Civil Cases

EVICTION
An eviction case is a lawsuit brought to recover possession of real property under Chapter 24 of the Texas Property Code, often by a landlord against a tenant.

A claim for rent may be joined with an eviction case if the amount of rent due and unpaid is not more than $20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs but including attorney fees, if any. Eviction cases are governed by Rules 500-507 and 510 of Part V of the Rules of Civil Procedure. To the extent of any conflict between Rule 510 and the rest of Part V, Rule 510 applies.

SMALL CLAIMS
A small claims case is a lawsuit brought for the recovery of money damages, civil penalties, personal property or other relief allowed by law. The claim can be for no more than $20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs but including attorney fees, if any. Small claims cases are governed by Rules 500-507 of Part V of the Rules of Civil Procedure.

DEBT CLAIM
A debt claim case is a lawsuit brought to recover a debt by assignee of a claim, a debt collector or collection agency, a financial institution or a person or entity primarily engaged in the business of lending money at interest.

The claim can be for no more than $20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs but including attorney fees, if any. Debt claim cases in justice suit are governed by Rules 500-507 and 508 of Part V of the Rules of Civil Procedure. To the extent of any conflict between Rule 508 and the rest of Part V, Rule 805 applies.

REPAIR AND REMEDY A repair and remedy case is a lawsuit filed by a residential tenant under Chapter 92, Subchapter B of the Texas Property Code to enforce the landlord's duty to repair or remedy a condition materially affecting the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant.

The relief sought can be for no more than $20,000, excluding statutory interest and court costs but including attorney fees, if any. Repair and remedy cases are governed by Rules 500-507 and 509 of Part V of the Rules of Civil Procedure. To the extent of any conflict between Rule 509 and the rest of Part V, Rule 509 applies.

TOWED/BOOTED VEHICLE
(Occupations code chapter 2308.456) An owner or operator of a vehicle that has been removed and placed in a vehicle storage facility or booted without the consent of the owner or operator of the vehicle is entitled to a hearing, if the owner/operator files with the court, a written request for the hearing, before the 14th day after the vehicle was removed/booted. In computing time under this subsection, Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays are excluded. A hearing under this chapter shall be in the Justice Court in the County in which the vehicle was towed/booted. Note: A person who fails to deliver a request in accordance with Occupations Code, Section 2308.456 (a), waives the right to a hearing. All persons should consult the Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2308 for complete information.

OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE
An occupational license is a special restricted license issued to you when your driver license has been suspended or revoked for certain offenses.  An occupational license authorizes the operation of a non-commercial motor vehicle in connection with a person's occupation, for educational purposes or in the performance of essential household duties. Requests for such licenses are made to the county or district court in the county of the licensee's residence or to the court of original jurisdiction where the offense occurred.
An occupational driver license authorizes you to operate a non-commercial motor vehicle only in connection with:
1.    Work
2.    Performance of essential household duties or
3.    School-related activities

INTERRUPTION  OF UTILITIES (RESIDENTIAL)
Except as provided by secion 92.008 Texas Property Code, a landlord or landlord's agent may not interrupt or cause the interruption of utility service (water, waste water, gas or electric service) of a tenant, unless the interruption results from a bona fide repairs, construction or an emergency. A rental property owner may interrupt electric service to certain residents provided that written notice and other procedures are strictly followed. Refer to Texas Property Code sections 92.008, 92.0091, and 92.301.