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GOVERNMENT CODE

TITLE 2. JUDICIAL BRANCH

SUBTITLE A. COURTS

CHAPTER 24. DISTRICT COURTS

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 24.001. AGE QUALIFICATION OF JUDGES. A district judge must be at least 25 years old.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.002. SUBSTITUTE JUDGES. A change of venue is not necessary because of the
disqualification of a district judge in a case or proceeding pending in his court, but the judge
shall immediately certify his disqualification to the governor. The governor shall designate a
district judge of another district to exchange benches with the disqualified judge to try the
case. The governor shall notify both judges of his designation, and the judges shall exchange
benches. If the judges are prevented from exchanging benches, the parties or their counsels
may agree on an attorney of the court for the trial of the case. The district judge or special
judge shall certify to the governor the fact of a failure of the parties or their counsels to agree
on an attorney, and the governor shall appoint a person legally qualified to act as judge in the
trial of the case.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.003. SUBSTITUTE JUDGES IN CERTAIN COUNTIES. (a) This section applies only to
civil cases in counties with five or more district courts.
(b) If a district judge is disqualified in a case pending in his court and his disqualification is
certified to the governor, the governor may require any other district judge in the county to
exchange benches with the disqualified judge.
(c) If a district judge is absent, sick, or disqualified, any of the district judges in the county
may hold court for him or may transfer a pending case to the court of any other district judge
in the county.
(d) Repealed by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 90, Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 90,
Sec. 1, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.

Sec. 24.004. SPECIAL JUDGE BY AGREEMENT OF PARTIES. If the parties agree on a special
judge for the trial of a particular case, the clerk shall enter in the minutes of the court, as a
part of the proceedings in the case, a record showing:
(1) that the judge of the court is disqualified to try the case;
(2) the name of the special judge and that the parties agreed on the selection of that judge for
the trial of the case; and
(3) that the oath prescribed by law was administered to the special judge.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.006. SALARY OF SPECIAL JUDGE. (a) This section applies to payment of salary to:
(1) a special judge commissioned by the governor as provided by Article V, Section 11, of the
Texas Constitution; and
(2) a special judge agreed on by the parties as provided by Section 24.004.
(b) Each special judge is entitled to receive for each day served as a special judge the same
daily salary that a district judge receives.
(c) A special judge commissioned by the governor is also entitled to receive the same daily
salary that a district judge receives for each day necessary for the special judge to travel to
and from the court.
(d) The daily salary is determined by dividing the annual salary of a district judge by 365.
(e) In order to obtain his salary, a special judge commissioned by the governor must present
his sworn account to the comptroller showing the number of travel days that were necessary.
The judge must also give the comptroller evidence that the judge was duly commissioned. The
account must be certified as correct by the judge of the district or by the court clerk of the court
in which he served.
(f) A special judge agreed on by the parties or elected by the practicing lawyers shall be paid
on presenting to the comptroller the certificate of the clerk of the court in which he served and
the judge's sworn account. The clerk's certificate must show the record of the judge's election or
appointment and must show that the judge performed services in the court. The judge's sworn
account must show the number of days that he served as the special judge.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 90,
Sec. 4, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.

Sec. 24.007. JURISDICTION. The district court has the jurisdiction provided by Article V,
Section 8, of the Texas Constitution.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148,
Sec. 1.36, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.

