The Difference Between District Court and County Court in Texas
In the State of Texas, all counties have two separate courts, a county court and a district court. In the smaller counties, these two courts hear a variety of different matters, from criminal to probate to civil cases. However, in the larger counties, such as Tarrant County and Dallas County, the court system is divided with judges hearing only certain kind of cases.
In Tarrant County, for example, there are three county courts at law. These courts hear cases involving disputes under $100,000.00. There are no divorce proceedings or criminal proceedings in these courts, only civil proceedings, such as credit card collections and car accident cases. The jury consists of six jury members. Because of the kinds of cases in the county court, you can usually get to trial more quickly.
In Tarrant County, there are 10 civil district courts. These courts do not hear divorces or criminal matters, but instead hear civil disputes of all kinds. If a party has a claim that is worth less than $100,000.00, they have the choice of choosing county court or district court. However, if the claim is arguably worth more than $100,000.00, then the claimant should choose district court for these type matters. Currently, in Tarrant County, it takes longer to get to trial in district court than it does in county court due to there being more cases filed at the district court level. Also, in district court, there are 12 jurors which decide your case.
The same laws and rules apply in county and district court. With the only differences being the speed to which you can get to trial, the number of jurors, and the amount you can seek. Other than that, the court systems are basically the same.
In Dallas County, the county and district courts have what is called concurrent jurisdiction. By that, there is no difference in the amount that you plead. There is no limit to the amount you can recover in county court (as opposed to Tarrant County, where there is a limit of $100,000.00). As such, the only differences between county and district court in Dallas County are the number of jurors on a jury and how quickly the particular court might move your case along towards trial. And that all depends upon how busy the court is.
If you have any questions regarding the court systems or a legal claim in general, please contact the Anderson Law Firm.
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