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Justices of the Peace

Precinct 1
Judge Celia Devillier

211 Broadway Ave.
Mailing: PO Box 332
Winnie, Texas 77665

Phone:  (409) 296-8247 
              (409) 267-2641
Fax:       (409) 296-8651 

Email

Staff:
Janet Vayon, Chief Clerk
Melissa Cormier, Clerk
Yvette Sonnier, Clerk

Precinct 2
Judge Michael W. Wheat

300 Cummings Street
Mailing: PO Box 971
Anahuac, Texas 77514

Phone:  (409) 267-2519
Fax:       (409) 267-3120
Email

Staff:

Amy Turner, Chief Clerk 
Amy Tapp, Clerk
Lilyana Vargas, Clerk


*Notice*  Justice Court Precinct 3 was merged with Precinct 2.  Contact Precinct 2 regarding any pending, closed or disposed cases for Precinct 3.

Precinct 4
Judge Blake D. Sylvia

10616 Eagle Drive
Mailing: PO Box 827
Mont Belvieu, Texas 77580

Phone:  (281) 383-3197
              (409) 267-2610
Fax:       (281) 385-2158
Email

Staff:

Vicky Page, Chief Clerk
Jimmie Wheeler, Clerk

Precinct 5
Judge David Hatfield

524 No. 9 Road
Mailing: PO Box 2
Wallisville, Texas 77597

Phone:  (409) 267-2561

Fax:       (409) 389-2411

Email

Staff:
Autumn Poole, Chief Clerk
Maria Diaz, Clerk
Vickie Sanchez, Clerk

Precinct 6
Judge Larry Cryer

7711 Highway 146
Baytown, Texas 77523


Phone:  (409) 267-2570 
              (281) 383-3641
Fax:       (281) 573-1823
Email

Staff:
Tammy Jenkins, Chief Clerk
Julene Losier, Clerk
Roma Fechner, Clerk

Reyna Villapando, Clerk

About the Offices
The justices of the peace are elected for a term of four years from each justice precinct in the county.  Justices of the peace are required to obtain 80 hours of continuing education during their first year in office and 20 hours annually thereafter.  The justices of the peace are the presiding officers of the justice courts, also called small claims courts.
A justice of the peace has the following duties:
  • Hears traffic and other Class C misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only
  • Hears civil cases with up to $20,000 in controversy
  • Hears landlord and tenant disputes
  • Hears truancy cases
  • Performs magistrate duties
  • Conducts inquests
A justice of the peace also has various other duties related to the judicial function, such as:
  • Hold hearings to determine if driver's licenses should be revoked or suspended and reports the finding to the Department of Public Safety
  • Conducting hearings to determine whether probable cause existed for the towing and storage of a motor vehicle without the owner's consent
  • Issue arrest and search warrants
  • May perform marriage ceremonies
  • Numerous other duties

Traffic Offenses & Misdemeanor Cases

A Justice Court has jurisdiction over "fine-only" misdemeanors, which includes traffic offenses, Parks & Wildlife offenses and Class C criminal misdemeanors.  Traffic offenses, generally have a fine range up to $200, plus all costs of court, whereas Parks & Wildlife offense and Class C misdemeanors have a fine range up to $500, plus all costs of court.  There are exceptions where the fine may exceed these maximums, for example, passing a school bus while loading and unloading children, carries a maximum fine of $1,250, plus all costs of court. 
 

View and Pay Cases Online

  • To search and view cases online:
     

  • To make online payment:
    Click here:   Case Portal Access - Pct. 6  *
    * Justice Court Pct. 6 only ~ Coming Soon for all Chambers County Justice Courts

Forms

  • Q. What does a "plea" mean?
    A.  Once a defendant is given notice of the charges filed, the defendant must enter a plea of "guilty" (admitting to the offense), "nolo contendere" ("no contest") (not admitting guilt, but not contesting the charges filed, or "not guilty" (requiring a trial by judge or jury).   A plea of "guilty" or "nolo contendere" ("no contest") will result in a finding of guilt by the court, along with a penalty.  A plea of "not guilty" will result in the the case being set for a trial by judge or jury. 

    Q.  Do I have to come to court?
    A.  Defendants must appear either (1) in person, (2) by mail, or (3) through an attorney.  Minors (under age 17) must appear before the court in person with a parent or legal guardian. 

    Q. How long do I have to appear?
    A.  Your ticket (also called a citation) has an "on or before" date that was written in by the officer at the time citation was issued.  It is also called your appearance day.  You can usually take care of your business with the court on or before your appearance day.

    Q. What if the court is closed on my appearance day?
    A.  The citation states the appearance day is "on or before" the date given by the officer.  However, if the appearance day
    falls on a weekend, holiday or day when the court is closed for some unforeseen reason, your appearance day will b the
    next business day of the court.