Sec. 24.008. OTHER JURISDICTION. The district court may hear and determine any cause
that is cognizable by courts of law or equity and may grant any relief that could be granted by
either courts of law or equity.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.009. JURISDICTIONAL AMOUNT IF PARTIES PROPERLY JOIN IN ONE SUIT. If two or
more persons originally and properly join in one suit, the suit for jurisdictional purposes is
treated as if one party is suing for the aggregate amount of all their claims added together,
excluding interest and costs. This section does not prevent jurisdiction from attaching on any
other ground.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.010. JURISDICTION OF FAILURE TO PAY OVER CERTAIN MONEY. The district court
may hear and determine:
(1) motions against sheriffs and other officers of the court for failure to pay over money
collected under the process of the court or other defalcation of duty in connection with the
process; and
(2) motions against attorneys for money collected by them and not paid over.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.011. WRIT POWER. A judge of a district court may, either in termtime or vacation,
grant writs of mandamus, injunction, sequestration, attachment, garnishment, certiorari,
and supersedeas and all other writs necessary to the enforcement of the court's jurisdiction.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.012. TERMS AND SESSIONS OF COURT. (a) Each district and criminal district court
holds at least two terms of court each year in each county in the district.
(b) Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, the terms of each district, family district,
and criminal district court are continuous. Each term begins on a day fixed by law and
continues until the day fixed by law for the beginning of the next succeeding term.
(c) The commencement of a term of court is not affected by the fact that the first day of the
term falls on a legal holiday or the judge is absent from the county on the first day of the term.
(d) A district judge may hold as many sessions of court in a county as he considers proper and
expedient for the dispatch of business and may adopt rules for that purpose as authorized by
the statutes of this state and the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
(e) A district judge may hear a nonjury matter relating to a civil or criminal case at a
correctional facility in the county in which the case is filed or prosecuted if a party to the case
or the criminal defendant is confined in the correctional facility. For purposes of this
subsection, "correctional facility" has the meaning assigned by Section 1.07, Penal Code.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch.
1494, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Sec. 24.013. JUDGE'S POWERS IN VACATION. (a) A judge may, in vacation with the consent
of the parties to a case:
(1) exercise powers, issue orders, and perform acts as fully as in termtime; and
(2) try any civil case without a jury and enter final judgment.
(b) The right of appeal, writ of error, and rules of procedure apply to actions taken under this
section as if done in termtime.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., 1st C.S.,
ch. 25, Sec. 35, eff. Nov. 1, 1989.

Sec. 24.014. SPECIAL TERMS. (a) A district judge may set a time for and hold a special term
in any county in his district.
(b) The judge may appoint jury commissioners who select and draw grand and petit jurors as
provided by law. The jurors may be summoned to appear before the court at the time
designated by the judge.
(c) The judge may determine whether or not to draw or empanel a grand jury.
(d) A new civil case may not be brought to a special term of the court.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.015. PROCEDURE AT SPECIAL TERM. (a) Juries for special terms authorized by
Section 24.014 shall be summoned in the manner provided by law for regular terms.
(b) Any proceeding in a case that may be held at a regular term may also be held at a special
term.
(c) The following procedures in any civil or criminal case are the same and have the same
force and effect when done at a special term as though done at a regular term:
(1) the issuance of process, whether to a regular term or a special term;
(2) the conduct of proceedings;
(3) the issuance of an order, judgment, or decree; and
(4) an appeal.
(d) A proceeding held at a special term may be appealed as if it were held at a regular term.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.016. APPOINTED COUNSEL. A district judge may appoint counsel to attend to the
cause of a party who makes an affidavit that he is too poor to employ counsel to attend to the
cause.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.017. PROCEEDINGS IN MULTICOUNTY DISTRICTS. (a) This section applies in
judicial districts that are composed of more than one county.
(b) Except as provided by this section, the judge of a district court may, in any county in his
judicial district:
(1) hear and determine all preliminary and interlocutory matters in which a jury may not be
demanded;
(2) hear and determine uncontested or agreed cases and contests of elections pending in his
district, unless a party to the suit objects; and
(3) sign all necessary orders and judgments in those matters.
(c) The judge may sign an order or decree in any case pending for trial or on trial before him
in any county in his district at a place that is convenient to the judge and forward the order or
decree to the clerk for filing and entry.
(d) A district judge who is assigned to preside in a court of another judicial district or is
presiding in exchange or at the request of the regular judge of the court may, in the manner
provided by this section for the regular judge, hear, determine, and enter the orders,
judgments, and decrees in a case that is pending for trial or has been tried before the visiting
judge.
(e) All contested divorce cases, all default judgments, and all cases in which any of the
parties are cited by publication must be tried in the county in which the case is filed unless
other law authorizes the case to be tried in another county.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.018. CERTAIN EFFECT OF DISTRICT REORGANIZATION. If the counties that compose
a judicial district or the time or place for holding terms of a district court are changed by law:
(1) the process and writs issued from the district court and made returnable to a term of court
fixed by the law at the time of the issuance are returnable to the next term of the court as fixed
by the amended law and are as legal and valid as if they were made returnable to the term of
the court as fixed by the amended law;
(2) the grand and petit jurors selected or drawn under the prior law in any county in the
judicial district are lawfully selected or drawn for the next term of the district court of the
county as fixed by the amended law; and
(3) the obligees in all appearance bonds and recognizances taken in and for the district court
and the witnesses summoned to appear before the district court under the prior law are
required to appear at the next term of the court as fixed by the amended law.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.019. EXPENSES OF DISTRICT JUDGE. (a) A district judge engaged in the discharge of
official duties in a county other than the judge's county of residence is entitled to traveling
and other necessary expenses, as provided by Chapter 660.
(b) A district judge is entitled to receive from the state the actual and necessary postage,
telegraph, and telephone expenses incurred in the discharge of official duties.
(c) The expenses shall be paid by the state on a sworn itemized account showing the expenses.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76,
Sec. 5.95(105), eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Sec. 24.020. JURISDICTION OVER COMMISSIONERS COURT. The district court has appellate
jurisdiction and general supervisory control over the commissioners court, with the
exceptions and regulations prescribed by law.

Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148, Sec. 1.37, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.

Sec. 24.021. INCOMPETENCY. For purposes of Article XV, Section 6, of the Texas Constitution,
"incompetency" means:
(1) gross ignorance of official duties;
(2) gross carelessness in the discharge of official duties; or
(3) inability or unfitness to promptly and properly discharge official duties because of a
serious mental or physical defect that did not exist at the time of the judge's election.

Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, Sec. 18, eff. Sept. 1, 1987.

Sec. 24.022. EFFECT OF TRANSFER OF CERTAIN CASES FOLLOWING CREATION OF
ADDITIONAL COURT. (a) On the creation of an additional district court in a county, an
existing district court in the county may transfer to the new court a case regarding a child
who is subject to the continuing exclusive jurisdiction of the existing court under Title 5,
Family Code, regardless of whether the case is pending in the existing court or the existing
court rendered a final order in the case.
(b) The district court to which the case is transferred under this section acquires continuing
exclusive jurisdiction under Title 5, Family Code, over the child.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1148, Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2001.

Sec. 24.033. LOCATION OF PROCEEDINGS FOLLOWING CERTAIN DISASTERS. (a) In this
section, "first tier coastal county" and "second tier coastal county" have the meanings
assigned by Section 2210.003, Insurance Code.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law, if a disaster, as defined by Section 418.004, occurs in a
first tier coastal county or a second tier coastal county that precludes a district court from
conducting its proceedings at the county seat of that county, the presiding judge of the
administrative judicial region, with the approval of the judge of the affected district court,
may designate an alternate location in the judicial district at which the court may conduct its
proceedings.

Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1076, Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.

