The Justice of the Peace is elected for a term of four years from each justice precinct in the county (a precinct may have more than one justice of the peace). The Justice of the Peace is the presiding officer of the justice court and the small claims court. The Justice of the Peace has jurisdiction over minor misdemeanor offenses (Class C), and in civil matters in which the amount in controversy is no more than $20,000 (or $10,000 if the case was filed prior to September 1, 2020). A variety of civil process, as well as arrest and search warrants, can be issued by the Justice of the Peace. The Justice of the Peace also sits as judge of the small claims courts, in actions for the recovery of money, in which the amount in controversy is no more than $20,000 (or $10,000 if the case was filed prior to September 1, 2020).

The Justice of the Peace may also preside over hearings pertaining to suspension of driver licenses and conduct other hearings and inquests. The Justice of the Peace may conduct marriage ceremonies and serves as ex officio notary public for the precinct. The Justice of the Peace has administrative and financial duties concerning the keeping of records and fee and expense reports.

The duty of the Justice of the Peace Courts is to assist in any way possible, but the Rules of Judicial Ethic prohibits the Court from giving legal advice, telling either party how to present their case or expressing opinions of law. The Judge and Court clerk can answer questions of general nature and about court procedures only.

Please be advised that the law prohibits a judge from communicating with you prior to trial about your pending case that you may file