Code of Criminal Procedure · Art. 4.11

Jurisdiction of Justice Court

Jurisdiction of Justice Court (Art. 4.11): key points and worked practice questions for Texas peace officer exam preparation.

Key points

  • Justice courts have original jurisdiction in criminal cases punishable by fine only (Art. 4.11)
  • Including cases punishable by fine and a sanction not consisting of confinement or imprisonment

Learn more about this topic

Time yourself, score your run, review missed questions with statute references — Free Practice Pass cadets get limited access.

Start Free Practice

Worked examples

Worked example 1

Texas misdemeanor cases involving up to a $500 fine (Class C) are originally tried in:

  1. District court
  2. Justice court or municipal court Correct
  3. Court of criminal appeals
  4. County court at law
Why: Class C misdemeanors are tried in justice courts (state offenses) or municipal courts (city ordinance violations and Class C state offenses occurring within the municipality). Class A and B misdemeanors are tried in county courts; felonies in district courts.
Statute: Tex. Const. art. V; Tex. Code Crim. Proc. art. 4.11/4.14