SUBCHAPTER B. CERTAIN JUDICIAL DISTRICTS

Sec. 24.101. 1ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT (JASPER, NEWTON, SABINE, AND SAN AUGUSTINE
COUNTIES). (a) The 1st Judicial District is composed of Jasper, Newton, Sabine, and San
Augustine counties.
(b) In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, the 1st District Court in Sabine and San
Augustine counties has the civil jurisdiction of a county court.
(c) The terms of the 1st District Court begin:
(1) in Jasper County on the first Monday in January and the 22nd Monday after the first
Monday in January;
(2) in Newton County on the 5th and 34th Mondays after the first Monday in January;
(3) in San Augustine County on the 11th and 40th Mondays after the first Monday in January;
and
(4) in Sabine County on the 17th and 45th Mondays after the first Monday in January.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.102. 2ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT (CHEROKEE COUNTY). (a) The 2nd Judicial District is
composed of Cherokee County.
(b) The terms of the 2nd District Court begin on the first Mondays in March and September.
(c) The judge may take a vacation and not attend court for four weeks in each year.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.103. 3RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT (ANDERSON, HENDERSON, AND HOUSTON
COUNTIES). (a) The 3rd Judicial District is composed of Anderson, Henderson, and Houston
counties.
(b) The terms of the 3rd District Court begin:
(1) in Anderson County on the first Mondays in April, July, and December;
(2) in Henderson County on the first Mondays in February, June, and September; and
(3) in Houston County on the first Mondays in March, August, and October.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.104. 4TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (RUSK COUNTY). (a) The 4th Judicial District is
composed of Rusk County.
(b) The terms of the 4th District Court begin on the first Mondays in January, March, May,
July, September, and November.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.105. 5TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BOWIE AND CASS COUNTIES). (a) The 5th Judicial
District is composed of Bowie and Cass counties.
(b) In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, each district court in Bowie and Cass
counties has the civil and criminal jurisdiction of a county court.
(c) In Bowie County, the 5th Judicial District has concurrent jurisdiction with the 102nd
Judicial District. Either court, in term or in vacation, may transfer a pending civil or
criminal case to the other court by an order entered on the minutes of the transferring court.
(d) The terms of the 5th District Court begin:
(1) in Bowie County on the first Mondays in January and July; and
(2) in Cass County on the first Mondays in February, May, August, and November.
(e) The 5th and 102nd district courts may sit in Bowie County in Texarkana, in addition to
Boston, to try, hear, and determine nonjury civil or criminal cases, motions, arguments, and
other nonjury matters.
(f) When the courts sit in Texarkana, the Bowie County district clerk or the clerk's deputy
shall serve as clerk of the courts and may transfer all necessary books, minutes, and records
to Texarkana or Boston when necessary. The Bowie County sheriff or the sheriff's deputy shall
attend the courts in Texarkana and perform all duties required by law or by the court.
(g) The Commissioners Court of Bowie County may provide suitable quarters for the 5th and
102nd district courts in Texarkana or may make an agreement with the City of Texarkana to
provide quarters.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch.
1012, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.

Text of section effective until January 01, 2010

Sec. 24.106. 6TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (FANNIN, LAMAR, AND RED RIVER COUNTIES). (a)
The 6th Judicial District is composed of Fannin, Lamar, and Red River counties.
(b) In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, each district court in Red River County
has the civil and criminal jurisdiction of a county court.
(c) In Red River County, the 6th Judicial District has concurrent jurisdiction with the 102nd
Judicial District. In Lamar County, the 6th Judicial District has concurrent jurisdiction with
the 62nd Judicial District.
(d) In any county in the district in which there are two or more district courts, the judges of
those courts may, in their discretion, either in termtime or in vacation, on motion of any
party, on agreement of the parties, or on their own motion, transfer any civil or criminal case
or proceeding on their dockets to the docket of one of the other district courts. In Lamar County,
the judges may transfer a case by an order entered in the minutes of the transferring court.
The judges of the courts may, in their discretion, exchange benches or districts from time to
time. Any of the judges may in his own courtroom try and determine any case or proceeding
pending in any of the other courts without having the case transferred or may sit in any of the
other courts and hear and determine any case or proceeding pending in one of those courts.
Two or more judges may try different cases in the same court at the same time and each may
occupy his own courtroom or the room of any other court. In case of absence, sickness, or
disqualification of any of the judges, any other of the judges may hold court for him. Any of
the judges may hear and determine any part or question of any case or proceeding pending in
any of the courts, and any other of the judges may complete the hearing and render judgment
in the proceeding. Any of the judges may hear and determine motions, petitions for
injunction, applications for appointment of receivers, interventions, motions to transfer
venue, pleas in abatement and all dilatory pleas, motions for new trials, and all preliminary
matters, questions, and proceedings, and may enter judgment or order on them in the court in
which the case or proceeding is pending without having the matter transferred to the court of
the acting judge. The judge in whose court the matter is pending may proceed to hear,
complete, and determine the matter or all or any part of any other matter and may render
final judgment on it. Any of the judges of the courts may issue restraining orders and
injunctions returnable to any of the other courts. This subsection does not limit the powers of
the judges when acting for any other judge by exchange of benches or otherwise.
(e) The terms of the 6th District Court in each county in the district begin on the first Mondays
in January and July.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1342, Sec. 1(c), eff. January 1, 2010.

