Live Oak County Jail Criminal Court Process

Search for an Inmate or Active Arrest Warrant in Live Oak County

Criminal Court Process for Live Oak County Texas

George West is the county seat of Live Oak County, which sits between San Antonio and Corpus Christi where Interstate 37 crosses U.S. 59 and U.S. 281; Three Rivers is the other incorporated town. Four justice of the peace precincts and the George West and Three Rivers municipal courts handle Class C offenses, the constitutional county court handles Class A and B misdemeanors, and felonies go to the 36th, 156th and 343rd District Courts, which Live Oak shares with Bee, McMullen and, for two of them, Aransas and San Patricio counties. The Live Oak County Attorney prosecutes misdemeanors, while felonies are prosecuted by the 156th Judicial District Attorney, whose main office is in Beeville. Adults arrested in the county are held at the Live Oak County Jail in George West, run by the Sheriff.

  • Live Oak County Courthouse (County Judge, county court, district courts and clerks), 301 Houston Street, George West, TX 78022; main line (361) 449-2733
  • District Clerk (felony files for the 36th, 156th and 343rd District Courts), P.O. Box 440, George West, TX 78022, (361) 449-2733, ext. 1047
  • County Clerk (misdemeanor records), P.O. Box 280, George West, TX 78022, (361) 449-2733
  • Live Oak County Attorney (misdemeanors), courthouse, (361) 449-2733, ext. 1025
  • 156th Judicial District Attorney (felonies in Bee, Live Oak and McMullen counties), Beeville, (361) 358-1550
  • Live Oak County Jail (Live Oak County Sheriff's Office), 200 Larry R. Busby Drive, George West, TX 78022, (361) 449-2271

Which court hears your case. Fine-only Class C misdemeanors, such as speeding, public intoxication, shoplifting under $100 or an assault that causes no injury, are heard in the Justice of the Peace court for the precinct where the offense happened, or in the George West or Three Rivers municipal court when city police write the ticket inside town. Class A and B misdemeanors, a first DWI among them, are filed in the Live Oak County Court, where the County Judge presides; a multi-county court at law shared with Bee and McMullen counties may also take some county-level matters. Felonies start with magistrate warnings and move, after indictment by a Live Oak County grand jury, to the 36th, 156th or 343rd District Court, whose judges sit in George West on scheduled days.

Where pretrial inmates are held. The Live Oak County Jail on Larry R. Busby Drive in George West holds people arrested by deputies, state troopers and the two city police departments until they post bail, are released by a judge or resolve their cases. The federal prison at Three Rivers holds sentenced federal prisoners only and is not used for county pretrial detainees. For custody questions, call the Sheriff's Office at (361) 449-2271.

Local courts in Live Oak County (justice of the peace, municipal and county courts)

Live Oak County runs four justice of the peace courts, and all of them now keep offices in George West, either at the courthouse or at the county building on Bowie Street. The JPs take turns as magistrates for people booked into the Live Oak County Jail, setting bond and giving the required warnings.

Justice of the Peace courts

  • Precinct 1, 300 Bowie Street, No. 4, George West, TX 78022, (361) 449-8046
  • Precinct 2, 300 Bowie Street (P.O. Box 255), George West, TX 78022, (361) 449-8062
  • Precinct 3, Live Oak County Courthouse, 301 Houston Street (P.O. Box 1826), George West, TX 78022, (361) 449-8015
  • Precinct 4, Live Oak County Courthouse, 301 Houston Street, Suite 103 (P.O. Box 535), George West, TX 78022, (361) 449-8054

Municipal courts

  • George West Municipal Court, 406 Nueces Street, George West, TX 78022, (361) 449-1557
  • Three Rivers Municipal Court, P.O. Box 398, Three Rivers, TX 78071, (361) 786-3512

Unincorporated communities such as Oakville, Whitsett and the Lake Corpus Christi area are served by the justice courts.

