Jurisdiction / Venue
The JP precinct in which the property is located has original
exclusive jurisdiction. Suits for Eviction which include unpaid rent
may not exceed $10,000. Only unpaid rent may be joined to a Suit to
Evict. Any other damages must be brought in a separate suit.
Plaintiff’s Burden
Plaintiffs should familiarize themselves with applicable
sections of the Texas Property Code and the Rules of Civil Procedure
before filing. It is your burden as the Plaintiff to prove your case.
Be sure to bring any documents or witnesses necessary to do so. You
are not required to be represented by an attorney. Landlords may be
represented by a Non-Attorney Agent.
Court Rules and Procedures
In Evictions the rules of evidence, discovery and civil procedure
DO apply. All parties will be held to these rules, with or without an
attorney. If you are not familiar with these rules you should contact
an attorney.
Dress Code
All requirements pertain to both adult and juvenile males and
females unless otherwise noted. Failure to comply may result in the
resetting of the case to a later date, or in the extreme, contempt of
court:
- Shoes are required
- No sleeveless shirts
- No shorts
- No exposed midriffs
- No clothing displaying offensive words or pictures (the Court
retains the exclusive right to define “offensive” on an individual
basis).
- No hats (exception: religion)
- Cleanliness
After the suit
If you win your Suit to Evict, a defendant has 5 business days to
file an appeal before a Writ of Possession can issue. If a money
judgment is also awarded, and is not immediately paid, you may pursue
several areas of post-judgment enforcement, including but not limited
to:
- Abstract of Judgment
- Writ of Execution
- Writ of Garnishment
Seek legal advice from a licensed attorney for help with these and other options.