Text of section effective on January 01, 2010

Sec. 24.106. 6TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT ( LAMAR AND RED RIVER COUNTIES).
Text of subsection effective until January 01, 2010

(a) The 6th Judicial District is composed of Fannin, Lamar, and Red River counties.
(a) The 6th Judicial District is composed of Lamar and Red River counties.
(b) In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, each district court in Red River County
has the civil and criminal jurisdiction of a county court.
(c) In Red River County, the 6th Judicial District has concurrent jurisdiction with the 102nd
Judicial District. In Lamar County, the 6th Judicial District has concurrent jurisdiction with
the 62nd Judicial District.
(d) In any county in the district in which there are two or more district courts, the judges of
those courts may, in their discretion, either in termtime or in vacation, on motion of any
party, on agreement of the parties, or on their own motion, transfer any civil or criminal case
or proceeding on their dockets to the docket of one of the other district courts. In Lamar County,
the judges may transfer a case by an order entered in the minutes of the transferring court.
The judges of the courts may, in their discretion, exchange benches or districts from time to
time. Any of the judges may in his own courtroom try and determine any case or proceeding
pending in any of the other courts without having the case transferred or may sit in any of the
other courts and hear and determine any case or proceeding pending in one of those courts.
Two or more judges may try different cases in the same court at the same time and each may
occupy his own courtroom or the room of any other court. In case of absence, sickness, or
disqualification of any of the judges, any other of the judges may hold court for him. Any of
the judges may hear and determine any part or question of any case or proceeding pending in
any of the courts, and any other of the judges may complete the hearing and render judgment
in the proceeding. Any of the judges may hear and determine motions, petitions for
injunction, applications for appointment of receivers, interventions, motions to transfer
venue, pleas in abatement and all dilatory pleas, motions for new trials, and all preliminary
matters, questions, and proceedings, and may enter judgment or order on them in the court in
which the case or proceeding is pending without having the matter transferred to the court of
the acting judge. The judge in whose court the matter is pending may proceed to hear,
complete, and determine the matter or all or any part of any other matter and may render
final judgment on it. Any of the judges of the courts may issue restraining orders and
injunctions returnable to any of the other courts. This subsection does not limit the powers of
the judges when acting for any other judge by exchange of benches or otherwise.
(e) The terms of the 6th District Court in each county in the district begin on the first Mondays
in January and July.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1342, Sec. 1(c), eff. January 1, 2010.
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1342, Sec. 1(d), eff. January 1, 2010.

Sec. 24.107. 7TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (SMITH COUNTY). (a) The 7th Judicial District is
composed of Smith County.
(b) The terms of the 7th District Court begin on the first Mondays in January and July.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.108. 8TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DELTA, FRANKLIN, HOPKINS, AND RAINS
COUNTIES). (a) The 8th Judicial District is composed of Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, and Rains
counties.
(b) In any county in the district in which there are two or more district courts, those district
courts have concurrent jurisdiction in that county.
(c) In any county in the district in which there are two or more district courts, the judges of
those courts may, in their discretion, either in termtime or in vacation, on motion of any
party, on agreement of the parties, or on their own motion, transfer any civil or criminal case
or proceeding on their dockets to the docket of one of the other district courts. The judges in
Delta and Franklin counties may transfer a case by an order entered on the minutes of the
transferring court. The judges of the courts may, in their discretion, exchange benches or
districts from time to time. If a judge of one of the courts is disqualified, he may transfer the
case or proceeding from his court to one of the other courts. Any of the judges may in his own
courtroom try and determine any case or proceeding pending in any of the other courts
without having the case transferred or may sit in any of the other courts and hear and
determine any case or proceeding pending in one of those courts. Two or more judges may try
different cases in the same court at the same time and each may occupy his own courtroom or
the room of any other court. In case of absence, sickness, or disqualification of any of the
judges, any other of the judges may hold court for him. Any of the judges may hear and
determine any part or question of any case or proceeding pending in any of the courts, and any
other of the judges may complete the hearing and render judgment in the proceeding. Any of
the judges may hear and determine motions, petitions for injunction, applications for
appointment of receivers, interventions, motions to transfer venue, pleas in abatement and
all dilatory pleas, motions for new trials, and all preliminary matters, questions, and
proceedings, and may enter judgment or order on them in the court in which the case or
proceeding is pending without having the matter transferred to the court of the acting judge.
The judge in whose court the matter is pending may proceed to hear, complete, and determine
the matter or all or any part of any other matter and may render final judgment on it. Any of
the judges of the courts may issue restraining orders and injunctions returnable to any of the
other courts. This subsection does not limit the powers of the judges when acting for any other
judge by exchange of benches or otherwise.
(d) The terms of the 8th District Court begin on the first Mondays in January and July.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.109. 9TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (MONTGOMERY COUNTY). (a) The 9th Judicial District
is composed of Montgomery County.
(b) The terms of the 9th District Court begin on the first Monday in January and the first
Monday in July.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 704,
Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1997; Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1308, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1342, Sec. 9(b), eff. September 1, 2007.

