This section sets preference rules and jurisdiction for Denton County Courts at Law Nos. 1 and 2.
Sec. 25.0633. DENTON COUNTY COURT AT LAW PROVISIONS. (a) The County Court at Law No. 1 of Denton County shall give preference to juvenile matters under Chapter 25 and Title 3, Family Code, and the ancillary and pendent jurisdiction necessary to enforce orders of the court in juvenile matters. (b) Repealed by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 267, Sec. 2, eff. May 22, 2001. (c) Notwithstanding Section 25.0003, the County Court at Law No. 1 of Denton County does not have jurisdiction over civil, civil appellate, probate, or mental health matters or over family law cases and proceedings other than juvenile proceedings. (d) If the juvenile board designates the County Court at Law No. 1 of Denton County as the juvenile court of the county, the court shall give first preference to juvenile matters and second preference to criminal appeals from convictions in justice or municipal courts. Notwithstanding Chapter 53, Family Code, the criminal district attorney of Denton County is the designated official to receive all felony grade referrals regarding juveniles. If the court is not designated as the juvenile court, the court shall give first preference to criminal appeals cases and second preference to misdemeanor criminal matters. (e) The County Court at Law No. 2 of Denton County has jurisdiction: (1) over all civil causes and proceedings, original and appellate, prescribed by law for county courts; and (2) regardless of the amount in controversy sought, over: (A) eminent domain cases as provided by Section 21.001, Property Code, for statutory county courts; and (B) direct and inverse condemnation cases. (f) The County Court at Law No. 2 of Denton County does not have jurisdiction over: (1) causes and proceedings concerning roads, bridges, and public highways; (2) the general administration of county business that is within the jurisdiction of the commissioners court of each county; or (3) criminal causes and proceedings. (g) The County Court at Law No. 2 of Denton County has the jurisdiction provided by general law for county courts, statutory county courts, or district courts over civil penalties and forfeitures, including bail bond forfeitures and escheats, regardless of the amount in controversy or remedy sought. (h) Appeals in all cases from judgments and orders of the County Court at Law No. 2 of Denton County are to the court of appeals as provided for an appeal from a district or county court. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 328, Sec. 3, eff. Aug. 28, 1995. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 267, Sec. 2, eff. May 22, 2001; Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 536, Sec. 2, eff. May 1, 2002. Amended by: Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 934 (H.B. 3774), Sec. 2.04(c), eff. September 1, 2021.