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Maverick County Courts, TX *
Maverick County was established in 1856, carved out of Kinney County, and is located in the southwest corner of Texas. The county is named after a Texas lawyer, land baron, and signatory of the Texas Declaration of Independence, Samuel Augustus Maverick. Eagle Pass is the county Seat.
Maverick County has a stable judicial system with a court structure that has served a wide range of cases, from civil matters to small claims. There are also case types unique or especially common in Maverick County, given its border location. Cases involving international commerce disputes, cross-border family matters, and proceedings requiring Spanish-language court interpretation arise with a frequency rarely seen in non-border Texas counties.
Overview of the Maverick County Court System
Maveric County courts operate under the Texas Judicial System, administered by the Office of Court Administration. Within this Jurisdiction, Maverick County has the District Court, County Court of Law, the Justice of the Peace, and the municipal courts, all designed to facilitate legal case hearings within the county. Maverick County's two District Courts are the 293rd Judicial District Court and the 365th Judicial District Court. Both courts serve a tri-county district covering Dimmit, Maverick, and Zavala counties.
Below is a more detailed explanation of the courts in Maverick County and their legal jurisdictions.
Types of Courts in Maverick County, TX
District Court
There are two District Courts serving Maverick County. The 293rd and 365th Judicial District Courts are the highest trial courts in Maverick County. They are not located in the same courthouse; instead, the 365th Judicial District Court is housed in the Historical Maverick County Courthouse, while the 293rd Judicial District Court is located at the Maverick County Courthouse. The courts have jurisdiction over the following legal matters:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Major civil disputes exceeding $200,000
- Divorce and marriage dissolution
- Child custody and conservatorship
- Child support and enforcement matters
There are local rules specific to each district court that you must follow when filing a case in each of the courts. The 293rd District Court has a standing order that parties must review before scheduling hearings, and the 365th has a standing order requiring a Certificate of Conference between counsel in all civil and family law cases. The District Courts have a District Clerk's office in charge of filing and record-keeping.
Constitutional County Court
The Maverick Constitutional County Court is the county-level trial court presided over by an elected county judge. It operates from the Maverick County Courthouse. The court has jurisdiction over the following legal matters:
- Class A and Class B misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil matters between $200 and $200,000
- Probate and will administration
- Guardianship proceedings
- Mental health commitment hearings
- Juvenile matters
Maverick County has a County Court at Law separate from the constitutional county court that handles overflow civil and criminal matters, relieving the constitutional county court of caseload pressure that would otherwise fall entirely on the county judge.
County Court at Law
The Maverick County Court at Law is a statutory court created by the Texas Legislature to expand county-level judicial capacity, and it is located at the Maverick County Courthouse. The court is in charge of the following legal matters:
- Class A and Class B misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil matters within the statutory county court jurisdiction
- Family law matters, including divorce and child custody
- Juvenile matters
- Mental health proceedings
- Protective orders
All motions at the County Court at Law must include a Certificate of Conference confirming that the filing party attempted to resolve the motion with all other parties and lawyers before filing. Similar to the District Courts, the County Courts at Law have a County Clerk's office that serves as the filing and record-keeping arm of the Court at Law.
Justice of the Peace
The Maverick County Justice of the Peace (JP) Courts are the entry-level trial courts across five precincts. Precincts 1, 2, and 4 each have their own court, while Precinct 3 is divided into Place 1 and Place 2, each with its own judge and physical location. The courts have legal jurisdiction over the following legal cases:
- Small claims disputes up to $20,000
- Class C misdemeanor criminal cases
- Eviction proceedings (forcible entry and detainer)
- Minor traffic violations
For these courts, you need to know that e-filing is not available and that all documents must be filed in person or by mail directly with the relevant precinct court. Also, the Justice of the Peace courts manage their own administrative functions independently, meaning parties must contact the specific precinct relevant to their case rather than a central Justice of the Peace clerk's office.
Municipal Court
Municipal courts represent the city-level court serving Maverick County. There is only one Municipal court in this county, the Eagle Pass Municipal Court. It is responsible for the following legal matters:
- Class C misdemeanor offenses
- Traffic infractions and violations
- City ordinance violations
- Fine-only criminal offenses within Eagle Pass city limits
- Commercial motor vehicle enforcement violations
The Municipal courts, unlike the county and district courts, do not have a dedicated clerk's office; instead, the municipal court administrative staff under the Court Administrator manages all clerk functions.
