Hockley County Small Claims Court, Texas

Types of Small Claims 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. Under Texas law, collections cases and claim assignments cannot be heard in small claims court.

Judges for Small Claims Court Cases in Hockley County

The justice of the peace for Hockley County presides over small claims court actions for Hockley County. Small Claims Court cases for Hockley are heard in 4 LOCATIONS throughout Hockley County.

Do I need to hire an Attorney?

Small claims court litigants in Texas normally represent themselves without an attorney. 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).

Can I file my small claims case in Hockley County?

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).

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. It will likely be pretty quick. If a jury trial is required, the trial could last a few hours.

Small Claims Court Jurisdiction

A plaintiff cannot demand more than $10,000 in their action. (Texas Government Code 28.093). Small claims parties can only recover money. The court has no authority to issue an injunctive or equitable award. 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.

Can I appeal my case?

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

Clerk’s Role in Small Claims Court Actions

The clerk at the courthouse can be an excellent resource for your case. The clerk is knowledgeable at all of the procedures and will be able to inform you of any specific local procedures for Hockley County. We recommend calling the clerk’s office to ensure the courthouse is open. Remember, the court clerk is trained to assist with procedural questions, but is not able to give legal advice.

Hockley County Court Locations

Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Ropesville

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 203

Ropesville, TX 79358

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (806)562-2205.

Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Sundown

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 896

Sundown, TX 79372-0896

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (806)229-2022. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Anton

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 556

Anton, TX 79313-0556

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (806)891-2542.

Precinct 5 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Levelland

This courthouse is located at:

624 Ave H, Rm 205

Levelland, TX 79336

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 5 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (806)894-4104. And you can email the court by clicking here.