Justices of the Pease 2

Wilbarger County | Justices of the Peace

Responsibilities

of the Justice

of the Peace

Judge

Administrative Hearings Officer

Coroner

Magistrate

Administrator

Gene Morton

Precinct 1

1700 Wilbarger Room 25

Vernon, TX 76384

Phone: 940.553.2306

Fax: 940.553.2328

Lewis Templeton

Precinct 2

1700 Wilbarger, Room 22

Vernon, TX 76384

Phone: 940.553.2307

Fax: 940.553.3321

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.