Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace Courts
Hidalgo County
Overview
Guide Overview
Justice of the Peace (JP) Courts handle civil and criminal cases, including small claims (amount is $20,000 or less), Section 28 matters, school (truancy and discipline) cases, class C misdemeanors, justice court, and administrative hearings. These are lawsuits over debts, evictions, car accidents, unlawful towing, and property issues. Most JP’s perform marriage ceremonies as well.
This guide contains information on all Hidalgo County JP Courts.
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Research Tips
Read our articles on Zoom and how to use it to prepare for your hearing. You should also read the following rules of practice and procedure for Justice Courts:
Common questions about Hidalgo County
The nine Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace Courts are located in five precincts across Hidalgo County. Contact the Election Department at (956) 318-2570 to verify the precinct your case should be filed in.
Justice of the Peace Precinct 1—Weslaco, Mercedes, and Eastern Hidalgo County Area
Justice of the Peace Precinct 2—South McAllen, Pharr, San Juan, Alamo, and Hidalgo Area
Justice of the Peace Precinct 3—West McAllen, Mission, and Western Hidalgo County Area
Justice of the Peace Precinct 4—North McAllen, Edinburg, and Northern Hidalgo County Area
Justice of the Peace Precinct 5—Delta Area
You can use the Hidalgo County Court Records Inquiry search available on the Hidalgo County website. You can also visit the Justice of the Peace Court your case is in to view your records in person.
You can read How to E-File and the guide I want to electronically file (e-file) my documents to learn about e-filing. Not every Justice Court may allow e-filing, read about your specific court’s procedures to learn more.
You can make payments online through the Hidalgo County Courts Online Credit Card Payments Portal through the ScoffLaw Case Information System website. After searching for your case in the system, you will have the option of paying for your case with a credit card. You can access the payment portal on the Justices of the Peace homepage.
Instructions & Forms
Instructions & Forms
Honorable Gilberto Saenz
1902 Joe Stephens Avenue
Suite 301
Weslaco, Texas 78596
Phone: (956) 447-3995
Fax: (956) 447-9522
Hours: Monday–Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Watch JP Precinct 1-1’s court live stream on YouTube.
This information is current as of March 30, 2023.
Checklist Steps
| Is this court doing virtual hearings? | What platform are they using? | Are there any exceptions? |
| Unknown. | Zoom. | Contact the court for information. |
Justice Court Pct. 1-1 does not have a website you can visit. Call the court for any information on virtual court procedures.
Yes. You can make payments online through the Hidalgo County Courts Online Credit Card Payments Portal. Search for your case by entering your date of birth and either your last name or driver’s license number, then you will have the option to pay for your case online.
All documents must be filed in person or by mail with the court. Contact the court for information on filing a case.
Contact the court to schedule a hearing.
Possibly. Depending on the complexity of the matter, type of hearing, and the situation, the court will use its discretion to permit virtual hearings. Contact the court to see if you can schedule a virtual hearing.
Court staff will contact you after your hearing is set with instructions for the hearing, including how evidence is submitted and presented to the court.
No. All jury trials are held in person only.
Possibly. Contact the court coordinator if you have concerns.
If you have any questions concerning your case or court procedures, contact the court at (956) 447-3995.
Honorable Jesus E. Morales
1902 Joe Stephens Avenue
Suite 302
Weslaco, Texas 78596
Phone: (956) 968-0707
Fax: (956) 968-8827
Hours: Monday–Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Watch JP Precinct 1-2’s court live stream on YouTube.
This information is current as of March 30, 2023.
Checklist Steps
| Is this court doing virtual hearings? | What platform are they using? | Are there any exceptions? |
| Unknown. | Zoom. | Contact the court for information. |
Justice Court Pct. 1-2 does not have a website you can visit. Call the court for any information on virtual court procedures.
Yes. You can make payments online through the Hidalgo County Courts Online Credit Card Payments Portal. Search for your case by entering your date of birth and either your last name or driver’s license number, then you will have the option to pay for your case online.
All documents must be filed in person or by mail with the court. Contact the court for information on filing a case.
Contact the court to schedule a hearing.
Possibly. Depending on the complexity of the matter, type of hearing, and the situation, the court will use its discretion to permit virtual hearings. Contact the court to see if you can schedule a virtual hearing.
Court staff will contact you after your hearing is set with instructions for the hearing, including how evidence is submitted and presented to the court.
No. All jury trials are held in person only.
Possibly. Contact the court coordinator if you have concerns.
If you have any questions concerning your case or court procedures, contact the court at (956) 968-0707.
Honorable Bobby Contreras
300 W. Hall Acres
Suite F
Pharr, Texas 78577
Phone: (956) 784-3540
Fax: (956) 784-3541
Hours: Monday–Friday; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Watch JP Precinct 2-1’s court live stream on YouTube.
This information is current as of March 30, 2023.
Checklist Steps
| Is this court doing virtual hearings? | What platform are they using? | Are there any exceptions? |
| Unknown. | Zoom. | Contact the court for information. |
You can visit Justice Court Pct. 2-1's webpage for the most up-to-date information.
