The Justice of the Peace Courts
have jurisdiction over criminal (Class C Misdemeanor with fine only) cases
and Justice and Small Claims cases where the amount in controversy does not
exceed $10,000.00. The Justice Courts have jurisdiction over all Eviction
Suits and Writs of Re-entry. Other duties include issuance of warrants for
arrest, search and seizure warrants, and conducting administrative and
magistrate hearings (bail settings, arraignments, and driver's license
suspensions.) Justices of the Peace have jurisdiction on school attendance
trials, hearings pertaining to mistreated animals, and health regulation violations
and littering. They also perform marriage ceremonies and preside over
coroner inquests.