Sec. 24.110. 410TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (MONTGOMERY COUNTY). (a) The 410th Judicial
District is composed of Montgomery County.
(b) The terms of the 410th District Court begin on the first Monday in January and the first
Monday in July.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 704,
Sec. 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 657, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 24.111. 10TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (GALVESTON COUNTY). (a) The 10th Judicial District
is composed of Galveston County.
(b) The terms of the 10th and 56th district courts begin on the first Mondays in January and
July.
(c) In all suits, actions, or proceedings in the district courts in Galveston County, it is
sufficient for the address or designation to be the "District Court of Galveston County."

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.112. 11TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (HARRIS COUNTY). (a) The 11th Judicial District is
composed of Harris County.
(b) The provisions of this section apply to the 11th, 55th, 61st, 80th, 113th, 125th, 127th, 129th,
133rd, 151st, 152nd, 157th, 164th, and 165th judicial districts.
(c) The terms of each of the district courts begin on the first Mondays in January and July.
The first term is designated the January-June term and the second term is designated the
July-December term.
(d) In all suits, actions, or proceedings in the district courts, it is sufficient for the address or
designation to be "District Court of Harris County."
(e) The judge of each district court shall sign the minutes of each court term not later than the
30th day after the end of the term and shall also sign the minutes at the end of each volume of
the minutes. Each judge sitting in the court shall sign the minutes of the proceedings that
were held before him.
(f) The judge of each district court may take the same vacation as the other district court
judges of Harris County at any time during the year. During the judge's vacation, the court
term remains open, and the judge of any other district court may hold court during the judge's
vacation. The judges of the district courts shall, by agreement among themselves, take their
vacations alternately so that there are at all times at least six district court judges in the
county.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 90,
Sec. 5, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.

Sec. 24.113. 12TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (GRIMES, LEON, MADISON, AND WALKER COUNTIES).
(a) The 12th Judicial District is composed of Grimes, Leon, Madison, and Walker counties.
(b) The terms of the 12th District Court in each county of the district begin on the first
Mondays in January and July.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.114. 13TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (NAVARRO COUNTY). (a) The 13th Judicial District is
composed of Navarro County.
(b) In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, each district court in Navarro County
has the civil jurisdiction of a county court.
(c) The terms of the 13th District Court begin on the first Mondays in January, April, July,
and October.
(d) The judge of the 13th District Court shall impanel grand juries at the April and October
terms and at any other terms as ordered by the judge.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.115. 14TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DALLAS COUNTY). (a) The 14th Judicial District is
composed of Dallas County.
(b) The terms of the 14th District Court begin on the second Mondays in January, April, July,
and October.
(c) Except for Subsection (b), which applies only to the 14th District Court, this section applies
to the 14th, 44th, 68th, 95th, 101st, 116th, 134th, 160th, and 162nd district courts, the
Criminal Judicial District of Dallas County, and the Criminal Judicial Districts Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, and 7 of Dallas County.
(d) The district courts and criminal district courts having jurisdiction in Dallas County have
concurrent jurisdiction.
(e) The judges of the district and criminal district courts of Dallas County shall, by agreement
among themselves, take vacations so that there are at all times at least three judges of those
courts in the county.
(f) Repealed by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 90, Sec. 3, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.
(g) The Dallas County sheriff or the sheriff's deputy shall attend the courts when required by
law or by the judge.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 2,
Sec. 8.44(2), eff. Aug. 28, 1989; Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 90, Sec. 3, eff. Aug. 30, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 1352, Sec. 13(a), eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 24.116. 15TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (GRAYSON COUNTY). (a) The 15th Judicial District is
composed of Grayson County.
(b) The 15th and 59th judicial districts have concurrent jurisdiction in Grayson County.
(c) The terms of the 15th District Court begin on the first Mondays in January and July.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 610, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2005.