Yes. You can make payments online through the Hidalgo County Courts Online Credit Card Payments Portal. Search for your case by entering your date of birth and either your last name or driver’s license number, then you will have the option to pay for your case online.
All documents must be filed in person or by mail with the court. Contact the court for information on filing a case. Read JP 2-1's Instructions and Information for Filing a Justice Court Suit to learn about filing your suit. This packet includes sample forms for small claims, debt claim, and repair and remedy cases.
To file an eviction case, you may use the Eviction Package provided by the court on its website.
Contact the court to schedule a hearing.
Possibly. Depending on the complexity of the matter, type of hearing, and the situation, the court will use its discretion to permit virtual hearings. Contact the court to see if you can schedule a virtual hearing.
Court staff will contact you after your hearing is set with instructions for the hearing, including how evidence is submitted and presented to the court.
No. All jury trials are held in person only.
Possibly. Contact the court coordinator if you have concerns.
If you have any questions concerning your case or court procedures, contact the court at (956) 784-3540 or jp2.1@co.hidalgo.tx.us.
Honorable Jaime Jerry Munoz
300 W. Hall Acres
Suite D
Pharr, Texas 78577
Phone: (956) 787-1986
Fax: (956) 787-9343
Hours: Monday–Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Watch JP Precinct 2-2’s court live stream on YouTube.
This information is current as of March 30, 2023.
Checklist Steps
| Is this court doing virtual hearings? | What platform are they using? | Are there any exceptions? |
| Unknown. | Zoom. | Contact the court for information. |
Justice Court Pct. 2-2 does not have a website you can visit. Contact the court for any information on virtual court procedures.
Yes. You can make payments online through the Hidalgo County Courts Online Credit Card Payments Portal. Search for your case by entering your date of birth and either your last name or driver’s license number, then you will have the option to pay for your case online.
All documents must be filed in person or by mail with the court. Contact the court for information on filing a case.
Contact the court to schedule a hearing.
Possibly. Depending on the complexity of the matter, type of hearing, and the situation, the court will use its discretion to permit virtual hearings. Contact the court to see if you can schedule a virtual hearing.
Court staff will contact you after your hearing is set with instructions for the hearing, including how evidence is submitted and presented to the court.
No. All jury trials are held in person only.
Possibly. Contact the court coordinator if you have concerns.
If you have any questions concerning your case or court procedures, contact the court at (956) 787-1986 or juan.jasso@co.hidalgo.tx.us.
Honorable Dr. Sonia M. Trevino
730 N. Breyfogle Road
Suite C
Mission, Texas 78577
Phone: (956) 519-8422
Fax: (956) 519-1796
Hours: Monday–Friday; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Watch JP Precinct 3-1’s court live stream on YouTube.
This information is current as of March 30, 2023.
Checklist Steps
| Is this court doing virtual hearings? | What platform are they using? | Are there any exceptions? |
| Yes. | Zoom. | Hearings may be in person or virtual at a party’s request. |
You can visit Justice Court Pct. 3-1's webpage for the most up-to-date information.
Yes. You can make payments online through the Hidalgo County Courts Online Credit Card Payments Portal. Search for your case by entering your date of birth and either your last name or driver’s license number, then you will have the option to pay for your case online.
You can also make a traffic ticket payment with money orders and cashier’s checks at the payment drop box in the front of the JP 3-1 office.
All civil filings are accepted by mail or when dropped off in person. Any criminal requests may be submitted by fax or email for review.
For civil filings, the court provides self-help packets for debt claims, evictions, small claims, and lockouts under the Self Help Packets section of the Self Help Resources page on the court’s homepage.
Forms for criminal cases, evictions, small claims, debt claims, ODLs, evictions, and other miscellaneous matters may also be found on the court’s homepage.
Contact the court to schedule a hearing.
Yes. Any party may request the hearing be conducted virtually on Zoom or in person. The court also recommends that many matters may be handled over the phone.
Court staff will contact you after your hearing is set with instructions for the hearing, including how evidence is submitted and presented to the court.
No. All jury trials are held in person only.
Possibly. Contact the court coordinator if you have concerns.
If you have any questions concerning your case or court procedures, contact the court at (956) 519-8422 or jp3.1@co.hidalgo.tx.us.
Honorable Juan Jose Peña Jr.
730 N. Breyfogle Road
Suite A
Mission, Texas 78577
Phone: (956) 581-2124
Fax: (956) 581-2134
Hours: Monday–Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Watch JP Precinct 3-2’s court live stream on YouTube.
This information is current as of March 30, 2023.
Checklist Steps
| Is this court doing virtual hearings? | What platform are they using? | Are there any exceptions? |
| Yes. | Zoom. | Contact the court for information. |
You can visit Justice Court Pct. 3-2's webpage for the most up-to-date information.
Yes. You can make payments online through the Hidalgo County Courts Online Credit Card Payments Portal. Search for your case by entering your date of birth and either your last name or driver’s license number, then you will have the option to pay for your case online.
All documents must be filed in person or by mail with the court. Contact the court for information on filing a case.
Forms for small claims cases may be found on the court’s homepage.
Contact the court to schedule a hearing.
