Justice of the Peace

The Justice of the Peace (JP) in Texas is a locally elected official who serves as the presiding judicial officer in the Justice Court, a part of the state’s judicial system. Each county in Texas is divided into precincts, and a JP is elected for each precinct to handle cases within their jurisdiction. The Justice of the Peace oversees a variety of civil and criminal matters, including small claims disputes, evictions, truancy cases, and misdemeanor offenses such as traffic violations. JPs also perform magistrate duties, such as issuing warrants and conducting preliminary hearings. Additionally, they have the authority to perform marriage ceremonies and, in some counties, may act as a coroner in investigating unattended deaths. With a focus on accessible and community-based justice, the role of the JP is integral to maintaining law and order at the local level.
FEE INCREASE - Effective January 1, 2022 the fees for filing a civil case in the Justice Court have been consolidated and have increased. Additionally, motions for new trial and appeals will require a filing fee to be paid at the time of filing. The increase in filing fees is pursuant to SB 41 passed by the 87th Legislature signed into law with an effective date of January 1, 2022.

Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace

Judge Shanna J. Gates

500 East San Antonio Street, Box 9
Pearsall, Texas 78061
Phone: 830-505-2995
Fax:  830-505-7033   

Office Hours: 
Monday-Thursday 8:00am -- 5:00pm 
Friday 8:00am - 12:00pm 
To make sure payments are received and accepted in a timely manner. Please choose payment options from the following:

Payments made after the 25th of each month, can be made through Traffic Payment.

Payments made prior to the 25th of each month, can be made through Pay Fines Online. 

Please Note:  Any payment made through Pay Fines Online, after the 26th of each month, will not be received until the following month. 

Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace

Judge Sandra Waldrum

P.O. Box 751
Pearsall, Texas 78061
Phone: 830-505-7839
Fax: 830-334-0080          

Office Hours: 
Monday-Thursday 8:00am -- 5:00pm  
Friday 8:00am - 12:00pm 

To make sure payments are received and accepted in a timely manner. Please choose payment options from the following:

Payments made after the 25th of each month, can be made through Traffic Payment.

Payments made prior to the 25th of each month, can be made through Pay Fines Online. 

Please Note:  Any payment made through Pay Fines Online, after the 26th of each month, will not be received until the following month. 

Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace

Judge Susan Ruiz-Belding

500 E. San Antonio Street, Box 13
Pearsall Texas 78061
Phone: 830-505-7476          
Fax: 830-334-2648 

Office Hours: 
Monday-Thursday 8:00am -- 5:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 12:00pm
To make sure payments are received and accepted in a timely manner. Please choose payment options from the following:

Payments made after the 25th of each month, can be made through Traffic Payment.

Payments made prior to the 25th of each month, can be made through Pay Fines Online. 

Please Note:  Any payment made through Pay Fines Online, after the 26th of each month, will not be received until the following month. 

Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace

Judge Jack Proctor Jr.

101 N. Commerce Street Ste. 101
Dilley, Texas 78017
Phone: 830-326-3250
Fax:

Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday 8:00am -12:00pm
To make sure payments are received and accepted in a timely manner. Please choose payment options from the following:

Payments made after the 25th of each month, can be made through Traffic Payment.

Payments made prior to the 25th of each month, can be made through Pay Fines Online. 

Please Note:  Any payment made through Pay Fines Online, after the 26th of each month, will not be received until the following month. 

New SRL Packet Available!

Texas Justice Court Training Center (TJCTC) has published an Information Packet on Writs of Re-Entry, Restoration, and Retrieval. It is available at www.tjctc.org/SRL

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