Billy S. Ball – Judge Pct. 1

Justice of the Peace, Precinct One
Angelina County, Texas

 

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
We are open during lunch
We accept civil filings Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm
We accept check or money order for civil filings.

Mailing Address:

P. O. Box 43
Lufkin, Texas 75902

Contact:
Staff:
  • Billy S. Ball – Judge Pct. 1
  • Christine Powell – Chief Clerk
  • Norma Zarzoza – Court Clerk
  • Erica Ramos – Court Clerk

EMPLOYEES OF THE JUSTICE COURT MAY NOT GIVE ANY LEGAL ADVICE.
The Government Code of the Texas Statutes prohibits any employee in this office from giving any legal advice:

§ 81.101. DEFINITION:

  • In this chapter the “practice of law” means the preparation of a pleading or other document incident to an action or special proceeding or the management of the action or proceeding on behalf of a client before a judge in court as well as a service rendered out of court, including the giving of advice or the rendering of any service requiring the use of legal skill or knowledge, such as preparing a will, contract, or other instrument, the legal effect of which under the facts and conclusions involved must be carefully determined.

§ 81.102. STATE BAR MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED.

  • (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person may not practice law in this state unless the person is a member of the state bar.

Please do not ask legal advice of any of the employees in the Justice Court Office.  If you need assistance, refer to an Attorney or the Self Help Resources. 

Thank you for your understanding in this matter

Effective September 1, 2020

The Justice of the Peace Courts have jurisdiction over criminal (Class C Misdemeanor with fine only) cases, civil cases (where the amount in controversy does not exceed $20,000.00), and other areas of law.

Some of the criminal jurisdiction include:

  • Misdemeanor C offenses such as traffic, alcohol and tobacco, hunting and fishing, littering, and other fine only offenses.
  • Warrants and Capias Pro Fines

Some Magistration duties include:

  • Setting bonds and bond conditions, bond hearings, emergency protective orders (under certain circumstances), mental health assessments, etc.

Some of the civil jurisdiction include:

  • Debt Claims
  • Small Claims
  • Evictions, other landlord/tenant issues
  • Repair and Remedy
  • Writs of Possession, ReEntry, Restoration, Execution, and Retrievals, etc.

Some of the other areas of law include:

  • Administrative hearings such as handgun denial/suspension, driver license suspension hearings, dangerous dog, disposition of stolen property, occupational license, tow hearings, environmental hearings, etc.
  • Inquest
  • Truancy

Pursuant to the Supreme Court of Texas Misc. Docket No. 20-9066, Fifteenth Emergency Order Regarding The COVID-19 State of Disaster, eviction and civil filings may resume on May 19, 2020 and Writs of Possession may be executed May 26, 2020.  No in-person hearings may be held before June 1, 2020.  Please see COVID-19 Operating Plan for the Angelina County Courts and COVID-19 Operating Plan for the Angelina County JP Precinct 1.

What this means is the Courts will open to civil filings on May 19, 2020 Monday thru Friday from 8:00am to 3:30pm with the following requirements:

  • The building will remain locked. Press the intercom button for entry.
  • All persons entering the building will be screened for fever
  • All persons will be required to wear a mask while in the building.
  • No more than 2 people (1 person per party) in the office at a time.
  • Adhere to social distancing guidelines. Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet.
  • If you are filing more than 2 petitions, you must drop them off with the Court and will be notified when to pick them up.
  • All evidence should be filed with the petition. Remember to bring a copy for the Court and the Defendant.
  • No cash will be accepted. Payment must be made by check or money order.
  • If you have any of the following symptoms, you will not be allowed to enter the facility:
  • Cough
  • Sore Throat
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Chills
  • Feeling feverish
  • Muscle Pain
  • Headache
  • A measured temperature of 100°or more
  • Known close contact with a person who is lab confirmed to have COVID-19

Courtroom Proceedings during the COVID 19 Pandemic

Pursuant to current OCA Guidelines and the Texas Supreme Court, In-Person Hearings are prohibited until further notice.

JP1 is currently holding all hearings and trials (with the exception of Jury Trials) by Zoom / Video Conference.

No Jury Trials may be held in the Justice Courts until further notice.

Please check back regularly for up to date changes and requirements.

Standing Orders