Austin County Small Claims Court, Texas

Limit (or Jurisdiction) of Small Claims Court

The plaintiff’s demand for money cannot exceed $10,000. (Texas Government Code 28.093). Small claims parties can only recover money. You cannot seek injunctive relief. For example, if you pay a painter $1,000 to paint your house and the painter does not even begin, you cannot ask the court to issue an order for the painter to paint your house. This type of relief would be injunctive relief. Small Claims actions are heard in 4 courthouses throughout Austin County.

Clerk’s Role in Small Claims Court Actions

The clerk at the courthouse can be an excellent resource for your case. The clerk is an excellent resource for the procedure for small claims court cases in Texas but also any procedures specific to that County or courthouse. It is recommended that you contact the clerk’s office to ensure the courthouse is open during the hours you want to visit. While the clerk can help you with procedural issues, the clerk is not able to give legal advice. They will direct you to an attorney if answering your question would require that.

Do I need to hire an Attorney?

You are allowed to hire an attorney (Texas Government Code Section 28.003), however, most small claims court parties choose to represent themselves. The reasoning behind this is because the amount is $10,000 or less, hiring an attorney becomes cost prohibitive. You are not required to have an attorney, but you are allowed one. (Government Code 28.003).

Can I file my small claims case in Austin County?

In order to follow correct procedure, a small claims case needs to be filed in the proper county and precinct. In Texas, the action is filed in the County and Precinct where the defendants reside or where a contract was to be performed. (Government Code Section 28.011).

Judges for Small Claims Court Cases in Austin County

Small claims cases in Austin County are heard in front of the justice of the peace for Austin County.

Small Claims Court Case Types

Most cases for the recovery of money can be heard in small claims court. Cases include damages from an automobile accident, a security deposit from a landlord, or breach of a contract. Under Texas law, collections cases and claim assignments cannot be heard in small claims court.

Are there appeals in small claims court?

A party can appeal a ruling if the amount of the judge’s award is in excess of $250.00.

What is the trial like?

The trial is relatively informal compared to a normal trial. There are no rules of evidence. Generally the judge will ask questions to help develop the facts and understand the context and circumstances surrounding the case. A small claims court trial is much quicker, often lasting between 15-20 minutes. A jury trial will likely last longer, probably a few hours.

Austin County Court Locations

Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Bellville

This courthouse is located at:

One E Main St

Bellville, TX 77418

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (979)865-9171. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Industry

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 176

Industry, TX 78944-0176

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (979)357-4477. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 3 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Sealy

This courthouse is located at:

201 Atchison St

Sealy, TX 77474-2339

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (979)885-3195. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Wallis

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 760

Wallis, TX 77485-0760

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (979)478-6723. And you can email the court by clicking here.