La Salle County Small Claims Court cases are heard in 4 courthouses in La Salle County. 
Judges for Small Claims Court Cases in La Salle County
Small claims cases in La Salle County are heard in front of the justice of the peace for La Salle County.
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.
Can I file my case in small claims court?
A plaintiff cannot demand more than $10,000 in their action. (Texas Government Code 28.093). Additionally, a small claims court plaintiff can only ask the court for monetary relief. The court has no authority to issue an injunctive or equitable award. Say your landscaper breaks a sprinkler head. You can ask the court for money to replace the sprinkler head, but you cannot ask the court for an order requiring the landscaper to physically replace the sprinkler head. This type of relief would be injunctive relief.
How are trials conducted?
Small claims court trials are very informal compared to a regular civil 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.
Clerk’s Role in Small Claims Court Actions
The clerk at the courthouse can be an excellent resource for your 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. This is because cases involving $10,000 or less usually do not justify the cost of an attorney. You are not required to have an attorney, but you are allowed one. (Government Code 28.003).
Where do I file my small claims court case?
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).
La Salle County Court Locations
Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Cotulla
This courthouse is located at:
101 Courthouse Sq Cotulla, TX 78014This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (830)483-5147. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Encinal
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 251 Encinal, TX 78019This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)948-5086. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 3 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Cotulla
This courthouse is located at:
707 Buckley Cotulla, TX 78014This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (830)879-4128.
Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Fowlerton
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 476 Fowlerton, TX 78021This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (830)202-0096. And you can email the court by clicking here.