Cherokee County Small Claims Court, Texas

How are trials conducted?

Small claims court trials are very informal compared to a regular civil trial. In fact, the judge in small claims court is charged with developing facts of the case and may question or summon witnesses. Additionally, the judge is allowed to ask questions of the parties and witnesses, and generally takes a more proactive role in determining the facts of a case. Trials generally are pretty short (15-20 minutes). However, if a party wishes for a jury trial, it will likely last a few hours. Cherokee County Small Claims Court cases are heard in 4 courthouses in Cherokee County.

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.

Judges for Small Claims Court Cases in Cherokee County

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

Can I file my small claims case in Cherokee 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).

Small Claims Court Jurisdiction

A plaintiff cannot demand more than $10,000 in their action. (Texas Government Code 28.093). Another restriction of small claims court is that a plaintiff can only seek monetary relief (an award of money). You are unable to seek injunctive or equitable relief. For example, you could sue a dry cleaner for ruining your clothes and ask for money to replace the clothes, but you cannot ask the judge for an order for the dry cleaner to repair your clothes. This would be called injunctive relief.

Clerk’s Role in Small Claims Court Actions

The clerk is often the first person small claims court litigants interact with in their case. This will ensure the courthouse is open and someone is available to assist with the filing of your claim. Remember, the court clerk is trained to assist with procedural questions, but is not able to give legal advice.

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. This is largely because the amount at issue in the case is not large enough to justify the hiring of an attorney. You are not required to have an attorney, but you are allowed one. (Government Code 28.003).

Types of Cases

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. 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.

Cherokee County Court Locations

Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Rusk

This courthouse is located at:

272 Underwood St

Rusk, TX 75785

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)683-4663. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Alto

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 553

Alto, TX 75925-0553

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (936)858-4732. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 3 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Jacksonville

This courthouse is located at:

207 S Patton St

Jacksonville, TX 75766

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)586-9161. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Jacksonville

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 728

Jacksonville, TX 75766-0728

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)586-1065. And you can email the court by clicking here.