Judges for Small Claims Court Cases in San Jacinto County
The justice of the peace for San Jacinto County presides over small claims court actions for San Jacinto County.
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 San Jacinto County. We recommend calling the clerk’s office to ensure the courthouse is open. Also, while the clerk can answer questions about procedures, the clerk cannot give legal advice.
Small Claims Court Jurisdiction
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. 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.
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. San Jacinto County Small Claims Court cases are heard in 4 courthouses in San Jacinto County. 
What can I expect at trial?
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. 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.
Types of Small Claims Cases
Small claims courts handle a wide variety of cases. 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.
Can I file my small claims case in San Jacinto County?
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).
Do I need to 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. However, you are allowed to retain one if you choose.
San Jacinto County Court Locations
Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Coldspring
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 (936)653-4578. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Shepherd
This courthouse is located at:
1000 N Byrd Ave, Ste 5 Shepherd, TX 77371-6332This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (936)628-6477. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 3 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Coldspring
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 341 Coldspring, TX 77331This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (281)592-4400. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Point Blank
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 63 Point Blank, TX 77364This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (936)377-2131. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Thank you, in advance, for acknowledging my email. My name is Cherrie McFarland and I spoke with your office a couple months back regarding filing a law suit in your small claims court on the individual that damaged my vehicle. At the time, he had no auto insurance and agreed to pay privately for the repairs. After repeated attempts to contact him, I sent a formal “letter of intent to sue” to his home address by certified mail to which he did not respond to. I received the letter back in its entirety. My vehicle is currently in the process of being repaired so I have no way to get to your office. I have prepared a letter describing the accident including a diagram of the gas station where this happened. I have also printed and filled out the petition form, statement of inability to afford payment…. and application for writ of garnishment. Is there any way I can handle this online until you assign the court date…? Please email me at cherriemcfarland@gmail.com with your answer asap.