Bowie County Small Claims Court, Texas

What can I expect at trial?

The trial is relatively informal compared to a normal trial. This allows the trials to be conducted in a much more informal fashion. Generally the judge will ask questions to help develop the facts and understand the context and circumstances surrounding the case. Trials generally are pretty short (15-20 minutes). If a jury trial is required, the trial could last a few hours. Small Claims Court cases for Bowie are heard in 6 LOCATIONS throughout Bowie County.

Limit (or Jurisdiction) of Small Claims Court

A plaintiff cannot demand more than $10,000 in their action. (Texas Government Code 28.093). Additionally, a small claims court plaintiff can only ask the court for monetary relief. You cannot seek injunctive relief. Say your landscaper breaks a sprinkler head. You can ask the court for money to replace the sprinkler head, but you cannot ask the court for an order requiring the landscaper to physically replace the sprinkler head. You could only ask the court for an award of money.

Small Claims Court Venue

The action is generally filed in the County and Precinct where the defendants reside (where they live) or where location where the Defendants contracted themselves to perform. (Texas Government Code Section 28.011).

Do I need to hire an Attorney?

Small claims court litigants in Texas normally represent themselves without an attorney. This is because cases involving $10,000 or less usually do not justify the cost of an attorney. You are not required to have an attorney, but you are allowed one. (Government Code 28.003).

Types of Cases

Small claims courts handle a wide variety of cases. Cases include damages from an automobile accident, a security deposit from a landlord, or breach of a contract. The only types of cases that are prohibited are an assignment of a claim (whereby you transfer your interest in a case for someone else to collect), a divorce, or a case filed by a collection agency or agents.

Judge

The justice of the peace for Bowie County presides over small claims court actions for Bowie County.

Are there appeals in small claims court?

Appeals are allowed if the amount of the award exceeds $250.00.

Bowie County Court Clerk

The clerk is often the first person small claims court litigants interact with in their 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. Remember, the court clerk is trained to assist with procedural questions, but is not able to give legal advice.

Bowie County Court Locations

Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Texarkana

This courthouse is located at:

100 N State Line Ave, Box 13

Texarkana, TX 75501-5666

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (903)798-3006. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 1 Place 2 Courthouse in the City of Texarkana

This courthouse is located at:

100 N State Line Ave, Box 14

Texarkana, TX 75501-5666

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 2. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (903)798-3038.

Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of New Boston

This courthouse is located at:

710 James Bowie Dr

New Boston, TX 75570

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (903)628-6812. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 3 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of De Kalb

This courthouse is located at:

902 W Front St

De Kalb, TX 75559-0241

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (903)667-3891. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Simms

This courthouse is located at:

4844 US Hwy 67W

Simms, TX 75574

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (903)543-2279. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 5 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Maud

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 189

Maud, TX 75567

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 5 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (903)585-5429. And you can email the court by clicking here.