Webb County Small Claims Court, Texas

Can I appeal my case?

A party can appeal a ruling if the amount of the judge’s award is in excess of $250.00.

Types of Cases

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.

Can I file my small claims case in Webb 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).

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). Small claims parties can only recover money. The court has no authority to issue an injunctive or equitable award. 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.

What can I expect at trial?

Unlike regular civil trials, small claims court rules do not follow the Rules of Evidence. There are no rules of evidence. Furthermore, the judge is allowed and often ask questions of witnesses and parties to help understand the facts of a case. Trials generally are pretty short (15-20 minutes). A jury trial will likely last longer, probably a few hours.

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.

Clerk’s Role in Small Claims Court Actions

We recommend contacting the Webb County court clerk before proceeding down to the courthouse to file your action. 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. Also, while the clerk can answer questions about procedures, the clerk cannot give legal advice. Small Claims actions are heard in 6 courthouses throughout Webb County.

Judge

A Justice of the Peace for Webb County hears small claims court cases for Webb County.

Webb County Court Locations

Precinct 1 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Laredo

This courthouse is located at:

1110 Victoria, Ste 106

Laredo, TX 78042

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)523-4300. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 1 Place 2 Courthouse in the City of Laredo

This courthouse is located at:

1110 Victoria, Ste 103

Laredo, TX 78040

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 2. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)523-4303. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 2 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Laredo

This courthouse is located at:

901 S Milmo

Laredo, TX 78043

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)523-5360.

Precinct 2 Place 2 Courthouse in the City of Laredo

This courthouse is located at:

901 S Milmo, 2nd Fl

Laredo, TX 78041

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 2. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)791-6263.

Precinct 3 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Oilton

This courthouse is located at:

P O Box 52

Oilton, TX 78371

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)523-4850. And you can email the court by clicking here.

Precinct 4 Place 1 Courthouse in the City of Laredo

This courthouse is located at:

8501 San Dario Dr

Laredo, TX 78045-7291

This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 4 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (956)523-4840. And you can email the court by clicking here.