County court

  • Live Oak County Court (constitutional county court; Class A and B misdemeanors and appeals from justice and municipal courts), 301 Houston Street, Suite 105, George West, TX 78022, (361) 449-2733

A defendant convicted of a Class C offense in a justice or municipal court can appeal to the county court, where the case is tried again from the beginning; the appeal has to be filed within 10 days of the judgment.

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Misdemeanor (for example, theft, a first DWI, assault causing bodily injury, criminal trespass)

Live Oak County's highway traffic shapes its misdemeanor docket: DWI arrests on Interstate 37, drug-paraphernalia and marijuana cases from traffic stops, and thefts at truck stops are routine, along with family-violence and trespass calls from ranch country. Booking at the Live Oak County Jail is the first step in every one.

Magistration and getting out

Within 48 hours of arrest, a justice of the peace acting as magistrate must read the article 15.17 warnings, explain the right to a lawyer and to remain silent, and set bail. Release is possible by posting cash, by paying a licensed bail bondsman a nonrefundable fee to post a surety bond, or through a personal bond granted on the defendant's written promise to appear. When the arrest is for family violence, the magistrate commonly issues an emergency protective order as well.

Prosecution in county court

The Live Oak County Attorney decides whether to file an information in the county court. The County Judge sets arraignment and pretrial hearings, and plea negotiations settle most cases. A defendant who asks for a trial gets a six-person jury that must agree unanimously. Indigent defense in Live Oak County is handled through the Beeville Regional Public Defender Office, operated for Bee, Live Oak and McMullen counties by Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, along with appointed private lawyers; request counsel from the magistrate, or ask the County Clerk at (361) 449-2733.

Penalty ranges

  • Theft: Class C under $100; Class B between $100 and $750, punishable by up to 180 days and $2,000; Class A between $750 and $2,500, punishable by up to a year in jail and $4,000.
  • Assault causing bodily injury: Class A. A family-violence finding affects any later case, which can then be charged as a felony, and federal law bars the person from owning a firearm.
  • Criminal trespass: Class B in most cases; Class A for trespass in a habitation or while carrying a deadly weapon.
  • First DWI: Class B, ranging from 72 hours to 180 days and up to $3,000; Class A at 0.15 or above; and at least six days behind bars if officers found an open container in the vehicle. A separate administrative suspension of the license, a DWI education program, a possible ignition interlock and a state fine on conviction also apply. A first offender most often receives community supervision.

The case might instead end with dismissal, pretrial diversion offered by the County Attorney, or deferred adjudication, which avoids a conviction when the person completes supervision and may qualify for an order of nondisclosure. A typical Class A or B case in George West runs two to six months.

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Felony (for example, burglary, felony theft, drug possession or delivery, aggravated assault)

The 156th Judicial District Attorney presents Live Oak County felonies, and the three district courts that serve the county hear them in George West. The judges divide their time among several counties, so felony settings arrive on a set rotation.

  1. Magistrate's hearing. The magistrate must review a public safety report under the 2021 Damon Allen Act before setting bond, and anyone unable to post it remains in the Live Oak County Jail.
  2. Counsel. Defendants who cannot pay for a lawyer may be represented by the Beeville Regional Public Defender Office or by a private attorney appointed under the district's indigent defense plan, which the Texas Indigent Defense Commission helps fund. Ask at magistration or call the District Clerk at (361) 449-2733, ext. 1047.
  3. Indictment. Prosecutors take the case to a Live Oak County grand jury, which can indict or return a no bill. With a plea agreement in place, a defendant may waive indictment and proceed on an information.
  4. Time limits on detention. A person jailed on a felony is usually entitled to a personal bond or reduced bail if the State is not ready for trial within 90 days, except for violent offenses.
  5. Plea or trial. Most cases end in a negotiated plea after arraignment. Felony juries in George West seat 12 people who must all agree, and a defendant may ask those jurors to assess the punishment.

