Houston Courthouses
Last updated: June 19, 2023
Houston. It’s the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest city in the United States boasting a population of over 2 million people. The city is notable for many things -- Sam Houston, the Port of Houston, the Houston Astros, Texans, and Rockets, an eclectic theater district, the NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center and the Apollo Program (“Houston, we have a problem.”), and also a very expansive court system.
If you’re a Texan living in the “Bayou City,” you know there are a myriad of courthouses in Harris County. If you have a criminal, civil, probate or family law matter, it’s likely in one of the district or county courts.
Here we’ve highlighted five key court systems you’ll most likely encounter: Court of Appeals for the First District of Texas at Houston, the Harris District, County, and Justice of the Peace Courts, the U.S District Court for the Southern District of Texas, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, the U.S. Tax Court, and the Houston Immigration Court operated by the Department of Justice.
Harris County State Courts
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Texas Fourteenth Court of Appeals
301 Fannin Street Room 245
Houston, TX 77002
Tel: (713) 274-2700Parking: Here’s a list of parking garages near the court. You are strongly encouraged to take public transportation.
Note: This state appeals court has jurisdiction from both district and county courts located in Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Harris, Waller, and Washington counties. The Court hears both civil and criminal appeals. If you are requesting an appeal, call the courthouse directly or seek legal assistance.
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Harris County New Civil Courthouse
201 Caroline Street
Houston, TX 77002
Tel: (713) 755-7300Divisions: Civil District Courts, Tax Court, Family District Court, Probate, and County Courts
Parking: Parking is extremely limited. If you are here for jury service park the at the garage located at 1401 Congress. You are strongly encouraged to take public transportation. It’s free for those summons for jury duty.
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Harris County Criminal Justice Center
1201 Franklin Street
Houston, TX 77002
Tel: (713) 755-7300Divisions: Criminal District and County cases
Parking: Parking is extremely limited. If you are here for jury service park the at the garage located at 1401 Congress. You are strongly encouraged to take public transportation. It’s free for those summons for jury duty.
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Harris County Justice of the Peace Courts
Harris County, TX
These are the lower courts in Harris County. There are eight different precincts with 16 separate judge. These courts handle traffic, criminal cases punishable by a fine only, bad check cases, small claims civil cases where the amount in controversy is $200 or less, eviction, and truancy. The Justice of the Peace also performs civil marriages.
Federal Courts
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United States Courthouse
515 Rusk Avenue
Houston, TX 77002
Tel: (713) 250-5500Note: This court handles all federal cases. If you have a criminal matter you may contact the Federal Prosecutor or the Federal Public Defender. This location also houses the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and the U.S. Tax Court.
Parking: Parking is extremely limited. The Theater District Parking Garage next to the U.S. Courthouse is the most convenient parking location. You are strongly encouraged to take public transportation. It’s free for those summons for jury duty.
Immigration Court
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Houston Immigration Court
600 Jefferson Street, Suite 900
Houston, TX 77002
Tel: (214) 767-1814Parking: Parking is extremely limited. You are strongly encouraged to take public transportation.
Note: This location handles all immigration cases.