Responsibilities of the Justice of the Peace
Judge
Administrative Hearings Officer
Coroner
Magistrate
Administrator
![]() |
County Justice of the Peace |
Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 Charles Morton 1700 Wilbarger Street Vernon, TX 76384 Phone: (940) 553-2306 Fax: (940) 553-2328 Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Lewis Templeton 1700 Wilbarger Street Room 22A Vernon, TX 76384 Phone: (940) 553-2307 Fax: (940) 553-2328 Information about Justice Court filings: Rules for Justice Court Cases Texas Rules of Evidence Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Functions: The Justice of the Peace courts have original jurisdiction over Class C Misdemeanor cases with fine only, plus Justice and Small Claims Court cases where the amount in controversy does not exceed $10,000.00. The Justice court has jurisdiction over all eviction suits and writs of re-entry. The Justice of the Peace may issue warrants for arrest plus search and seizure warrants. The Justice of the Peace also conducts administrative and magistrate hearings, which include bail settings, arraignments, driver's license suspensions, peace bonds, examining trials, stolen property and illegally towed vehicles. The court collects fines and fees for various civil and criminal cases filed. The Justice of the Peace performs marriage ceremonies. The Justice Court also has jurisdiction on truancy cases when the juvenile court has waived its jurisdiction, plus Failure to Attend School and thwarting cases have waived the jurisdiction. |
![]() |