Justice of the Peace, Precinct One

Wes Suiter – JP1 Judge

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:
  • Wes Suiter – Judge Pct. 1
  • Christine Powell – Chief Clerk
  • Norma Salaiz- Court Clerk
  • Erica Ramos – Court Clerk
  • Sara Foxworth – 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

JP1 has resumed in person Jury Trials effective January 1, 2023.