Smith County Justice of the Peace Courts
Smith County
Overview
Guide Overview
Justice of the Peace (JP) Courts handle civil and criminal cases, including small claims (amount is $20,000 or less), 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 Smith County JP Courts.
Texas Law Help is working with courts around the state to provide you with accurate information. To help improve upon the information that is available, please leave any comments or recommendations in this Virtual Court Content Survey.
Research Tips
Read our articles on Zoom and how to use it to prepare for your hearing. You should also read the following documents uploaded by Smith County:
Common questions about Smith County
The Smith County Justice of the Peace Courts are located in five (5) precincts across Smith County. The city website provides a county map showing each precinct’s geographic area of jurisdiction.
You can use the Smith County District and County Court Record Inquiry tool available on the District Clerk’s webpage.
You can read How to E-File to learn about E-Filing.
Smith County Justice of the Peace Courts Precincts 2, 4, and 5 offer a Pay Now Link on their Fees and Payments page.
Instructions & Forms
Instructions & Forms
Honorable Judge Derrick Choice
200 E. Ferguson Street
Suite 501
Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 590-2602
This information is current as of April 26, 2023.
Checklist Steps
| Is this court doing virtual hearings? | What platform are they using? | Are there any exceptions? |
| Unknown | N/A | Contact the Court for more information on virtual hearings. |
You can visit Justice Court Pct. 1's webpage for the most up-to-date information.
No. Smith County JP1 does not offer an online payment option. Visit Fees and Payments for more information.
All documents must be e-filed or filed in person or by mail with the court. Contact the court for information on filing a case.
Also read the Jurisdiction of the Justice of the Peace page for more information on filing in civil cases.
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.
Contact the Court for more information on virtual jury trials.
Possibly. Contact the court coordinator if you have concerns.
If you have any questions concerning your case or court procedures, contact the Court Clerk at (903) 590-2602 or by using the county’s electronic mailing system.
Honorable Judge Andy Dunklin
15405 Hwy. 155 S
Tyler, TX 75703
Phone: (903) 561-3310
Hours: Monday–Thursday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
This information is current as of April 26, 2023.
Checklist Steps
| Is this court doing virtual hearings? | What platform are they using? | Are there any exceptions? |
| Unknown | N/A | Contact the Court for more information on virtual hearings. |
You can visit Justice Court Pct. 2's webpage for the most up-to-date information.
Yes. Smith County JP 2 offers a Pay Now Link on the Fees and Payments page.
All documents must be e-filed or filed in person or by mail with the court. Contact the court for information on filing a case.
Also read the Jurisdiction of the Justice of the Peace page for more information on filing in civil cases.
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.
Can I request a virtual jury trial?
Possibly. Contact the court coordinator if you have concerns.
If you have any questions concerning your case or court procedures, contact the Court staff at (903) 561-3310 or by emailing jcourt2@smith-county.com.
Honorable Judge James Meredith
313 E. Duval Street
P.O. Box 573
Troup, TX 75789
Phone: (903) 590-4729
This information is current as of April 26, 2023.
Checklist Steps
| Is this court doing virtual hearings? | What platform are they using? | Are there any exceptions? |
| In-person hearings are preferred if permitting | Zoom | Litigants can request to appear remotely. Contact the Court for more information. |
You can visit Justice Court Pct. 3's webpage for the most up-to-date information.
Also, read How to Use Zoom for help preparing for a hearing via Zoom.
No. However, Smith County JP 3 offers Office Payments via phone at (903) 590-4729. Visit Payments and Fees for more information.
All documents must be e-filed or filed in person or by mail with the court. Contact the court for information on filing a case.
Also read the Jurisdiction of the Justice of the Peace page for more information on filing in civil cases.
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.
Contact the Court for more information on virtual jury trials.
Possibly. Contact the court coordinator if you have concerns.
If you have any questions concerning your case or court procedures, contact the Court staff at (903) 590-4729 or by emailing jp3courtstaff@smith-county.com.