Possible felony sentences

  • State jail felony: 180 days to 2 years in a state jail, for offenses such as theft of $2,500 to $30,000 or possessing under a gram of methamphetamine or cocaine.
  • Third degree: 2 to 10 years. Second degree: 2 to 20 years, which covers burglary of a habitation and most aggravated assault charges. First degree: 5 to 99 years or life. Fines at any of these levels can reach $10,000.
  • Drug possession or delivery: graded by penalty group and weight, so large highway seizures can bring first-degree charges.

Prior felonies can enhance the punishment range. For "3g" offenses, a prisoner must serve half the sentence (at least two years) before parole eligibility; for most others, eligibility comes at roughly one-quarter with good time. Many first-time felony defendants receive deferred adjudication. A Live Oak County felony usually takes six to eighteen months.

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Violent felony (for example, murder, sexual assault, aggravated robbery)

Homicides and other violent felonies in Live Oak County are investigated by the Sheriff's Office or the city police in George West and Three Rivers, often with the Texas Rangers. The 156th District Attorney prosecutes them in one of the three district courts. Personal bonds are not allowed for violent charges under the Damon Allen Act, and Under a constitutional amendment Texas voters approved in 2025, judges in Live Oak County can deny bail in some violent-crime cases.

  • Capital murder: death or life without the possibility of parole.
  • Murder: a first-degree felony with a range of 5 to 99 years or life imprisonment.
  • Sexual assault: second degree. Aggravated sexual assault: first degree, with a mandatory 25-year minimum in some cases where the victim is a young child.
  • Aggravated robbery: first degree; a "3g" offense requiring half the term before parole.

Defendants facing these charges commonly remain in the Live Oak County Jail until trial. Lawyers in capital cases must meet special qualification standards, and the Regional Public Defender for Capital Cases represents many defendants from rural South Texas counties. Under article I, section 30 of the Texas Constitution, victims are entitled to notice, protection and the chance to make a victim impact statement. Expect one to three years for a violent felony case.

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Juveniles (under 17) arrested in Live Oak County

A child who was 10 through 16 years old at the time of an offense goes through the juvenile system. In Live Oak County, as everywhere in Texas, a 17-year-old is charged and jailed as an adult.

Intake

Police or deputies bring the child to the juvenile probation department that serves Live Oak County, which typically works across the Bee, Live Oak and McMullen county area. Intake officers decide whether to release the child to family, handle the case informally or forward it for prosecution. The County Attorney or the 156th District Attorney, according to the local designation, files any petition in the court the juvenile board has designated as juvenile court, usually one of the district courts or a county-level court.

Detention

Children who must be detained are typically held in a regional juvenile detention center under contract, such as one in the Coastal Bend or San Antonio area, because Live Oak County is too small to run its own. The judge must hold a detention hearing within two working days and review detention regularly afterward.

Outcomes

  • Deferred prosecution or supervisory caution for a first, minor case.
  • Probation with conditions such as school attendance, curfew, counseling, restitution and community service, or placement in a residential program.
  • Commitment to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD), or a determinate sentence for violent or serious offenses that can transfer to adult prison.
  • Certification to adult court, generally possible at age 14 or older for capital and first-degree felonies (and certain aggravated drug felonies) and 15 or older for other felonies.

A child has a right to a lawyer, appointed if the family cannot pay. Records in juvenile cases are confidential, and most can be sealed when the young person becomes eligible.

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Federal cases (U.S. District Court) from Live Oak County

By statute, Live Oak County is part of the Corpus Christi Division of the Southern District of Texas. Federal defendants from George West and Three Rivers appear at the U.S. Courthouse on Shoreline Boulevard in Corpus Christi, about an hour southeast on Interstate 37.

  • U.S. District Clerk for Live Oak County federal cases: U.S. Courthouse, 1133 North Shoreline Boulevard, Corpus Christi, Texas, (361) 888-3142
  • Federal prosecutors for the Corpus Christi Division: 800 North Shoreline Boulevard, Suite 500, Corpus Christi, Texas, (361) 888-3111
  • Appointed federal defense: the Federal Public Defender for the Southern District of Texas, or a Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panel attorney when that office cannot take the case

Common federal cases from Live Oak County

Live Oak County lies on major north-south routes from the Rio Grande Valley and Laredo toward San Antonio and Houston, so human smuggling and drug trafficking cases from highway stops are among the federal cases seen most often, along with immigration offenses, firearms charges against people with felony records and child exploitation. Federal prosecutors may adopt a case that began with a state arrest.