Sec. 24.117. 16TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (DENTON COUNTY). (a) The 16th Judicial District is
composed of Denton County.
(b) The terms of the 16th District Court begin on the first Mondays in January and July of each
year.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 649,
Sec. 1, eff. June 14, 1989.

Sec. 24.118. 17TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (TARRANT COUNTY). (a) The 17th Judicial District is
composed of Tarrant County.
(b) The 17th, 48th, 67th, 96th, and 153rd district courts have concurrent jurisdiction in
Tarrant County.
(c) The terms of the 17th and 96th district courts begin on the first Mondays in January,
April, July, and October.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.119. 18TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (JOHNSON AND SOMERVELL COUNTIES). (a) The 18th
Judicial District is composed of Johnson and Somervell counties.
(b) The terms of the 18th District Court in each county in the district begin on the first
Mondays in January and July.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 148,
Sec. 2.27(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1987.

Sec. 24.120. 19TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (MCLENNAN COUNTY). (a) The 19th Judicial District
is composed of McLennan County.
(b) The 19th, 54th, 74th, and 170th district courts have concurrent jurisdiction in McLennan
County.
(c) The terms of the 19th District Court begin on the second Mondays in January, March, May,
July, September, and November.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.121. 20TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (MILAM COUNTY). (a) The 20th Judicial District is
composed of Milam County.
(b) The terms of the 20th District Court begin on the third Mondays in January, May, and
September.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.122. 21ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BASTROP, BURLESON, LEE, AND WASHINGTON
COUNTIES). (a) The 21st Judicial District is composed of Bastrop, Burleson, Lee, and
Washington counties.
(b) The terms of the 21st District Court begin:
(1) in Bastrop County on the second Tuesday in January and the 15th Tuesday after the first
Tuesday in March;
(2) in Burleson County on the 10th Tuesdays after the first Tuesdays in March and September;
(3) in Lee County on the sixth Tuesdays after the first Tuesdays in March and September; and
(4) in Washington County on the first Tuesdays in March and September.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.123. 22ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT (CALDWELL, COMAL, AND HAYS COUNTIES). (a) The
22nd Judicial District is composed of Caldwell, Comal, and Hays counties.
(b) In addition to other jurisdiction provided by law, each district court in Comal County has
the civil and criminal jurisdiction of a county court.
(c) The terms of the 22nd District Court begin:
(1) in Caldwell County on the first Mondays in March, June, September, and December;
(2) in Comal County on the first Mondays in April, July, October, and January; and
(3) in Hays County on the first Mondays in February, May, August, and November.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.124. 23RD JUDICIAL DISTRICT (BRAZORIA, MATAGORDA, AND WHARTON
COUNTIES). (a) The 23rd Judicial District is composed of Brazoria, Matagorda, and Wharton
counties.
(b) The terms of the 23rd District Court begin:
(1) in Brazoria County on the first Mondays in April and October, and the terms are
designated the April-September and October-March terms;
(2) in Matagorda County on the first Mondays in June and December, and the terms are
designated the June-November and December-May terms; and
(3) in Wharton County on the first Mondays in July and January, and the terms are
designated the July-December and January-June terms.
(c) There is one general docket for the 23rd and 130th district courts in Matagorda County. All
suits and proceedings within the jurisdiction of the courts in Matagorda County shall be
addressed to the district court of Matagorda County. All citations, notices, restraining orders,
and other process issued in Matagorda County by the clerk or judges of the courts are
returnable to the district court of Matagorda County without reference to the court number.
On return of the process the judge of either court may preside over the hearing or trial. The
judges of the 23rd and 130th district courts in Matagorda County may hear and dispose of any
matter on the courts' general docket without transferring the matter.
(d) The Matagorda County district clerk shall keep one set of minutes in which the clerk shall
record all judgments and orders of the 23rd and 130th district courts in Matagorda County.
Each of the judges of the 23rd and 130th district courts in Matagorda County shall sign the
minutes of each term of those courts not later than the 30th day after the end of each term,
shall sign the minutes at the end of each column of the minutes, and shall sign the minutes
of the proceedings that were held before him.
(e) Each of the judges of the 23rd and 130th district courts may take a vacation and not attend
court for six weeks in each year. The judges by agreement between themselves shall take their
vacations alternately so that there are at all times at least one judge in his judicial district.
(f) There is one general docket for the 23rd and 329th district courts in Wharton County. All
suits and proceedings within the jurisdiction of the courts in Wharton County shall be
addressed to the district court of Wharton County. All citations, notices, restraining orders,
and other process issued in Wharton County by the clerk or judges of the courts are returnable
to the district court of Wharton County without reference to the court number. On return of the
process the judge of either court may preside over the hearing or trial. The judges of the 23rd
and 329th district courts in Wharton County may hear and dispose of any matter on the
courts' general docket, both civil and criminal, without transferring the matter.
(g) The Wharton County district clerk shall keep one set of minutes in which the clerk shall
record all judgments and orders of the 23rd and 329th district courts in Wharton County.
Each of the judges of the 23rd and 329th district courts in Wharton County shall sign the
minutes of each term of those courts not later than the 30th day after the end of each term,
shall sign the minutes at the end of each column of the minutes, and shall sign the minutes
of the proceedings that were held before him.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 196,
Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.

