Travis County Justice of the Peace Courts
Travis 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 five Travis County JP Courts.
TexasLawHelp 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 from the Travis County Court Administrator:
- Travis County Local Rules of Civil Procedure and Rules of Decorum,
- Fifth Amended Emergency Order Regarding COVID-19,
- Justice of the Peace Courts Local Rules of Procedure and Rules of Decorum (effective 10/01/2020), and
- Standing Order Regarding COVID-19 for Justices of the Peace (effective 01/01/2022).
Common questions about Travis County
The Travis County Justice of the Peace Courts are located in five precincts across Travis County. The city website provides a county map showing each precinct’s geographic area of jurisdiction.
You can use the Travis County Online Case Information search available on the District Clerk's webpage.
You can read How to E-File to learn about E-Filing.
You can also read more about E-Filing in JP Courts on their website.
You can make payments online through the Justice of the Peace Online Payments center if your case is eligible for online payment.
The Travis County Civil District Courts provide a sample Notice of Zoom Haring form you can use to write your own notice on their website.
Visit the webpage of the Justice Court where your case is located to see their docket.
Instructions & Forms
Instructions & Forms
Honorable Yvonne Michelle Williams
Richard Scott Building
4717 Heflin Lane, Suite 107
Austin, TX 78721
Office Hours: Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesdays until 7 p.m.
Lobby Hours: Monday–Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Phone: (512) 854-7700
Fax: (512) 929-3047
Important Notice:
Due to health and safety concerns regarding coronavirus (COVID-19), Justice of the Peace PCT. 1 is operating with limited operations until further notice. Call 512-854-7700 or send an email to jp1@traviscountytx.gov to schedule an appointment. Walk-up customers will be rescheduled if an opening is not available.
Read the JP1 limited service notice.
This information is current as of January 26, 2023.
Checklist Steps
Is this court doing virtual hearings? | What platform are they using? | Are there any exceptions? |
Yes. | Zoom. | Yes. |
You can visit the Justice Court Pct. 1 webpage for the most up-to-date information. You can also read the Justice of the Peace Local Rules of Civil Procedure and Rules of Decorum for updated procedures.
At the court’s discretion, they may require new filings be limited to E-File (E-FileTexas.gov) or to the Justice Court’s designated filing email: JP1@traviscountytx.gov. Read and use the JP Guide and File for Step by Step Civil Filing.
You must file your case in the Justice Court where one or more defendants reside, except as otherwise provided by law. Eviction cases should be filed where the leased property is located. All other civil cases may be filed according to any applicable jurisdiction and venue laws. It is your responsibility to file a case in the correct precinct.
Each Justice Court is responsible for setting hearings and trials in their court and for sending out the notices.
Yes. You can request a virtual hearing or trial or request a party or witness be allowed to participate virtually or by phone in advance so long as it is in the interest of justice. You must file a written motion before the announcement period for the trial or hearing.
If you want to demand a civil jury trial, you must file a written request in the court where your case is filed no later than 14 days before the date your case is set for trial. It will be at the discretion of the court to allow a virtual jury trial.
In cases in the interest of justice, the court may permit a witness to appear by phone or virtually. You should contact the court with any questions.
If you have any questions concerning a virtual hearing, to schedule an appointment, or schedule a marriage, email: JP1@traviscountytx.gov or call (512) 854-7700.
Honorable Randall Slagle
10409 Burnet Road
Suite 180 (Second Floor)
Austin, Texas 78758
Phone (Civil): (512) 854-6367
Phone (Criminal): (512) 854-4545
Fax: (512) 854-4335
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lobby Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Watch Justice Court 2's court live stream on YouTube.
This information is current as of January 26, 2023.
Checklist Steps
Is this court doing virtual hearings? | What platform are they using? | Are there any exceptions? |
Yes. | Zoom. | Yes. All jury trials and agreed hearings are in person. |
You can visit the Justice Court Pct. 2 webpage for the most up-to-date information. You can also read the Justice of the Peace Local Rules of Civil Procedure and Rules of Decorum for updated procedures.
You can also read Justice Court Pct. 2's Remote Hearing Information Sheet, Joining Zoom Meeting Using a URL Link, and Joining a Zoom Meeting Using a Mobile Phone.
At the court’s discretion, they may require new filings be limited to E-File (E-FileTexas.gov) or to the Justice Court’s designated filing email: JP2@traviscountytx.gov. Read and use the JP Guide and File for Step by Step Civil Filing.
You must file your case in the Justice Court where one or more defendants reside, except as otherwise provided by law. Eviction cases should be filed where the leased property is located. All other civil cases may be filed according to any applicable jurisdiction and venue laws. It is your responsibility to file a case in the correct precinct.
