Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace
Judge Anna Guerra
Physical Address & Mailing Address
604A Delmar St.
Zapata, TX 78076
Phone: 956.765.9165
Fax: 956.765.9615
Office Hours:
8AM-12noon
1PM-5PM
Email:
zapatacountyjp1@yahoo.com
1-877-439-1900 (make payment via phone)
Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace
Judge Olga M. Bruni
Physical Address
1103 US Hwy 83
San Ygnacio, TX 78067
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 29
San Ygnacio, TX 78067
Phone: 956.765.9811
Phone: 956.765.5333
Fax: 956.765.3526
Office Hours:
8AM-12noon
1PM-5PM
1-877-439-1900 (make payment via phone)
Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace
Judge Fernando Muñoz
Physical Address
200 E. 7th Avenue, Ste. 205
Zapata, TX 78076
Mailing Address:
200 E. 7th Ave, Ste. 205
Zapata, TX 78076
Phone: 956.765.9945
Fax: 956.765.8622
Office Hours:
8AM-12noon
1-877-439-1900 (make payment via phone)
Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace
Judge Ramon Benavides
Physical Address
301 E. 17th Avenue
Zapata, TX 78076
Mailing Address:
200 E. 7th Ave., Ste. 205
Zapata, TX 78076
Phone: 956.765.6655
Fax: 956.765.6756
Office Hours:
8AM-12noon
1PM-5PM
1-877-439-1900 (make payment via phone)
The justice of the peace is the legal jurisdiction closest to the average citizen.
Section 19 of Article 5 of the Texas Constitution provides that: justice of the peace courts have original jurisdiction in criminal matters of misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only and such other jurisdiction as may be provided by law. Original jurisdiction is the authority to accept a case at its inception, try it and pass judgment based upon the laws and facts. This is distinguished from appellate jurisdiction which is jurisdiction to review a court's action. The justice of the peace performs the functions of a magistrate and conducts inquests.
A justice of the peace may issue warrants for search and arrest, conduct preliminary hearings, administers oaths, perform marriages and serve as a coroner in counties where there is no provision for a medical examiner. The justice court also functions as a small claims court in civil matters in which exclusive jurisdiction is not in district or county court and the amount in controversy does not exceed $5,000. They can also deal with matters concerning foreclosure of mortgages and enforcement of liens on personal property.