Sec. 24.125. 24TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (CALHOUN, DEWITT, GOLIAD, JACKSON, REFUGIO,
AND VICTORIA COUNTIES). (a) The 24th Judicial District is composed of Calhoun, DeWitt,
Goliad, Jackson, Refugio, and Victoria counties.
(b) The terms of the 24th District Court begin:
(1) in Calhoun County on the fourth Mondays in April and October;
(2) in DeWitt County on the second Mondays in January and July;
(3) in Goliad County on the first Mondays in February and August;
(4) in Jackson County on the fourth Mondays in January and July;
(5) in Refugio County on the third Mondays in April and October; and
(6) in Victoria County on the second Mondays in March and September.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985.

Sec. 24.126. 25TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT (COLORADO, GONZALES, GUADALUPE, AND LAVACA
COUNTIES). (a) The 25th Judicial District is composed of Colorado, Gonzales, Guadalupe, and
Lavaca counties.
(b) The 25th District Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the Second 25th District Court.
(c) The terms of the 25th District Court begin:
(1) in Colorado County on the first Mondays in February and September;
(2) in Gonzales County on the first Mondays in January and June;
(3) in Guadalupe County on the first Mondays in March and October; and
(4) in Lavaca County on the first Mondays in April and November.
(d) The judges of the 25th and Second 25th judicial districts may hear and dispose of any suit
or proceeding on either court's docket without transferring the suit or proceeding. The judges

Attorney Andy Nolen represents people who have been accused of a state crime or Houston law, including in communities such as League City,
Angleton, Pearland, Alvin, Clear Lake, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Baytown, Pasadena, Memorial, Spring Branch, River Oaks, West University, and
Bellaire. Counties that the Law Office of Andy Nolen serves include: Galveston County • Fort Bend County • Montgomery County • Brazoria County •
Harris County. Cases handled include: Probation Violations, Theft, Shoplifting, Drunk Driving, Evading Arrest, and all other Felonies and Misdemeanors.

Law Office of Criminal Attorney Andy Nolen
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