    Q. Can I get an extension of my time to appear?
    A.  The courts will work with you on extensions but you must contact the court.  This may vary according to each court's
    policy as some courts may require you to request an extension in writing while others may grant an extension by
    appearing in person or calling the court. 

    Q.  What if I just pay the fine?
    A.  If a defendant pays the fine without explanation, the court is authorized to accept the fine and enter a conviction as
    though the defendant appeared and entered a plea of "nolo contendere ("no contest").  A minor (under age 17) cannot
    pay the fine without appearing in court with a parent or guardian.

    Q.  What if I cannot pay the fine?
    A.  If a defendant is unable to pay the fine, the court will work with the defendant with alternatives which may include, but
    not limited, to (1) a payment plan or (2) community service.  A request and explanation of circumstances must be made,
    to the court, in writing or in person.  

Eviction

An Eviction Case is a lawsuit brought to recover possession of real property, usually by a landlord against a tenant.  A claim for rent may be joined with an Eviction Case if the amount of rent due and unpaid is not more than $20,000, including attorney fees, if any, but excluding statutory interest and costs.  The Texas Property Code, Chapters 24, 91, 92, 93, and 94, govern the relationship between landlord and tenant, tenancies, and eviction proceedings.  Eviction Cases are governed by Justice Court Rules 500 – 507, and Rules 510.1 0 510.13, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, which can be found in the link below.

Additional information can be found under the "Self-Help Resources" tab.

Forms


Other

  • Q. Where do I file my Eviction suit?
    A.  An eviction suit must be filed in the Justice Court in the precinct and county in which the property is located. 

    Q.  How can I find out which precinct a property is located in?
    A.  You can search the County Map (located on a tab above) by clicking "JP Precincts" and entering the address in the search
    bar, which is on the top right of the map page.

    Q. How much does it costs to file an Eviction suit?
    A. A summary of the current costs can be found above in "Justice Court Fees".

    Q. How much does it costs for a Writ of Possession?
    A. A summary of the current costs can be found above in "Justice Court Fees".

Small Claims (Justice Court)

A Small Claims Case is a lawsuit brought for the recovery of money damages, personal property, or other relief allowed by law.  The claim can be for no more than $20,000, including attorney fees, if any, but excluding statutory interest and costs.  Small Claims Cases are governed by Justice Court Rules 500 – 507, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, which can be found in the link below.

Additional information can be found under the "Self-Help Resources" tab.
 
Forms


Other

  • Q. What can I sue for in Justice Court?
    A.  You can sue for most civil matters in which the amount in controversy is not more than $20,000, exclusive of interest. You cannot ask for a divorce in Justice Court, nor can you sue for slander or defamation, or to recover title to land, or to enforce a lien on land. You may sue to recover a specific article of property if the value of the property is less than $20,000. The Justice Court is not able to require another party to do or refrain from doing any act. Know the value of your claim. If you are represented by an attorney, you may be able to recover attorney's fees, but the total amount of your claim, exclusive of interest, may not exceed $20,000.

    Q. How much does it costs to file a lawsuit in Justice Court?
    A. The Justice Court must collect fees for the filing a Petition in the Justice Court.  A summary of the current costs can be found above in "Justice Court Fees".

    Q.  What information do I need to file against a business?
    A.  You will need to determine who owns the business. Is it a corporation, a partnership, or a sole proprietorship? It is your responsibility to make sure that you are suing the proper party and that you have named an appropriate person as agent for service of process.

    If the business is a corporation, you will need the correct name of the corporation, and the name and address of the corporation's registered agent, or its president or vice-president.

    If the business is a partnership, you will need the name and address of at least one of the partners.

    If the business is a sole proprietorship, you will need the name and address of the owner of the business.

    Business ownership may be determined from the Chambers County Clerk's Assumed Name Records.

    Information about corporate entities may be obtained from the Corporation Division of the Office of the Secretary of State at (512) 463-5555, or the Office of the State Comptroller at (800) 252-1386.

    Q.  Should I file a lawsuit?
    A. A Judge or Court Clerks cannot advise you whether or not to file a lawsuit.  Filing a lawsuit should be a last resort if you are unable to resolve your dispute with the other party.  But, do not wait too long to present your claim as it must be filed within any applicable statute of limitations. 

    Q. What do I need to prepare for trial?
    A.  Gather all of the information you need to prove your claim.  Collect all records, such as copies of contracts, invoices, or other agreements.  Compile a list of witnesses with their names, addresses and telephone numbers.
Debt Claims (Justice Court)

 

A Debt Claims Case is a lawsuit brought to recover a debt by: an assignee of a claim; a debt collector or collection agency; a financial institution; or a person or entity primarily engaged in the business of lending money at interest.  The claim can be for no more than $20,000, including attorney fees, if any, but excluding statutory interest and costs.  Debt Claims Cases are governed by Justice Court Rules 500 – 507, and Rules 508.1 - 508.3 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, which can be found in the link below. 