All criminal cases and ticket hearings are heard in person every Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.
Yes. Any party may request the hearing be conducted virtually on Zoom or in person. The court also recommends that many matters may be handled over the phone.
All criminal cases and ticket hearings are heard in person every Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.
Court staff will contact you after your hearing is set with instructions for the hearing, including how evidence is submitted and presented to the court.
No. All jury trials are held in person only.
Possibly. Contact the court coordinator if you have concerns.
If you have any questions concerning your case or court procedures, contact Court Coordinator Dana Rodriguez at (956) 581-2124 or jp32@co.hidalgo.tx.us.
Honorable Charlie Espinoza
212 N. 12th Avenue
Edinburg, Texas 78541
Phone: (956) 380-4473
Fax: (956) 380-4029
Hours: Monday–Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Watch JP Precinct 4-1’s court live stream on YouTube.
This information is current as of March 30, 2023.
Checklist Steps
| Is this court doing virtual hearings? | What platform are they using? | Are there any exceptions? |
| Yes. | Zoom. | Contact the court for information. |
Justice Court Pct. 4-1 does not have a website you can visit. Contact the court for any information on virtual court procedures.
Yes. You can make payments online through the Hidalgo County Courts Online Credit Card Payments Portal. Search for your case by entering your date of birth and either your last name or driver’s license number, then you will have the option to pay for your case online.
All documents must be filed in person or by mail with the court. Contact the court for information on filing a case.
Contact the court to schedule a hearing.
Possibly. Depending on the complexity of the matter, type of hearing, and the situation, the court will use its discretion to permit virtual hearings. Contact the court to see if you can schedule a virtual hearing.
Court staff will contact you after your hearing is set with instructions for the hearing, including how evidence is submitted and presented to the court.
No. All jury trials are held in person only.
Possibly. Contact the court coordinator if you have concerns.
If you have any questions concerning your case or court procedures, contact the court at (956) 380-4473.
Honorable Andre Maldonado
212 N. 12th Avenue
Edinburg, Texas 78541
Phone: (956) 383-0921
Fax: (956) 383-7430
Hours: Monday–Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Watch JP Precinct 4-2’s court live stream on YouTube.
This information is current as of March 30, 2023.
Checklist Steps
| Is this court doing virtual hearings? | What platform are they using? | Are there any exceptions? |
| Yes. | Zoom. | Contact the court for information. |
You can visit Justice Court Pct. 4-2's webpage for the most up-to-date information.
Yes. You can make payments online through the Hidalgo County Courts Online Credit Card Payments Portal. Search for your case by entering your date of birth and either your last name or driver’s license number, then you will have the option to pay for your case online.
All documents must be filed in person or by mail with the court. Contact the court for information on filing a case.
Contact the court to schedule a hearing.
Possibly. Depending on the complexity of the matter, type of hearing, and the situation, the court will use its discretion to permit virtual hearings. Contact the court to see if you can schedule a virtual hearing.
Court staff will contact you after your hearing is set with instructions for the hearing, including how evidence is submitted and presented to the court.
No. All jury trials are held in person only.
Possibly. Contact the court coordinator if you have concerns.
If you have any questions concerning your case or court procedures, contact the court at (956) 383-0921 or roxanna.delacruz1@co.hidalgo.tx.us.
Honorable Jason Peña
708 E Edinburg Avenue
Suite B
Elsa, TX 78543
Phone: (956) 292-7015
Fax: (956) 383-7430
Hours: Monday–Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
This information is current as of March 30, 2023.
Checklist Steps
| Is this court doing virtual hearings? | What platform are they using? | Are there any exceptions? |
| Yes. | Zoom. | Contact the court for information. |
Justice Court Pct. 5 does not have a website you can visit. Contact the court for any information on virtual court procedures.
Yes. You can make payments online through the Hidalgo County Courts Online Credit Card Payments Portal. Search for your case by entering your date of birth and either your last name or driver’s license number, then you will have the option to pay for your case online.
All documents must be filed in person or by mail with the court. Contact the court for information on filing a case.
Contact the court to schedule a hearing.
Possibly. Depending on the complexity of the matter, type of hearing, and the situation, the court will use its discretion to permit virtual hearings. Contact the court to see if you can schedule a virtual hearing.
Court staff will contact you after your hearing is set with instructions for the hearing, including how evidence is submitted and presented to the court.
No. All jury trials are held in person only.
Possibly. Contact the court coordinator if you have concerns.
If you have any questions concerning your case or court procedures, contact the court at (956) 292-7015.
Articles
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Tips for the Courtroom
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Towed Vehicles
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Debt Collection
This article explains your rights and options under the law if you are facing debt collection. -
Right to Repairs as a Tenant
This article discusses your rights to repairs as a tenant. -
Justice 101: The Client's Guide to Texas Civil Litigation
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What Court Staff Can and Cannot Do
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Court Fees and Fee Waivers
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How to Sue in Justice Court (Small Claims Court)
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Individual Rights and Navigating Court Proceedings During COVID-19
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Setting Aside a Default Eviction Judgment
This article answers common questions about setting aside a default eviction judgment. -
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