Justice of the Peace 1-1

Appeal Rules

South Dallas Government Center – 7201 S. Polk Street, Dallas, TX 75232
(972) 228-0280 Main • (972) 228-2737 Fax
Office E-mail: JP11Court@dallascounty.org
Hours of Operation: 8:00am – 4:00pm, Monday – Friday
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Any party to a suit may appeal judgments from Justice Court. A bond in an amount set by the court is required to perfect the appeal. An appeal bond may be posted either in cash, or by having two (2) sureties sign a written "oath" where they pledge to be responsible by listing their non-exempt personal property which may be seized and sold to satisfy of the bond amount. Appeal bond and surety bond forms are available online.

A pauper's affidavit may be filed in lieu of cash or surety. These forms are not provided by the court, and must be filed within FIVE (5) days from the date of judgment in Justice Court.

RULES TO APPEAL FROM JUSTICE COURT

  • Bond must be filed with the court within TEN (10) days from the date of judgment.
  • If for the defendant, bond shall be double the amount of the judgment, plus the amount of the costs incurred in the Justice Court and estimated costs in County Court at Law.
  • If for the plaintiff, bond shall be double the amount of the costs incurred in the Justice Court and estimated costs in County Court at Law, less such sums paid by the plaintiff on the costs.
  • The appealing party shall give notice of filing bond to all parties.

FILING FEES IN ADDITION TO AN APPEAL BOND

The cost to file an appeal with the Justice of the Peace is $10.00.

The County Clerk requires that the costs in the County Court at Law be paid within 20 days of appeal. You must contact the County Clerk to determine how much these costs are.