Additional information can be found under the "Self-Help Resources" tab.

 
Forms

 

Other

  • Q. What can I sue for in Justice Court?
    A.  You can sue for most civil matters in which the amount in controversy is not more than $20,000, exclusive of interest. You cannot ask for a divorce in Justice Court, nor can you sue for slander or defamation, or to recover title to land, or to enforce a lien on land. You may sue to recover a specific article of property if the value of the property is less than $20,000. The Justice Court is not able to require another party to do or refrain from doing any act. Know the value of your claim. If you are represented by an attorney, you may be able to recover attorney's fees, but the total amount of your claim, exclusive of interest, may not exceed $20,000.

    Q. How much does it costs to file a lawsuit in Justice Court?
    A. The Justice Court must collect fees for the filing a Petition in the Justice Court.  A summary of the current costs can be found above in "Justice Court Fees".

    Q.  What information do I need to file against a business?
    A.  You will need to determine who owns the business. Is it a corporation, a partnership, or a sole proprietorship? It is your responsibility to make sure that you are suing the proper party and that you have named an appropriate person as agent for service of process.

    If the business is a corporation, you will need the correct name of the corporation, and the name and address of the corporation's registered agent, or its president or vice-president.

    If the business is a partnership, you will need the name and address of at least one of the partners.

    If the business is a sole proprietorship, you will need the name and address of the owner of the business.

    Business ownership may be determined from the Chambers County Clerk's Assumed Name Records.

    Information about corporate entities may be obtained from the Corporation Division of the Office of the Secretary of State at (512) 463-5555, or the Office of the State Comptroller at (800) 252-1386.

    Q.  Should I file a lawsuit?
    A. A Judge or Court Clerks cannot advise you whether or not to file a lawsuit.  Filing a lawsuit should be a last resort if you are unable to resolve your dispute with the other party.  But, do not wait too long to present your claim as it must be filed within any applicable statute of limitations. 

    Q. What do I need to prepare for trial?
    A.  Gather all of the information you need to prove your claim.  Collect all records, such as copies of contracts, invoices, or other agreements.  Compile a list of witnesses with their names, addresses and telephone numbers.

     

Repair and Remedy

A Repair and Remedy Case is a lawsuit brought by a residential tenant under Chapter 92 Subchapter B of the Texas Property Code to enforce the landlord's duty to repair and remedy a condition materially affecting the health and safety of an ordinary tenant. Repair and Remedy Cases are governed by Justice Court Rules 500 – 507, and Rules 509.1 - 509.9 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, which can be found in the link below.

Writ of Re-Entry

A writ of re-entry is a case filed by a residential tenant against a landlord that improperly locks them out of the residence being rented, asking the court for an order to let the tenant back into the residence.

Writ of Retrieval

A writ of retrieval is a case filed when a person is locked out of their residence or former residence by another occupant, asking the court for an order authorizing them to go back in, accompanied by a peace officer, to retrieve certain essential items that belongs to them (such as clothes or medicine).

Writ of Restoration

A writ of restoration is a case filed by a residential tenant against a landlord that cuts off utilities, asking the court for an order for the landlord to turn them back on.

Additional information can be found under the "Self-Help Resources" tab.

Forms


Other

Self-Help Resources for Self-Represented Litigants

  • Texas Court Help - Videos and other information in English and Spanish about going through the court system, including information about how to find a lawyer, where to find forms, and how to get ready for court.
  • Texas Law Help - Information about different areas of the law for people who are handling their own simple civil legal matter.
  • Texas State Law Library Consumer & Self-Help Information - The State Law Library web site has Self-Help information, forms and links.
  • Texas Justice Court Training Center - This site does not provide legal advice but has helpful information, forms and links for self-represented litigants.  
  • Lone Star Legal Aid - Provides Free Advocacy, legal representation and community education.
                 Lone Star Legal Aid: Information Flyer
  • Justice Court (500) Rules



    • Self-Represented Information Packets

             *A party filing a lawsuit is referred to as Plaintiff. 
             *A party being sued is referred to as Defendant.

    Small Claims Plaintiff:      Filing a Small Claims case 
    Small Claims Defendant:  A Small Claims case has been filed against you

    Eviction Plaintiff:       Filing an Eviction case
    Eviction Defendant:  An Eviction case has been filed against you

    Tenant: Repair & Remedy  (When your landlord will not make repairs)
    Tenant: Retrieval; Re-Entry or Restoration  (When you've been locked out or your landlord cuts off utilities)

    Debt Claim Defendant:   A Debt Claims case has been filed against you

    Occupational Driver's License (ODL)

    When a person's driver's license or privilege is suspended, that person can qualify under certain circumstances for a special license, call an occupational driver's license (ODL), that allows them to drive with specific restrictions during the period of suspension.

