law and case process. When considering Texas courts and Texas judges, keep the following in mind:
1. Justice of the Peace Courts, Municipal Courts and County Courts in Texas have limited jurisdiction on a local town or county level.
2. The Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals and Texas Courts of Appeals only hear appellate cases.
3. Bankruptcy information and case filings are also accessible through TX court records.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Locate Texas courts and judges
There are multiple levels to the Texas court system. At the bottom are local justice of the peace and municipal courts, which have limited jurisdiction and handle small claims and civil cases, as well as criminal cases punishable by fine only. Next are the 494 County-level Texas courts (and 494 judges in TX counties), with jurisdiction limited to the county in which the court resides. County courts handle all basic criminal cases, probate, juvenile and civil cases up to $10,000. There are 444 district state trial courts in Texas. These district courts handle felony criminal cases and divorces, as well as the same civil and juvenile cases.
I recommend: Find the contact information for the court your need on the
The Texas Office of Court Administration website. To obtain court information by county, visit the county website directory provided by the
Texas Association of Counties. Visit
Texas Courts Online for information on Texas judges, including required qualifications.
File an appeal with the Supreme Court and Texas 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 any errors in the original case decision. There are no witnesses, jurors or new evidence in a case heard before the Texas appellate courts and their decisions are final. There are seven judges in Texas Supreme Court. The Court of Appeals has 14 districts, with three to 13 Texas judges in each. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is in Austin and has nine judges.
I recommend: Search the online docket for information on current case on
The Supreme Court of Texas website. Obtain information on each of the 14 Courts of Appeals on
Texas Courts Online.
Access records from bankruptcy courts in Texas
Whether you need to search for a bankruptcy filing on a debtor or determine if bankruptcy is an option for you or your company, the Texas Bankruptcy Courts can assist you with both. Four districts make up the Texas Bankruptcy court: the northern, eastern, western and southern districts. Each district provides information on the basics for bankruptcy filing, contact information for trustees and bankruptcy attorneys and an online search of Texas court cases in bankruptcy through the PACER system (Public Access to Court Electronic Records).
I recommend: Obtain information on local bankruptcy court rules, forms and fees on the
US Bankruptcy Court – Eastern District of Texas website. Visit the bankruptcy court records search on the
US Bankruptcy Court – Northern District of Texas PACER website (each district provides a similar online search).
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Regardless of how much knowledge you have of courts and judges in Texas, you should hire an attorney who specializes in your specific type of case to represent you.
The official source of Texas Courts and Judges is
the Texas Courts and Judges page at Business.com
Related Resources from Business.com
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