Collin County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 is a Texas trial court in Frisco that handles civil disputes up to $20,000, eviction suits, and Class C misdemeanors such as traffic tickets. The court sits at the Collin County sub-courthouse at 8585 John Wesley, Suite 130, Frisco, TX 75034, under Judge Vincent Venegoni, who took office in January 2023.1Collin County. Justice Precinct 4 Precinct 4 covers parts of Allen, Carrollton, Celina, Dallas, Frisco, Hebron, McKinney, and Plano.
What the Court Can and Cannot Hear
On the civil side, Precinct 4 can hear lawsuits where the amount in dispute is $20,000 or less, not counting interest. That includes small claims brought by individuals, debt collection cases, and foreclosure of liens on personal property within that cap.2State of Texas. Texas Government Code 27-031 – Jurisdiction It also handles eviction cases, known in Texas law as forcible entry and detainer suits, which decide who has the right to possess a property.
The court has no authority over divorces, defamation claims, disputes over land ownership, or enforcement of liens on real estate. Those belong in county or district court.2State of Texas. Texas Government Code 27-031 – Jurisdiction
On the criminal side, the court handles Class C misdemeanors, which are offenses punishable only by a fine of up to $500 with no jail time.3State of Texas. Texas Penal Code 12-23 – Class C Misdemeanor Speeding tickets, other traffic violations, and city ordinance infractions are typical examples. You do not need an attorney to represent yourself in justice court.2State of Texas. Texas Government Code 27-031 – Jurisdiction
Eviction Notice Before Filing
If you are a landlord planning to file, Texas law requires at least three days’ written notice to vacate before an eviction suit can be filed. A written lease can shorten or lengthen that period, but three days is the default.4State of Texas. Texas Property Code 24-005 – Notice Required Before Filing Certain Eviction Suits
The type of notice matters. When the eviction is based solely on unpaid rent and the tenant was not previously late, the notice must give the tenant the option to pay the overdue rent or vacate. If the tenant has a history of late payments, the landlord can choose between a pay-or-vacate notice and a straight notice to vacate.4State of Texas. Texas Property Code 24-005 – Notice Required Before Filing Certain Eviction Suits Skipping notice or using the wrong form risks dismissal before the hearing.
How To File a Civil Case
Start by gathering the full legal names and current addresses of everyone you are suing, the dollar amount of your claim, and the documents that support it. Contracts, invoices, photographs, and written communications all qualify. For an eviction, bring the lease and proof that you delivered the required notice to vacate.
Justice court procedures are intentionally informal. Formal pleadings beyond a basic statement of your claim are not required, and the judge has broad authority to question witnesses and develop the facts independently.5State of Texas. Texas Government Code 27-060 Organizing your evidence before you file still saves time.
The standard filing method is eFileTexas.gov, the official electronic filing system for Texas courts.6eFileTexas.Gov. Official E-Filing System for Texas E-filing is not mandatory for self-represented parties in justice court, but it is encouraged and generally faster. Select Collin County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 from the court menu and choose the correct case category. You can also file in person at the Frisco sub-courthouse or by mail during business hours.
After the clerk processes your filing, the court assigns a cause number and issues a citation directing the defendant to respond. That cause number is the case’s permanent identifier for every future filing. You are responsible for making sure the defendant is properly served, which typically means having a constable or authorized process server deliver the citation.
If You’ve Been Sued: The 14-Day Answer Deadline
If you were served with a citation from Precinct 4, you have 14 calendar days from the date of service to file a written answer with the court. If that 14th day falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day. Your answer must include your name and contact information, and it can be as simple as a general denial of the claims against you.7Harris County Justice Courts. Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Part V – Rule 502.5
Missing that window is where most defendants lose. If no answer is filed, the plaintiff can ask the court for a default judgment, which means the judge rules in the plaintiff’s favor without hearing your side. You would owe whatever the plaintiff asked for plus court costs. A motion to set aside a default judgment is possible, but it requires acting quickly and showing the court a good reason for the delay. Filing on time, even with a bare general denial, is the safer route.
Appealing to County Court at Law
Either side can appeal a Precinct 4 decision to the Collin County Court at Law, where the case gets a completely fresh hearing, called a trial de novo. The appeal must be filed within 21 days of the date the judgment is signed.8Texas State Law Library. Appealing a Case
Appeals require a bond, which is a signed promise to pay the judgment if you lose. The amount depends on which side you are on:
- A plaintiff appealing must post a $500 bond.
- A defendant appealing must post a bond equal to twice the judgment amount.
The bond must include a cosigner (called a surety) approved by the judge. In place of a bond, you can deposit the equivalent amount in cash. If you cannot afford either, you may file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs asking the court to waive the requirement.8Texas State Law Library. Appealing a Case After filing the bond or deposit, you have seven days to serve written notice of the appeal on the other party.
Paying Fines and Court Fees
The court accepts several payment methods for filing fees and traffic fines. Credit card payments carry a convenience fee of 2.85% of the transaction amount. Money orders and cashier’s checks should be made payable to Collin County.9Collin County. Credit Card Processing Agreement You can pay online through the court’s payment portal or in person at the Frisco sub-courthouse during business hours. For specific fee amounts, call the clerk’s office between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM.
If you cannot pay a Class C misdemeanor fine, do not ignore it. Unpaid fines can trigger additional fees, a warrant for your arrest, and a hold on your driver’s license renewal. Texas law allows justice courts to offer payment plans and community service to satisfy part or all of a fine. To request either, contact the court in writing, explain your financial situation, and include documentation such as proof of income or a financial affidavit. Keep copies of everything you send. The judge has discretion to approve a payment arrangement or reduce the fine based on your ability to pay.