What is the trial like?
Unlike regular civil trials, small claims court rules do not follow the Rules of Evidence. This allows the trials to be conducted in a much more informal fashion. Generally the judge will ask questions to help develop the facts and understand the context and circumstances surrounding the case. Trials generally are pretty short (15-20 minutes). A jury trial will likely last longer, probably a few hours.
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 are unable to seek injunctive or equitable relief. 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.
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.
Judge
The justice of the peace for Starr County presides over small claims court actions for Starr County.
Types of Cases
A variety of cases are handled in small claims court. From a security deposit on a rental to a motor vehicle accident. The only types of cases that are prohibited are an assignment of a claim (whereby you transfer your interest in a case for someone else to collect), a divorce, or a case filed by a collection agency or agents.
Can I file my small claims case in Starr 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). Starr County Small Claims Court cases are heard in 8 courthouses in Starr County. 
Small Claims Court Clerk
We recommend contacting the Starr County court clerk before proceeding down to the courthouse to file your action. The clerk is knowledgeable at all of the procedures and will be able to inform you of any specific local procedures for Starr 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.
Can I appeal my case?
Appeals are allowed if the amount of the award exceeds $250.00.
Starr County Court Locations
Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Rio Grande City
This courthouse is located at:
4208 W Hwy 83 Rio Grande City, TX 78582This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)849-4558.
Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Roma
This courthouse is located at:
1705 N Athens Roma, TX 78584This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)849-1253.
Precinct 3 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Grulla
This courthouse is located at:
This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)487-7049.
Precinct 4 Places 1 & 2 Courthouse in the City of Rio Grande City
This courthouse is located at:
401 N Britton Ave, Rm 403 Rio Grande City, TX 78582This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Places 1 & 2. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)716-4800 – ext. 8244 .
Precinct 5 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Rio Grande City
This courthouse is located at:
1264 FM 2686 Rio Grande City, TX 78582This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 5 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)481-3210. And you can email the court by clicking here.
Precinct 6 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Garciasville
This courthouse is located at:
P O Box 308 Garciasville, TX 78547This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 6 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)487-7180.
Precinct 7 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Roma
This courthouse is located at:
78 Salineno Rd Roma, TX 78584This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 7 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)848-5717.
Precinct 8 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Roma
This courthouse is located at:
5095 Old Escobares Hwy 83 Roma, TX 78584This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 8 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)849-7450. And you can email the court by clicking here.