How to Access Maverick County Court Records
Most of Maverick County court records are publicly accessible. But not all the court records are public. We have sealed records, such as juvenile records, mental health proceedings, family violence protective orders, expunged criminal cases, and matters sealed by specific judicial order, which are not available to the public.
Online Access
There are different ways to access the county court records within Maverick County, and online access is one of these approaches. One can access the Maverick County District and County Courts via the county's online platform. You can also use the statewide platform to supplement the local Maverick County record searches. For Justice of the Peace court records, you have to contact the specific Justice of the Peace precinct directly for case information.
Alternative Online Options
Other than the primary county and state and county-provided online platforms, there are well-suited alternative online platforms you can use to access Maveick court records. Platforms like CourtCaseFinder pull together public records from court cases, divorces, arrests, and other filings across multiple sources into a single searchable interface.
In-Person Requests
You can also access certified court records in Maverick County by submitting in-person requests. You need to be able to visit the District Clerk's office or the County Clerk's office to obtain the respective court records. In addition to the certified records, you will be able to access older case files predating digitization, archived documents, and any records requiring an official court seal.
Archived Records
Historical records that predate digital filing systems are maintained in hard copy at the relevant clerk's office within the Maverick County Courthouse, or may have been transferred to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for long-term preservation. Requests in writing are typical for these records.
For Attorneys and Legal Professionals
For visiting attorneys, the 293rd District Court has its own local rules and standing order that govern how hearings are scheduled and evidence submitted, while the 365th requires a Certificate of Conference between counsel in all civil and family law cases before motions can be filed; both must be reviewed before any filing.
Also, with over 95% of Maverick County's population identifying as Hispanic and a significant portion being Spanish-dominant, jury composition in Maverick County is distinctly different from most Texas counties. Attorneys should factor this into voir dire preparation and trial strategy in ways that would not apply in non-border jurisdictions. Direct any questions to the relevant court clerk.
How to File a Case in Maverick County
Filing a legal case in Maverick County requires careful attention. With six distinct court levels operating across multiple physical locations in Eagle Pass, plus one Justice of the Peace court as far out as Quemado, filing in the wrong court means delays, dismissed filings, and potentially missed deadlines that cannot easily be recovered.
Step 1: Choose the Correct Court
The first thing that you are supposed to do is understand which court has jurisdiction over your case, which means you need to have a clear understanding of which court handles which case. You can also get help identifying which court is responsible or has jurisdiction over your case by contacting the clerk's office.
Step 2: Complete Required Forms
Once you have the correct court selected, you now need to access the correct case forms. The Texas Courts website provides standardized statewide forms applicable to all Texas counties, including Maverick County, for common case types across multiple court levels. Also, Texas Law Help offers free, interactive form tools and step-by-step guides for divorce, child custody, small claims, protective orders, and other common case types, all in plain language accessible to self-represented filers.
Step 3: File Your Case
Once all the forms are filled correctly, you need to file the case, which you can do in person or online. To file the district court cases, you need to visit the Maverick County District Clerk's office. And when filing county court cases, you need to visit the County Clerk's office. And when filing Justice of the Peace court cases, you need to visit the specific Justice of the Peace precinct court relevant to the case in person or by mail, as e-filing is not available at any of Maverick County's five JP courts. Filing online is mandatory for attorneys for most case types through eFile Texas. Self-filers may also e-file.
Step 4: Pay Filing Fees
For filing, Maverick County charges a set fee that varies by case type and court. District court civil filing fees in Texas typically range from $250 to $350, with additional charges for citations, service of process, and subsequent filings. The small claims filing fees at the Justice of the Peace court level in Texas generally range from $54 to $100, depending on the claim amount, and parties should confirm the exact amount with the relevant Maverick County JP precinct before filing. To get up-to-date case filings, contact the appropriate court office.
Step 5: Serve the Other Party
Once the case is successfully filed, you are provided with the case number and required to notify the defendant of the case filed against them. This is done through a process referred to as service of process. Service is typically performed by the Maverick County Sheriff's office or a licensed private process server; you get to select which at the time of filing and coordinate accordingly. Provide proof of service to the court.