    If the driver's license has not been suspended, then the person is not eligible for an ODL.  If the driver's license was suspended because of a DWI conviction, a Justice of the Peace cannot issue an ODL, the person has to apply with the court where they were convicted.

    Application:  An application must be filed in a justice, county, or district court in the precinct or county in which (1) the person resides; or (2) the offense occurred for which the license was suspended.  The petition describes in detail the applicant's essential need for an occupational driver's license. 

    Filing fee: The fee to file an Application for Occupational Drivers License in the Justice Court is $54.  The filing fee is payable by cash, cashier's check or money order payable to Chambers County, or by credit card (convenience fees applicable).

    Driving Record:  You must order a certified abstract of your complete driving record (Type AR).  The court cannot consider granting an occupational driver's license without this record.  A certified 3-year history record (Type 2A or Type 3A) will not be sufficient, you must request Type AR.  DPS Form DR-36 is available below or can be found on the Texas Dept. of Public Safety site:  https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/txldrcdr/TXDPSLicenseeManager

    Evidence of Financial Responsibility:  In addition to the Certified Abstract of your Driving Record, you must provide evidence of financial responsibility (insurance) in accordance with the Texas Motor Vehicle Safety Act, Chapter 601, Texas Transportation Code.  The court cannot consider granting an Occupational DL without this proof.

    Click to view County Map, to search for a road and precinct *
       *You may have to click on the "Layers" list on the right, select "Justice of the Peace" and unselect "Voting Precincts"
    Important Links

     

  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Chambers County Constables
  • DADAP Online - Drug & Alcohol Awareness Program
  • Lone Star Legal Aid - Provides Free Advocacy, legal representation and community education.
  • OMNI / FTA Program - Unable to Renew drivers license
  • The People's Lawyer
  • Texas Association of Counties - Websites
  • Texas DPS Online - Driver Eligibility
  • Texas DPS Online - Driver Records
  • Texas DPS Online - Suspensions & Reinstatements
  • Texas Justice Court Training Center - Provides information, forms and links for self-represented litigants
  • Texas Law Help - Online Resource for Variety of Issues
  • Texas Legislature Online - Texas Statutes
  • Ticket Help Texas Toolkit - Explains the process and options
  • State Bar of Texas - Pamphlets for Public
    •  

    It is each parties responsibility to file the correct number of copies needed.  The COURT, gets the original document, and there should be a copy for the Plaintiff and one for EACH defendant.  If you want file stamped copies returned to you by mail, YOU must provide a SELF-ADDRESSED, STAMPED ENVELOPE.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Descargo de responsabilidad: Los jueces de paz del condado de Chambers y los secretarios de los tribunales de justicia no pueden brindar asesoramiento legal. Cualquier información en este sitio web se proporciona solo con fines de información general y no pretende ser un consejo legal. La ley cambia constantemente y puede haber ocasiones en las que la información del sitio web no esté actualizada.

    Esta información no es un tratamiento integral del tema y no sustituye el consejo de un abogado. Aunque no es obligatorio, siempre es mejor contar con un abogado que pueda ayudarlo a comprender sus derechos y opciones y ayudarlo a obtener los mejores resultados posibles en su caso. A veces, incluso los asuntos más sencillos pueden tener consecuencias de las que no es consciente o no comprende.

     Criminal y tráfico (Criminal & Traffic):
    Un Tribunal de Justicia tiene jurisdicción sobre los delitos menores "solo para multas", que incluyen delitos de tráfico y delitos
    menores     de clase C. Las infracciones de tránsito generalmente tienen un rango de multa de hasta $ 200, más todos los costos de la
    corte,     mientras que los delitos menores de Clase C tienen un rango de multa de hasta $ 500, más todos los costos de la corte. Hay
    excepciones en las que la multa puede exceder estos máximos, por ejemplo, pasar un autobús escolar mientras se suben y bajan niños,
    conlleva una multa máxima de $ 1,250, más todos los costos de la corte.

     

    Civil, desalojos y reclamos menores (Civil, Evictions & Small Claims):

    Weddings
    Justices of the Peace may perform marriage ceremonies and the Judges would be honored to perform your ceremony.  Please contact a specific Judge for information about availability, scheduling and fees, which may vary depending on date, time and location of the ceremony.
    Press ENTER key to focus on the active panel

    Disclaimer:  The Chambers County Justices of the Peace and Clerks of the Justice Courts are not allowed to give legal advice.  Any information on this website is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.  The law is constantly changing and there maybe times when the information on the web site is not current.  This information is not a comprehensive treatment of the subject and is not a substitute for advice from an attorney.  Although not required, it is always best to have an attorney that can help you understand your rights and options and help get the best results possible in your case.  Sometimes even simple matters can have consequences that you are not aware of or do not understand.

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