Each Justice Court is responsible for setting hearings and trials in their court and for sending out the notices.
Yes. You can request a virtual hearing or trial or request a party or witness be allowed to participate virtually or by phone in advance so long as it is in the interest of justice. You must file a written motion before the announcement period for the trial or hearing.
Court staff will provide the court's procedures regarding virtual hearings to all parties whose email addresses are on file with the court. The court's procedures will include arrangements for the hearing and how evidence will be submitted to the court if the hearing is an evidentiary one.
If you want to demand a civil jury trial, you must file a written request in the court where your case is filed no later than 14 days before the date your case is set for trial. It will be at the discretion of the court to allow a virtual jury trial.
In cases in the interest of justice, the court may permit a witness to appear by phone or virtually. You should contact the court with any questions.
If you have any questions concerning a virtual hearing, to schedule an appointment, or schedule a marriage, email: JP2@traviscountytx.gov or call (512) 854-6367.
For criminal cases, call (512) 854-4545.
Honorable Sylvia Holmes
8656-B West Highway 71
Suite 200
Austin, Texas 78735
Main Phone: (512) 854-6763
Fax: (512) 854-2197
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed for lunch 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Lobby Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed for lunch 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.)
Watch JP Precinct 3's court live stream on YouTube.
This information is current as of January 26, 2023.
Checklist Steps
Is this court doing virtual hearings? | What platform are they using? | Are there any exceptions? |
Yes. | Zoom. | Yes. All jury trials, cases involving family violence, magistrate cases, cases involving sensitive matters, and agreed hearings are in person. |
You can visit the Justice Court Pct. 3 webpage for the most up-to-date information. You can also read the Justice of the Peace Local Rules of Civil Procedure and Rules of Decorum for updated procedures.
At the court’s discretion, they may require new filings be limited to E-File (E-FileTexas.gov) or to the Justice Court’s designated filing email: JP3Civil@traviscountytx.gov. Read and use the JP Guide and File for Step by Step Civil Filing.
You must file your case in the Justice Court where one or more defendants reside, except as otherwise provided by law. Eviction cases should be filed where the leased property is located. All other civil cases may be filed according to any applicable jurisdiction and venue laws. It is your responsibility to file a case in the correct precinct.
Certain cases are set when they are initially filed, such as evictions. Other cases will require a trial setting request to be submitted by either party.
Yes. You can request a virtual hearing or trial or request a party or witness be allowed to participate virtually in advance so long as it is in the interest of justice. You must file a written motion before the announcement period for the trial or hearing.
All parties can submit their evidence via email, regular mail, fax, E-File, or in person. Justice Court 3 encourages parties to use the method that best works for them to get their evidence to their office in a timely manner.
No. Justice Court 3 is only conducting jury trials in person.
The court may permit a witness to appear by phone or virtually for good cause. You should contact the court with any questions.
If you have any questions concerning a virtual hearing, to schedule an appointment, or schedule a marriage, email: JP3Civil@traviscountytx.gov or call (512) 854-6763, option 4.
For traffic or criminal cases, email JP3@traviscountytx.gov or call (512) 854-6763, option 3.
For truancy cases, email JP3Truancy@traviscountytx.gov.
Judge Raúl Arturo González
4011 Mckinney Falls Parkway
Suite 1200
Austin, Texas 78744
Phone (Civil): (512) 854-9478
Fax: (512) 854-5678
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lobby Hours (By Appointment Only): Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Important Notice:
Due to health and safety concerns regarding coronavirus (COVID-19), Justice of the Peace Pct. 4 will be operating with limited operations until further notice.
Please read:
Watch JP4's Civil Court live stream on YouTube.
Watch JP4's Criminal Court live stream on YouTube.
Watch JP4's Truancy Court live stream on YouTube.
This information is current as of January 26, 2023.
Checklist Steps
Is this court doing virtual hearings? | What platform are they using? | Are there any exceptions? |
Yes, for debt claims. | Zoom. | Yes. All small claims, jury trials, and most evictions are in person. |
You can visit the Justice Court Pct. 4 webpage for the most up-to-date information. You can also read the Justice of the Peace Local Rules of Civil Procedure and Rules of Decorum for updated procedures.
You can also read Justice Court Pct. 4's Remote Hearing Information Sheet, Joining a Zoom Meeting using a URL Link, and Joining a Zoom Meeting Using a Mobile Phone.
At the court’s discretion, they may require new filings be limited to E-File (E-FileTexas.gov) or to the Justice Court’s designated filing email: JP4Civil@traviscountytx.gov. Read and use the JP Guide and File for Step by Step Civil Filing.