Inside the federal system

The initial appearance takes place before a federal magistrate judge, who advises the defendant of the charges and appoints a lawyer when needed. Federal court has no commercial bail system at all. If the government moves for detention, a hearing usually follows within three court days; the Bail Reform Act then gives the judge two choices, release on conditions overseen by U.S. Pretrial Services or detention until trial. An indictment must come within 30 days of an arrest on a complaint, and the Speedy Trial Act sets a 70-day trial clock that judges frequently extend. Trial is to a unanimous 12-person jury, but most defendants plead guilty.

Sentencing

A presentence report from the probation office guides the judge, who calculates the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and must follow any mandatory minimum set by statute. With no federal parole, prisoners serve about 85 percent of their sentences in the Bureau of Prisons, then a period of supervised release. An appeal from a Live Oak County federal conviction goes to the Fifth Circuit.

Look up a federal prisoner through the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator using a name or register number. Detainees the Marshals Service houses in a county jail before trial can also be found on that jail's roster. Federal prosecution of juveniles is rare.

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This page explains criminal court procedure in Live Oak County in general terms and is not legal advice. Phone numbers, dockets and jail procedures may change. Someone charged with a crime in George West or Three Rivers should talk to a defense attorney; a person who cannot pay for one can ask the magistrate for appointed counsel, contact the Beeville Regional Public Defender Office, or call the District Clerk at (361) 449-2733, ext. 1047.

Criminal Court Process for Live Oak County Texas

Live Oak County Texas Criminal Court System – Definitions

It might be helpful to define some words that will be used on this site, when explaining the Texas Court System and how it works. The definitions on this site are for general information and not legal advice. It is always preferred to follow information given by your attorney or local authorities.

If you scroll down below this content, and the listing of the courts in Live Oak County, you will find a simple flowchart diagram and a video that will help you visualize the stages of the Criminal Court Process.

Arrest is when Texas, Live Oak County or local police take a person into custody and start the legal process. The arrested person may or may not be immediately jailed. 

In less serious crimes, the person may only be given a citation ordering that they appear in municipal or Live Oak County court on a certain date. In cases involving more serious crimes, the person is usually placed in the county jail until an arraignment, or a judge decides the next step.

Booking is when the Live Oak County sheriff or local police gather information such as the detainee’s name, address and why the person is being arrested. Booking also includes fingerprinting, criminal history, investigation and verification of identity. Bail for lower-level crimes may be set right after booking so the arrested has the opportunity to “bail or bond out” before being detained.

The prosecution, sometimes called “the government” or “the people” or “the state” is the side that press the charges and seeks punishment for the offense. These are attorneys that work for the state of Texas, Live Oak County or a city or town. The prosecuting attorney for Live Oak County or the district works in the prosecutor’s office.  A U.S. Attorney prosecutes federal cases.  

Jurisdiction is an important term in the court system that means whether a court has the obligation or duty or right to handle a case.  For example, if you run a red light in your town or city, a municipal court would likely have jurisdiction over your case, but the next town or city over would not have jurisdiction over your case.  If you attempted to flee from police when they attempted to stop you after you ran the red light, it becomes a more serious crime, and the municipal court might not have jurisdiction so you might be assigned to a higher-level court that has jurisdiction over the more serious crime.  Jurisdiction varies from state to state and sometimes county to county.

Arraignment in Texas comes after charges are formally filed, usually by indictment for a felony. The trial court reads the charge and the defendant enters a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest. It is a separate step from the first appearance before a magistrate, where rights are explained, bail is set and a request for an appointed lawyer can be made.

An arraignment is not a trial, and the defendant is entitled to a trial within a reasonable amount of time after the arraignment.

