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 $20,000. 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.