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Each type of court in Texas has different jurisdiction and
authority. In general, the Municipal Court has jurisdiction over
fine only offenses
occurring within the city limits which are violations of municipal ordinances or
violations of a state statute.
Justice
of the Peace Courts have jurisdiction over civil actions under $5000,
small claims, and criminal misdemeanors with fine only offenses.
County
courts are trial courts of limited jurisdiction, but have exclusive
jurisdiction of misdemeanors over $500 or jail sentence. The County
Court is the first Court of Appeals from Municipal Court. District
courts are state trial courts of general and special jurisdiction
including juvenile matters, civil actions over $200, and original
jurisdiction in felony criminal matters.
The Court of Appeals
is the state intermediate appellate court. The highest appellate
courts are the Supreme
Court of Texas and Court
of Criminal Appeals. For information regarding the Federal Court
system, contact the federal judiciary. |