Bail is money paid that is held by the Live Oak County or municipal court to make sure that the arrested does not flee the area before their trial. In Texas, bail and its conditions are set by a magistrate soon after arrest, at the hearing often called magistration. When the case is over, cash posted as bail is refunded on the court’s order to the person named on the receipt, less any fee the law allows.

If a person does not pay bail, they stay in custody until their trial.  Bail can be denied if the court feels that the arrested would be a danger to others if released. Sometimes the court decides that there is a good chance that the arrested will show up for trial and not flee so they are released on their own promise, or recognizance without having to pay bail.

A bond proceeding is the determination of how much bail is to be paid. In Texas it usually happens at the first appearance before a magistrate, soon after arrest, well before any arraignment. A defendant may have a lawyer at a bond proceeding, and a defendant facing a request to deny bail under Proposition 3 has the right to one at that hearing. Jailers, police and prosecutors can’t set bail. In Texas a magistrate does, usually within 48 hours of arrest, and that magistrate may be a justice of the peace, a municipal judge, an appointed magistrate or a county or district judge. Texas doesn’t use one bail schedule for the whole state; each county’s judges adopt their own. Before setting bail, the magistrate reviews a Public Safety Report on the person’s criminal history (the Damon Allen Act, Senate Bill 6, 2021). Since September 2025, Senate Bill 9 sends some felony bail decisions to a judge rather than an appointed magistrate, and since November 2025 Proposition 3 lets a judge deny bail outright for certain violent and sexual felonies after a hearing.

It is always important to have family involvement after being arrested.  Not only can they make calls and communicate on your behalf (not all bond companies will accept collect calls), but family support will show the court that there are people who will make sure that the defendant makes it to court, not only for the defendant’s own good, but because they may have signed bond paperwork and responsible to pay if the defendant does not show in court. Chances of obtaining a bond from a bond company or clerk of court are better if family is involved.  

(There have been phone scams to where a bond company calls and informs a person that their family member has been arrested and they ask for financial information.  A bondsman will not call asking for money without involvement of the arrested.)

A judicial public bond or personal recognizance bond is a bond where someone representing the defendant signs paperwork promising to pay the money if the defendant does not show up to court. If the defendant does not show, the full amount will be due and the people who signed the paperwork will be responsible to pay the court.  Sometimes the court decides that there is a good chance that the arrested will show up for trial and not flee so they are released on their own promise, or recognizance.  

Cash bonds in Texas. Instead of using a bondsman, the defendant or someone on their behalf deposits the full bail amount with the court or the sheriff. The money is held until the case ends, then refunded on the court’s order to the person named on the receipt, less the administrative fee the law allows (Art. 17.02).

Surety Bond is when defendant pays a percentage of the bond amount (usually 10–15%) to a professional bondsman or bail bond company licensed under Texas law, or by the county’s bail bond board in counties that have one. The bondsman then signs the bond on behalf of the defendant. The defendant does not receive any of the money back. If the bondsman feels the defendant is a flight risk, they can refuse to give a bond or charge a higher fee. For example, a bondsman may determine a defendant is a flight risk if they are from a state other than Texas.

A Property Bond is a bond in which the bond is pledged in land or home real estate.  Usually, the property must be in Live Oak County, and it must be worth at least the amount of the bond.

An Unsecured Bond is when the defendant is released without paying bail upfront, but they must pay the full amount if they do not appear in court.

A Secured Bond is when the defendant pays a portion of the bail up front. If they show to court, they would get the money back and if they don’t show up to court, would have to pay the entire bail amount.

A criminal defense attorney (also called lawyer or counsel) is hired or retained to represent the arrested as early as possible after the arrest.

If there is a chance that the case might go to trial and the defendant cannot afford an attorney, the 6th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution requires that the court provide an attorney. This is called indigent representation and a public defender or assigned attorney would represent the defendant in all proceedings. Indigent representation is only available misdemeanor and felony cases that could result in jail time, juvenile cases and certain appeal cases. Class C misdemeanors do not qualify for indigent representation.  

