Presidio County Small Claims Court cases are heard in 2 courthouses in Presidio County. 
Who is the judge in a Small Claims Court case?
A Justice of the Peace for Presidio County hears small claims court cases for Presidio County.
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).
Can I hire an attorney?
Small claims court litigants in Texas normally represent themselves without an attorney. 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).
Types of Cases
Most cases for the recovery of money can be heard 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.
How are trials conducted?
The trial is relatively informal compared to a normal trial. In fact, the judge in small claims court is charged with developing facts of the case and may question or summon witnesses. Additionally, the judge is allowed to ask questions of the parties and witnesses, and generally takes a more proactive role in determining the facts of a case. It will likely be pretty quick. If a jury trial is required, the trial could last a few hours.
Small Claims Court Jurisdiction
A plaintiff cannot demand more than $10,000 in their action. (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. This would be called injunctive relief.
Small Claims Court Clerk
The clerk at the courthouse can be an excellent resource for your case. The clerk is knowledgeable at all of the procedures and will be able to inform you of any specific local procedures for Presidio County. We recommend calling the clerk’s office to ensure the courthouse is open. Remember, the court clerk is trained to assist with procedural questions, but is not able to give legal advice.
Are there appeals in small claims court?
A party can appeal a ruling if the amount of the judge’s award is in excess of $250.00.
Presidio County Court Locations
Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Marfa
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 481 Marfa, TX 79843This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (432)729-4831. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Presidio
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 900 Presidio, TX 79845This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (432)229-3705. And you can email the court by clicking here.