Step 6: Monitor Your Case
Once the defendant has been notified, the case is monitored. Monitoring can be done through the Maverick County District and County Courts Online Records Search on the county webpage. For Justice of the Peace cases, there is no online tracking in Maverick County; you must contact the specific Justice of the Peace precinct directly by phone or email to get case status updates.
Maverick County Courthouse Directory
Maverick County has two courthouses: the Maverick County Courthouse and the Historical Maverick County Courthouse, both located in Eagle Pass but in different locations. Each courthouse houses different courts.
Maverick County Courthouse (Main Judicial Center)
Serves as the center for local judicial administration, handling a wide range of county-level matters, including district-level judicial proceedings, misdemeanor cases, probate issues, civil disputes, and routine administrative hearings. The 293rd Judicial District Court, the Constitutional County Court, and the County Court at Law all operate from this location.
Eagle Pass
Address: 500 Quarry St #1, Eagle Pass, TX 78852
293rd Judicial District Court Phone: (830) 773-2629
Constitutional County Court Phone: (830) 773-2829
County Court at Law Phone: (830) 773-2829
Maverick County District Courts (Historic Courthouse)
This courthouse is dedicated to the 365th Judicial District Court in Maverick County. It is used for higher-level cases such as felony criminal matters, major civil litigation, and family law cases handled by the county's district courts.
Eagle Pass
Address: 501 Main St, Eagle Pass, TX 78852
Phone: (830) 773-1151
Justice of the Peace Courts
These courts manage lower-level cases such as civil disputes, small claims, traffic cases, evictions, and minor offenses within their respective precincts in Maverick County.
Precinct 1
Address: 1508 Las Quintas Blvd, Eagle Pass, TX 78852
Phone: (830) 757-9201
Website: Precinct 1
Precinct 2
Address: 253 Ruela Dr, Suite 3, Eagle Pass, TX 78852
Phone: (830) 752-1323
Website: Precinct 2
Precinct 3-1
Address: 3905 Deer Run Blvd, Eagle Pass, TX 78852
Phone: (830) 757-2710
Website: Precinct 3-1
Precinct 3-2
Address: 19799 US-277, Quemado, TX 78877
Phone: (830) 758-5993
Website: Precinct 3-2
Precinct 4
Address: 1152 Ferry St STE G, Eagle Pass, TX 78852
Phone: (830) 773-9616
Website: Precinct 4
Eagle Pass Municipal Court
Has jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances, traffic citations, and other minor offenses occurring within city limits.
Eagle Pass
Address: 100 S Monroe St, Eagle Pass, TX 78852
Phone: (830) 773-1111
Website: eaglepasstx.gov/177/Municipal-Court
Legal Help and Self-Help Resources
Maverick County residents can draw on a combination of statewide legal aid organizations, border-region nonprofit programs, court self-help tools available in both English and Spanish, clerk office assistance, and online guided form platforms.
Free Legal Assistance
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid is the lead legal aid provider for Maverick County and the broader Southwest Texas border region, offering free civil legal services to low-income individuals on matters including family law, housing, immigration-adjacent civil issues, and consumer debt.
Local Legal Support
There are volunteer attorney programs accessible to Maverick County residents. The State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service connects residents with attorneys willing to take cases on a reduced-fee or pro bono basis, and regional bar associations in Laredo and San Antonio. The nearest major legal centers to Eagle Pass coordinate volunteer legal programs that extend to border counties.
FAQs
Can I contest a traffic citation issued on the international bridge connecting Eagle Pass to Piedras Negras in Maverick County court?
Traffic violations occurring on the US side of the international bridge fall under Eagle Pass Municipal Court jurisdiction. You can contest the citation by contacting the court. The court publishes its docket schedule online so you can confirm your hearing date before appearing.
How do I know whether my civil case should go to the 293rd or the 365th District Court in Maverick County?
The assignment between the two district courts is typically determined at the time of filing by the District Clerk's office based on the current docket load and case type; you do not choose the specific court yourself. Contact the Maverick County District Clerk for guidance on where your matter will be directed.
Are court proceedings in Maverick County conducted in Spanish?
Court proceedings in Texas are conducted in English, but certified Spanish interpreters are available, given that over 95% of Maverick County's population is Hispanic. Parties who need interpretation services should notify the court in advance of their hearing. Failing to request an interpreter in advance can result in delays on the day of your appearance.
I live near Quemado. Which Justice of the Peace court should I file in?