Texas requires that the county pays for appointed counsel and expenses and each county may address indigent defense differently but must comply with the state commission’s guidelines.  If an accused cannot afford a lawyer, the court appoints one. A judge may later order the defendant to repay some or all of that cost if they are able to.  

For less serious cases or civil cases, pro bono volunteers give legal help free or at low cost. Many hold clinics on representing yourself or clearing (expunging) a record. Pro Bono Texas is a good place to start looking for one.

Many courts will provide forms and help for people who want to represent themselves, called pro se.

In Texas, a district court is the main state trial court for felonies. The name can also mean a U.S. federal district court, which hears federal cases; Texas has four federal judicial districts with offices around the state. It is important that you check the address of the court you are to appear in rather than to ask someone because that person might give you directions to the wrong “district” court. Being late to court can land you in custody as well.

Pretrial proceeding is the process where both sides (prosecution and defense) gather information, interview witnesses, request records, videos etc. Pretrial proceedings also include communications with the judge assigned to the case and these appearances are either in person or by on-line conferencing. Some pretrial proceedings may not require a defendant’s appearance, allowing an attorney to appear in their place. The information that is gathered is called discovery and both sides must share the information that they have gathered.  This information does not include conversations between the arrested and their attorney.

Most cases do not go to trial because both sides reach a plea deal, where both sides try to reach a reasonable punishment based on what was learned in the pretrial proceedings.  A plea deal can only happen if the accused person admits they are guilty in exchange for a lighter punishment.  The reason they must admit guilt is because it would not be fair to punish someone who claims they are not guilty.  There are times in plea bargaining when the prosecution agrees to give a lighter sentence in exchange for information leading to the arrest of more serious criminal related to the crime.  

Trial is where both sides share their information in front of a judge or a judge and jury. After listening to all the evidence, the judge or jury decides the verdict which is whether if the person is guilty or not guilty. If a court has only a judge hearing both sides, it is called a bench trial.  If a jury is selected, it is called a jury trial.  If the defendant is found non-guilty, they are released.  If they are found to be guilty, the next step is sentencing.

Sentencing is the punishment that the judge decides the person should get. This could be jail or prison time, fines, community service, probation, or a combination.

Appeal is asking for a higher court to hear the case again at an appellate court.  If the accused person thinks something went wrong at trial or has new information that was not available during the trial or that the sentence is too harsh, the defense attorney can ask for an appeal. It is not unusual for an appeal when there is a long jail sentence, but an appeal can be denied if the appellate court feels that the original trial or sentencing was fair.

Texas Felony vs Misdemeanor

In Texas, a misdemeanor is divided into Class A, Class B and Class C.

  • Class A is the most serious misdemeanor with penalties of up to 1 year in county jail and a fine of up to $4000.  Examples of a Class A misdemeanor in Texas include property theft valued between $750 and $2500, certain drug possession offenses and assault with bodily harm. 
  • Class B Misdemeanors can result in penalties of up to 180 days in county jail and a fine of up to $2000. Examples of a Class B misdemeanor include first offense DWI, possession of marijuana and criminal trespassing.
  • Class C misdemeanor is the least serious and results in a fine of up to $500 without jail time. Examples of Class C misdemeanor include disorderly conduct, simple assault without bodily injury and minor possession of alcohol.

A felony crime in Texas is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor and can be punished with more significant fines and jail time of more than one year.  Examples of felony crimes are murder, rape, theft, aggravated assault, drug trafficking, kidnapping and identity theft.

In Texas, the elected District Clerk keeps the records for felony cases and the elected County Clerk (or County Court at Law clerk) keeps misdemeanor records; both accept filings, bonds, fees and fines and keep the court’s files.

A warrant is used to get someone to appear in court or to law enforcement.  There must be good reason to believe that the person is involved in a crime. The warrant gives authority to arrest the person and search for evidence for the investigation of the crime. 

