John J. HenryParty: RepublicanRepublican
What does this office do?
Cooke County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1 is a local county court for smaller, everyday legal matters in the part of Cooke County assigned to Precinct 1, with its office at the Cooke County Justice Center in Gainesville. It handles traffic tickets and other fine-only Class C misdemeanors, plus small civil cases such as debt claims and small claims up to $20,000. It also hears eviction cases between landlords and tenants when the property or case belongs in that precinct.
The JP judge also acts as a magistrate, which means the judge can issue certain warrants, set bail, advise arrested people of their rights, and consider emergency protective orders. In a county setting, the JP may also handle death inquests when there is no medical examiner and may perform marriage ceremonies. It is not the court for divorces, felony criminal cases, large lawsuits, or deciding who owns land; the clerk can give forms and filing information, but not legal advice.
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