Residents near Quemado fall under Justice of the Peace Court, Precinct 3, Place 2, the only JP court in Maverick County located outside Eagle Pass, at 19799 North Highway 277, Quemado. Contact the court at (830) 758-5993 to confirm your precinct before filing.
Can I look up whether someone has a pending criminal case in Maverick County court?
You can start with the Maverick County District and County Courts Online Records Search through the county webpage for district and county-level criminal cases. For a broader search across all court levels, CourtCaseFinder aggregates public records from multiple sources and can help locate cases when you are unsure which court holds the record.
What happens if the opposing party in my Maverick County case lives in Mexico?
Serving a party residing in Mexico requires compliance with the Hague Convention on Service Abroad, an international treaty governing the formal delivery of legal documents across borders. This process is significantly more involved and time-consuming than domestic service. Consulting a licensed Texas attorney familiar with cross-border litigation is strongly advisable before attempting international service.
Does Maverick County have a drug court or any specialty court programs?
Texas operates several specialty court programs, including drug, veterans, and mental health courts at the district level. Whether Maverick County currently operates any of these should be confirmed directly with the 293rd or 365th District Court, as program availability changes and is not always widely publicized.
Other Counties in Texas
- Anderson
- Andrews
- Angelina
- Aransas
- Archer
- Armstrong
- Atascosa
- Austin
- Bailey
- Bandera
- Bastrop
- Baylor
- Bee
- Bell
- Bexar
- Blanco
- Borden
- Bosque
- Bowie
- Brazoria
- Brazos
- Brewster
- Briscoe
- Brooks
- Brown
- Burleson
- Burnet
- Caldwell
- Calhoun
- Callahan
- Cameron
- Camp
- Carson
- Cass
- Castro
- Chambers
- Cherokee
- Childress
- Clay
- Cochran
- Coke
- Coleman
- Collin
- Colorado
- Comal
- Comanche
- Concho
- Cooke
- Coryell
- Crockett
- Crosby
- Culberson
- Dallam
- Dallas
- Dawson
- De Witt
- Deaf Smith
- Delta
- Denton
- Dimmit
- Duval
- Eastland
- Ector
- Edwards
- El Paso
- Ellis
- Erath
- Falls
- Fannin
- Fayette
- Fisher
- Foard
- Fort Bend
- Franklin
- Freestone
- Frio
- Gaines
- Galveston
- Garza
- Gillespie
- Glasscock
- Goliad
- Gonzales
- Gray
- Grayson
- Gregg
- Grimes
- Guadalupe
- Hale
- Hamilton
- Hansford
- Hardin
- Harris
- Harrison
- Hartley
- Haskell
- Hays
- Henderson
- Hidalgo
- Hill
- Hockley
- Hood
- Hopkins
- Houston
- Howard
- Hunt
- Hutchinson
- Jack
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jefferson
- Jim Wells
- Johnson
- Jones
- Karnes
- Kaufman
- Kendall
- Kenedy
- Kerr
- Kinney
- Kleberg
- Lamar
- Lamb
- Lampasas
- Lavaca
- Lee
- Leon
- Liberty
- Limestone
- Live Oak
- Llano
- Loving
- Lubbock
- Madison
- Marion
- Matagorda
- Mcculloch
- Mclennan
- Medina
- Midland
- Milam
- Mitchell
- Montague
- Montgomery
- Moore
- Morris
- Nacogdoches
- Navarro
- Newton
- Nolan
- Nueces
- Ochiltree
- Orange
- Palo Pinto
- Panola
- Parker
- Parmer
- Pecos
- Polk
- Potter
- Rains
- Randall
- Red River
- Reeves
- Robertson
- Rockwall
- Runnels
- Rusk
- Sabine
- San Augustine
- San Jacinto
- San Patricio
- Scurry
- Shelby
- Sherman
- Smith
- Somervell
- Starr
- Stephens
- Tarrant
- Taylor
- Terrell
- Terry
- Titus
- Tom Green
- Travis
- Trinity
- Tyler
- Upshur
- Uvalde
- Val Verde
- Van Zandt
- Victoria
- Walker
- Waller
- Ward
- Washington
- Webb
- Wharton
- Wichita
- Wilbarger
- Willacy
- Williamson
- Wilson
- Wise
- Wood
- Yoakum
- Young
- Zapata
- Zavala
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