Unlike regular civil trials, small claims court rules do not follow the Rules of Evidence. In fact, the judge in small claims court is charged with developing facts of the case and may question or summon witnesses. Additionally, the judge is allowed to ask questions of the parties and witnesses, and generally takes a more proactive role in determining the facts of a case. Trials generally are pretty short (15-20 minutes). However, if a party wishes for a jury trial, it will likely last a few hours.
In Texas, small claims parties generally represent themselves without an attorney. This is because cases involving $10,000 or less usually do not justify the cost of an attorney. Nevertheless, you are allowed to retain one if you desire. (Texas Government Code Section 28.003). Grimes County Small Claims Court cases are heard in 3 courthouses in Grimes County.
The plaintiff’s demand for money cannot exceed $10,000. (Texas Government Code 28.093). Another restriction of small claims court is that a plaintiff can only seek monetary relief (an award of money). The court has no authority to issue an injunctive or equitable award. For example, you could sue a dry cleaner for ruining your clothes and ask for money to replace the clothes, but you cannot ask the judge for an order for the dry cleaner to repair your clothes. This type of relief would be injunctive relief.
The justice of the peace for Grimes County presides over small claims court actions for Grimes County.
The precinct map for Grimes County can be found here.
This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 1 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (936)394-2060. And you can email the court by clicking here.
This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 2 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (936)873-6452. And you can email the court by clicking here.
This courthouse handles cases for Precinct 3 Place 1. The court’s website can be found here. The phone number for the court is (936)873-3900. And you can email the court by clicking here.