Honorable Judge Curtis Wulf
14152 Hwy 155 N
Winona, TX 75792
Phone: (903) 590-4870
This information is current as of April 26, 2023.
Checklist Steps
| Is this court doing virtual hearings? | What platform are they using? | Are there any exceptions? |
| Unknown | N/A | Contact the Court for more information on virtual hearings. |
You can visit Justice Court Pct. 4's webpage for the most up-to-date information.
Yes. Smith County JP 4 offers a Pay Now Link on the Fees and Payments page.
All documents must be e-filed or filed in person or by mail with the court. Contact the court for information on filing a case.
Also read the Jurisdiction of the Justice of the Peace page for more information on filing in civil cases.
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.
Contact the Court for more information on virtual jury trials.
Possibly. Contact the court coordinator if you have concerns.
If you have any questions concerning your case or court procedures, contact the Court staff at (903) 590-4870 or by using the county’s electronic mailing system.
Honorable Judge Jon W. Johnson
2616 S. Main
P.O. Box 1075
Lindale, TX 75771
Phone: (903) 590-4890
This information is current as of April 26, 2023.
Checklist Steps
| Is this court doing virtual hearings? | What platform are they using? | Are there any exceptions? |
| No | N/A | Contact the Court for more information. |
You can visit Justice Court Pct. 5's webpage for the most up-to-date information.
Also read the Local Rules of Procedure and Rules of Decorum for the Justice of the Peace Court Precinct Five for more information.
Yes. Smith County JP 5 offers a Pay Now Link on the Fees and Payments page.
All documents must be e-filed or filed in person or by mail with the court. Contact the court for information on filing a case.
Also read the Jurisdiction of the Justice of the Peace page for more information on filing in civil cases.
Contact the court to schedule a hearing.
Smith JP5 is currently not hosting virtual hearings. 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.
Contact the Court for more information on virtual jury trials.
Possibly. Contact the court coordinator if you have concerns.
If you have any questions concerning your case or court procedures, contact the Court staff at (903) 590-4890 or by using the county’s electronic mailing system.
Articles
Articles in this guide
-
Civil Litigation in Texas: The Basics
This article explains the basics of civil lawsuits in Texas. -
Tips for the Courtroom
This article tells you general information on what to do and not to do in a courtroom. -
Eviction
Explanation of eviction, including what it is and what steps you may want to take if you are facing eviction. -
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
This article contains a link to a video that provides some background on the civil litigation system in Texas. -
What Court Staff Can and Cannot Do
Information on what type of services a court can offer. -
Court Fees and Fee Waivers
If you don’t have enough money to pay the court fees, you can ask a judge to waive the fees. -
How to Set Aside a Default Judgment
This article explains how to ask the judge to set aside (cancel) a default judgment. -
Guide to Traffic Court
This article provides information on navigating traffic court. -
How to Sue in Justice Court (Small Claims Court)
This article provides information on justice court basics. -
Individual Rights and Navigating Court Proceedings During COVID-19
Learn how the court system and personal rights changed due to the pandemic and how to navigate them. -
Virtual Court
Some Texas courts will hold hearings by videoconference, usually using Zoom. -
Setting Aside a Default Eviction Judgment
This article answers common questions about setting aside a default eviction judgment. -
Sensitive Data
This article provides information on protected sensitive data; data that appears in public records; and sealing records. -
How to E-File
This article provides an overview of e-filing as well as solutions to some common e-filing mistakes. -
What Happens at Your First Court Appearance - Ticket Help Texas
This article explains what happens in your first court appearance and what pleas mean. -
Eligibility for Deferred Disposition - Ticket Help Texas
This article explains deferred dispositions in fine-only misdemeanors. -
Zoom on Desktop: A Tour of Zoom
Learn about Zoom’s basic functions, and what you need to know as you prepare for your virtual meeting. -
How to Use Zoom
Access all available resources on how to use Zoom's video platform for virtual court hearings on your desktop or mobile phone. -
Jury Trials in Justice Court
How to ask for a jury trial in Justice Court.