A criminal summons is issued to request that a person appear in court at a particular time and date.  It does not involve an arrest.  A traffic ticket, summary citation or lesser misdemeanor could be considered a summons if you are given a court date.

A summary citation, commonly referred to as a ticket, is a criminal summons by a law enforcement officer either in person or via mail accusing the defendant of a minor offense, stating potential fine, listing the court having jurisdiction and instructions for addressing the issue. Defendants may or may not be required to appear in court or handle the matter by entering a plea via mail.

Fines are usually paid to the District Clerk or County Clerk, and payment methods can be found on the Live Oak County District Clerk or County Clerk website. If you do not pay your fine on time, you can lose your driver’s license, have to pay additional fees or even have a warrant for your arrest.  It is important to read the instructions on the ticket issued by the police officer or court at the time of your arrest. For a parking ticket or summary citation, the fine amount and how to send payment should be on the ticket. 

Texas Criminal Court System - How it Works

Justice courts are located within precincts are the lower-level criminal courts that handle Class C misdemeanors such as disorderly conduct, public intoxication and minor possession of alcohol and traffic violations. The judges are magistrates. 

Municipal courts handle violations of municipal ordinances (city laws), traffic violations, parking violations and criminal misdemeanor offenses that occur within the city or towns police jurisdiction. They overlap with justice courts in handling Class C misdemeanors. These courts are for criminal misdemeanors and are only punishable by fine and there is no confinement.

When there is an appeal request from a judgement made in justice or municipal court, the case is heard in a county or district court as if the original trial in the lower court had not occurred.  This is called trial de novo.

Texas County Courts are the original and trial courts for the more serious Class A and B misdemeanor cases. Each Texas county has one constitutional county court, and many counties have added statutory County Courts at Law to share its caseload; in larger counties those courts hear most Class A and B misdemeanors.  County courts are not courts for felony cases.

District courts in Texas are trial courts that handle criminal felony cases from beginning to end.  

Every Texas county designates at least one court to sit as its juvenile court (Family Code 51.04). A child in juvenile court is someone who was 10 through 16 at the time of the alleged conduct; at 17, Texas treats a person as an adult in criminal cases. The juvenile cases are handled by judges assigned to only serve “juvenile court”.

Courts of Appeal handle appeals from the district and county courts.

Specialty courts or problem-solving courts are being adopted in many states as a way to handle cases that involve non-violent and first-time offender cases in a way to where the offender can retain a job or responsibilities while following specific orders of the court as returned court appearances, periodic evaluations or testing for substances. Texas offers a variety of specialty courts throughout the state including drug, veteran’s, re-entry and DWI courts.

Texas has two high courts. The Texas Supreme Court is the final word on civil and juvenile cases. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals in Austin is the highest court for criminal cases and automatically reviews every death sentence. Most criminal appeals reach it after one of the state’s intermediate courts of appeals has ruled.

FEDERAL COURT

Federal Court deals with crimes involving violations of United States laws.  Federal crimes include federal drug trafficking, federal tax evasion and fraud that crossed state lines and include crimes that occur on federal property as post offices or federal buildings.  

Cases involving crimes that involve the FBI or DEA or Immigration agencies are federal crimes. Terrorism is a federal crime. 

There are some differences in the Federal court system as compared to the Texas state court system. For example, the attorneys who work for the courts are called United States Attorneys and Federal judges are called District Court Judges (not to be confused by local state district courts).  

Federal Magistrate Judges hear the case early on, but they do not decide on the cases at a trial like the Federal District Court Judges. In a federal case, a grand jury is used for indictments.

There are four U.S. Federal Judicial Districts in Texas.

Courts

THREE RIVERS MUNICIPAL COURT
110 GALLAHER ST
THREE RIVERS TX, 78071
361-786-3512

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Every detail on this page is checked by hand, not scraped. This unofficial directory helps friends and family of incarcerated individuals find critical information — inmate lists, locations, bail resources, visitation hours, rules, and text, phone, email, and mail services — for jails, detention centers, and prisons across the United States.