Justice of the Peace - Precinct 1
Yvonne King

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Biographical Information:

I am the daughter of James and Delores and was born and raised in Reilly Springs, in southern Hopkins County. My husband is Roy W. King and we have six children and eight grandchildren.

We have a farm in Reilly Springs where we raise Brangus cattle, a few horses and donkeys.

I graduated from SSHS in 1971 and then attended Paris Jr. College. I am an active member of the First Baptist Church, Rotary Club and past president of the 2001 S.S. Leadership Class.

I became Justice of the Peace for Pct. 1 on January 1, 1999. I am continuing my judicial education through the Texas Justice Court Training Center with Southwest Texas State University.

It is a great honor to be an elected official and work for the people of Hopkins County.

Duties

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 just of the peace performs the function 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 in 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.

Department Description:

The Justice of the Peace courts have original jurisdiction over Class C Misdemeanor cases with fine only, plus Justice and Small Claims Court cases where the amount in controversy does not exceed $5,000.00.
The Justice court has jurisdiction over all eviction suits and writs of re-entry. The Justice of the Peace may issue warrants for arrest plus search and seizure warrants. The Justice of the Peace also conducts administrative and magistrate hearings, which include bail settings, arraignments, driver's license suspensions, peace bonds, examining trials, stolen property and illegally towed vehicles. The court collects fines and fees for various civil and criminal cases filed. The Justice of the Peace performs marriage ceremonies. The Justice Court also has jurisdiction on truancy cases when the juvenile court has waived its jurisdiction, plus Failure to Attend School and thwarting cases have waived the jurisdiction.