You must file your case in the Justice Court where one or more defendants reside, except as otherwise provided by law. Eviction cases should be filed where the leased property is located. All other civil cases may be filed according to any applicable jurisdiction and venue laws. It is your responsibility to file a case in the correct precinct.
For evictions, the court will set the hearing on its own and provide notice to the parties.
For small claims courts, if there is an answer filed in the case, the court will set the case for a pre-trial hearing where the parties will discuss setting the final hearing. If there is no answer filed in the case, a final hearing will be set when the plaintiff submits a written request.
For debt claims, the plaintiff must submit a written request for the case to be set for a final hearing.
Yes. You can request a virtual hearing or trial or request a party or witness be allowed to participate virtually or by phone in advance so long as it is in the interest of justice. You must file a written motion as early as possible, but no later than three days before the hearing.
If you request a virtual hearing last minute, you will need to give the court a compelling reason to do so.
Parties can submit evidence by email to jp4civil@traviscountytx.gov, or an appointment can be scheduled to submit evidence in person. All evidence should be submitted at least 3 days prior to the hearing.
No, Justice Court 4 is not holding any virtual jury trials.
If a hearing is scheduled to be in person, a party may submit a written request to appear virtually for the judge to consider.
If you have any questions concerning civil matters and scheduling an appointment, call (512) 854-9478 or email JP4Civil@traviscountytx.gov.
For traffic citation questions, call (512) 854-9479.
For criminal cases, call (512) 854-9479 or email JP4Court@traviscountytx.gov.
For truancy cases, call (512)-854-9496 or email JP4Truancy@traviscountytx.gov.
To schedule a wedding, call (512) 854-5678 or email JP4Weddings@traviscountytx.gov.
Honorable Nicholas Chu
Criminal
1000 Guadalupe Street
Suite 112
Austin, TX 78701
Civil
1000 Guadalupe Street
Suite 117
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 854-9049
Fax: (512) 854-9640
Business Hours: Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed for lunch 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Important Notice on Current Court Operations
Read the JP5 Limited Service Notice.
Lea el Aviso de Servico Limitado de JP5.
Almost all business can be conducted remotely. Please call to schedule an appointment. All members of the public must call to speak with a staff member before conducting business in person.
Call (512) 854-9049 to schedule an appointment. Criminal department, press option 3. Civil department, press option 4.
This information is current as of January 26, 2023.
Checklist Steps
Is this court doing virtual hearings? | What platform are they using? | Are there any exceptions? |
Yes. | Zoom. | Yes. All jury trials and agreed hearings are in person. |
You can visit the Justice Court Pct. 5 webpage for the most up-to-date information. You can also read the Justice of the Peace Local Rules of Civil Procedure and Rules of Decorum for updated procedures.
You can also read JP5's Helpful Information for Remote Hearings handout, Joining a Remote Court Proceeding Using a URL Link, and Joining a Remote Court Proceeding Using a Mobile Phone.
At the court’s discretion, they may require new filings be limited to E-File (E-FileTexas.gov) or to the Justice Court’s designated filing email. Read and use the JP Guide and File for Step by Step Civil Filing.
You must file your case in the Justice Court where one or more defendants reside, except as otherwise provided by law. Eviction cases should be filed where the leased property is located. All other civil cases may be filed according to any applicable jurisdiction and venue laws. It is your responsibility to file a case in the correct precinct.
Each Justice Court is responsible for setting hearings and trials in their court and for sending out the notices.
Yes. You can request a virtual hearing or trial or request a party or witness be allowed to participate virtually or by phone in advance so long as it is in the interest of justice. You must file a written motion before the announcement period for the trial or hearing.
Court staff will provide the court's procedures regarding virtual hearings to all parties whose email addresses are on file with the court. The court's procedures will include arrangements for the hearing and how evidence will be submitted to the court if the hearing is an evidentiary one.
If you want to demand a civil jury trial, you must file a written request in the court where your case is filed no later than 14 days before the date your case is set for trial. It will be at the discretion of the court to allow a virtual jury trial.
Read Instructions for Jurors Joining a Remote Court Proceeding and Written Instructions to Members of the Jury to learn about how a virtual jury trial will be conducted.
In cases in the interest of justice, the court may permit a witness to appear by phone or virtually. You should contact the court with any questions.
If you have any questions concerning a civil case and scheduling an appointment, call (512) 854-9050 or email JP5Civil@traviscountytx.gov.
For criminal cases, call (512) 854-9049 or email JP5Criminal@traviscountytx.gov.
To schedule a wedding, call (512) 854-9049 or email JP5Weddings@traviscountytx.gov.
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
How eviction works and what to do if you are facing eviction. -
Towed Vehicles
Your options if your car was towed. -
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. -
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.