What is the trial like?
Unlike regular civil trials, small claims court rules do not follow the Rules of Evidence. In fact, the judge in small claims court is charged with developing facts of the case and may question or summon witnesses. 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. If a jury trial is required, the trial could last a few hours.
Hopkins 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. 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. However, you are allowed to retain one if you choose.
Types of Small Claims Cases
Most cases for the recovery of money can be heard in small claims court. From a security deposit on a rental to a motor vehicle accident. Under Texas law, collections cases and claim assignments cannot be heard in small claims court. Hopkins County Small Claims Court cases are heard in 2 courthouses in Hopkins County. 
Can I file my case in small claims court?
You cannot demand or ask for more than $10,000 in a small claims court case. (Government Code 28.093). Small claims parties can only recover money. You cannot seek injunctive 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.
Can I file my small claims case in Hopkins 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 Hopkins County
The justice of the peace for Hopkins County presides over small claims court actions for Hopkins County.
Are Appeals Allowed?
Yes, but only if the amount in controversy is in excess of $250.
Hopkins County Court Locations
Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Sulphur Springs
This courthouse is located at:
128K Jefferson St Sulphur Springs, TX 75482This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (903)438-4026. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Sulphur Springs
This courthouse is located at:
128G Jefferson St Sulphur Springs, TX 75482-2705This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (903)438-4036. And you can email the court by clicking here.
I had a vehicle and 2 tvs taken from me and have not recieived payment for either.
How do I file this in your court system???