Limit (or Jurisdiction) of Small Claims Court
You cannot demand or ask for more than $10,000 in a small claims court case. (Government Code 28.093). Another restriction of small claims court is that a plaintiff can only seek monetary relief (an award of 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. You could only ask the court for an award of money.
Judges for Small Claims Court Cases in Karnes County
A Justice of the Peace for Karnes County hears small claims court cases for Karnes County.
Small Claims Court Case Types
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. 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. Small Claims Court cases for Karnes are heard in 4 LOCATIONS throughout Karnes County. 
What can I expect at trial?
Unlike regular civil trials, small claims court rules do not follow the Rules of Evidence. There are no rules of evidence. 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. If a jury trial is required, the trial could last a few hours.
Can I file my small claims case in Karnes 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).
Karnes 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.
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 because cases involving $10,000 or less usually do not justify the cost of an attorney. Nevertheless, you are allowed to retain one if you desire. (Texas Government Code Section 28.003).
Are there appeals in small claims court?
Appeals are allowed if the amount of the award exceeds $250.00.
Karnes County Court Locations
Precinct 1 Courthouse in the City of Kenedy
This courthouse is located at:
This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (830)583-2102. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 2 Courthouse in the City of Falls City
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 328 Falls City, TX 78113-0328This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (830)254-3226. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 3 Courthouse in the City of Karnes City
This courthouse is located at:
210 W Calvert Ave, Ste 130 Karnes City, TX 78118-3119This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (830)780-4373. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 4 Courthouse in the City of Runge
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 26 Runge, TX 78151-0026This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (830)239-4459. And you can email the court by clicking here.