Jefferson County Small Claims Court, Texas

Are there appeals in small claims court?

Yes, but only if the amount in controversy is in excess of $250.

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. However, small claims court cannot handle assignments of claims (where one person transfers their interest in an action to another), a divorce proceedings, and cases filed by collection agencies or agents.

Judges for Small Claims Court Cases in Jefferson County

The justice of the peace for Jefferson County presides over small claims court actions for Jefferson County. Jefferson County Small Claims Court cases are heard in 7 courthouses in Jefferson County.

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. However, you are allowed to retain one if you choose.

Clerk’s Role in Small Claims Court Actions

We recommend contacting the Jefferson County court clerk before proceeding down to the courthouse to file your action. This will ensure the courthouse is open and someone is available to assist with the filing of your claim. Also, while the clerk can answer questions about procedures, the clerk cannot give legal advice.

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. You could only ask the court for an award of money.

What can I expect at trial?

Small claims court trials are very informal compared to a regular civil trial. This allows the trials to be conducted in a much more informal fashion. Furthermore, the judge is allowed and often ask questions of witnesses and parties to help understand the facts of a 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.

Small Claims Court Venue

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).

Jefferson County Court Locations

Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Beaumont

This courthouse is located at:

1085 Pearl St, Rm 105

Beaumont, TX 77701

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (409)835-8522. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 1 Place 2 Courthouse in the City of Beaumont

This courthouse is located at:

1085 Pearl St, Rm 104

Beaumont, TX 77701-3544

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 2. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (409)835-8457. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 2 Courthouse in the City of Port Arthur

This courthouse is located at:

525 Lakeshore Dr

Port Arthur, TX 77640

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (409)983-8325. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 4 Courthouse in the City of Beaumont

This courthouse is located at:

19217 FM 365

Beaumont, TX 77705-8771

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (409)434-5460. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 6 Courthouse in the City of Beaumont

This courthouse is located at:

1225 Pearl St, Ste 118

Beaumont, TX 77701

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 6. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (409)839-2333. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 7 Courthouse in the City of Beaumont

This courthouse is located at:

7933 Viterbo Rd, Ste 1

Beaumont, TX 77705

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 7. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (409)719-5900. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 8 Courthouse in the City of Port Arthur

This courthouse is located at:

525 Lakeshore Dr

Port Arthur, TX 77640

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 8. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (409)983-8330. And you can email the court by clicking here.