Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4

The law prohibits the judge from communicating with an individual prior to trial. This includes any pending case or new case to be filed.

Court Clerks are not allowed to offer legal advice.

Judge Pressler does perform marriage ceremonies. Please contact our office to set up a date and time.

MAGISTRATION HEARINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND CAN BE ACCESSED 7 DAYS A WEEK BETWEEN 8 A.M. AND NOON. PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW. 

LIVE MAGISTRATION HEARING

Courtroom Attire

A justice of the peace may issue warrants for search and arrest, conduct preliminary hearings, administer oaths, perform marriage ceremonies, 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 $20,000

Deferred Disposition

Deferred disposition is a process, similar to probation, where the court imposes certain conditions on the defendant. If the defendant complies with the conditions, the criminal charge is dismissed, and no conviction is ever entered. However, if the defendant fails to comply, they will be convicted of the offense. Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 45.051.

Deferred disposition may not be granted on any Rules of the Road offenses occurring in construction or work zones with workers present. Additionally, deferred disposition may not be granted on any offense relating to motor vehicle control, committed by a person who holds a commercial driver's license or who held one at the time of the offense. Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 45.051(f).

Defendants 24 Years & Younger

The requirement a driving safety course is mandatory for any defendant under 25 years of age who is placed on deferred disposition for an offense classified as a moving violation.

Defendant 17 Years & Younger

If the defendant is under the age of 18, with a provisional license, and is placed on deferred disposition for a moving violation must be ordered to retake the driving test through DPS. Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 45.051(b-1).

Driving Safety Course (DSC)

You may request to take a Driver's Safety Course (DSC) to dismiss one violation. In order to be eligible, you must meet the following requirements, and have your request to the judge turned in by your appearance date.

Defendant's Eligibility for DSC

  • Possess a valid Texas Driver's License (CDL INELIGIBLE)
  • Can provide proof of liability insurance.
  • Cited for 25MPH over the speed limit or less
  • Have not taken a DSC course in the last 12 months.

DSC Offenses Not Eligible for Dismissal

  • Individual with Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
  • Offense in a work zone w/workers present.
  • A speed of 25 mph or more over the speed limit.
  • A speed of 95 mph or more.

If you meet the requirements, provide the Court with the following information:

  • Plea or Reply Form (PDF) - On or before your appearance date
  • Payment(s) - Of $144 court cost or $169 court cost if the offense occurred in the school zone. (All methods of payment are accepted, however, if you pay with cash, it must be the exact amount and paid in person.

To make a payment with a credit card, you may click the Certified Payments Link below or call 800-549-1010 to make a payment over the phone. Each JP office has a unique 7-digit Bureau Code. Please use Bureau Code Number 7229073 for Kendall County JP Precinct 4. You will also need to provide your ticket number or case number. Visit the Certified Payments Website.

TEXAS YOUTH DIVERSION AND EARLY INTERVENTION

The Kendall County Youth Diversion program is an alternative program put in place to intervene without criminally adjudicating a child. When suitable, the court may authorize the youth diversion program to a child charged with a non-traffic Class C misdemeanor punishable by fine.   The diversion program aims to increase opportunities for early identification of at-risk youth and redirect them from the criminal justice system.  Once in the program, a child may be referred to a youth and intervention service such as mental health needs, substance abuse disorders, or intellectual and developmental disabilities.  

DEFENDANTS ELIGIBLE FOR DIVERSON PLAN: 

  • Under the age of 17 when the offense occurred.   
  • Has never been on a diversion plan. 
  • Has not been diverted in the previous 365 days.  
  • Has never had an unsuccessful diversion.  
  • The prosecutor does not object to the diversion.   
  • Must have written consent by defendant and parent. 
  • Defendant charged with a fine-only misdemeanor other than a traffic offense. 

Formularios en Español

Debt Claims

Filing Fee $54
Kendall County Service Fee $100

Small Claims

Filing Fee $54
Kendall County Service Fee $100

Eviction

Filing Fee $54
Kendall County Service Fee $100

Repair & Remedy Case

Filing Fee $54
Kendall County Service Fee $100

Formularios en Español

Occupational Driver's License

Writ

Truancy

Credit Card Payments

To make a payment with a credit card, you may click the Certified Payments Link below or call 800-549-1010 to make a payment over the phone. Each JP office has a unique 7-digit Bureau Code. Please use Bureau Code Number 7229073 for Kendall County JP Precinct 4. You will also need to provide your ticket number or case number.

Visit the Certified Payments Website.

Texas Legal Aid

  • The State Bar Lawyer Referral and Information Service Phone Number 800-252-9690
  • Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid Phone Number888-988-9996
  • Lone Star Legal Aid Phone Number 713-652-0077
  • Legal Aid of Northwest Texas Phone Number 888-529-5277

Helpful Links