Small Claims Court Jurisdiction
The plaintiff’s demand for money cannot exceed $10,000. (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, 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.
How are trials conducted?
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. 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. Kenedy County Small Claims Court cases are heard in 4 courthouses in Kenedy County. 
Judge
Small claims cases in Kenedy County are heard in front of the justice of the peace for Kenedy County.
Small Claims Court Case Types
A variety of cases are handled in small claims court. This could be an action to get your security deposit back, or an action to recover money for damage done to your vehicle after a car accident. Under Texas law, collections cases and claim assignments cannot be heard in small claims court.
Small Claims Court Venue
You should file your action in the County and specific Precinct where the defendants reside or where the defendant has contracted to perform. (Government Code Section 28.011).
Can I 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. Nevertheless, you are allowed to retain one if you desire. (Texas Government Code Section 28.003).
Clerk’s Role in Small Claims Court Actions
The clerk is often the first person small claims court litigants interact with in their case. The clerk is knowledgeable at all of the procedures and will be able to inform you of any specific local procedures for Kenedy County. We recommend calling the clerk’s office to ensure the courthouse is open. 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.
Can I appeal my case?
Appeals are allowed if the amount of the award exceeds $250.00.
Kenedy County Court Locations
Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Sarita
This courthouse is located at:
This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (361)294-5785. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Sarita
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 8 Sarita, TX 78385This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (361)294-5298.
Precinct 3 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Sarita
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 8 Sarita, TX 78385This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (361)294-5786. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Sarita
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 8 Sarita, TX 78385This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (361)294-5787.