Most personal injury claims don’t end up in courtroom litigation. That doesn’t mean that Austin courts aren’t a crucial part of seeking justice and when it’s time to assert your rights after negligence has harmed you or someone you love.
With the complicated nature of the court system, however, it can be challenging to know which Austin courthouse handles matters like yours, particularly since different courts adjudicate on specific matters.
To guide you when you’re getting ready to pursue a personal injury claim, here’s a clear and simple rundown of each court house in Austin, Texas, along with contact information and some details about what occurs at each location.
Austin Municipal Courts
There are two municipal courts in Austin, including the main Municipal Courthouse and a substation that has been temporarily closed but will reopen in Nov. 2022. While below shares more details about each of these Austin courts, be sure to check out the court’s list of prohibited items before you show up.
Main Municipal Court, Austin
Committed “to administering fair, efficient, and prompt justice,” the Austin Municipal Court handles “the lowest level criminal offenses in the state of Texas, including traffic, city ordinance, juvenile, and disabled parking,” as well as criminal appeals, bench and jury trials, public information requests, and more.
Address: 6800 Burleson Road, Building 310, Suite 175, Austin, TX 78744
Hours: Mon. to Wed. 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Thurs. 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Phone Number: (512) 974-4800
Jaime Padron North Substation
The Jamie Padron North Substation, closed for COVID and set to reopen in Nov. 2022, provides in-person services for civil parking hearings and payment plans.
Address: 12425 Lamplight Village Ave, Austin, TX 78758
Hours: Mon. to Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Phone Number: N/A
Austin County & Federal Court Houses
Beyond municipal courts, Austin also has county and federal courts that rule on matters outside of the municipal court’s jurisdiction. Specifically, while the municipal courts focus on traffic violations, misdemeanor cases, and city law violations:
- County courts are district courts typically focused on violations of state law, family law cases, personal injury cases, and other matters.
- At a higher level than municipal and county courts, federal courts oversee cases involving the alleged violation of federal laws or the appeal of district court cases.
Heman Marion Sweatt Travis County Courthouse
The Heman Marion Sweatt Travis County Courthouse (HMSTCC) is home to the Travis County civil county court system, which includes 12 district courts, 4 associate courts, and 2 county courts serving Austin, TX. Focused on providing “fair, effective, and efficient resolutions to civil and family disputes in Travis County,” HMSTCC oversees bench and jury trials, with varying jurisdiction over the special county-level trial courts.
Address: 1000 Guadalupe, Austin, TX 78701
Hours: Mon. to Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone Number: County Court at Law #1: (512) 854-9241 | County Court at Law #2: (512) 854-9242
Texas Western District Court – Austin, TX
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas is one of 9 federal courts located in western Texas. With seven divisions and five sitting judges, the Austin Division handles federal legal cases for 17 different counties, including Bastrop, Burleson, Blanco, Caldwell, Burnet, Gillespie, Llano, Hays, McCulloch, Mason, Kimble, Lampasas, Washington, Lee, San Saba, Travis, and Williamson.
Address: 501 West 5th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Hours: Mon. to Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone Number: (512) 916-5896
Going to Court in Austin, TX
Resolving legal matters at an Austin court can mean having to navigate the complexities of court paperwork, case filing deadlines, legal motions and hearings, and so much more. While that can be difficult to figure out on your own, making a mistake along the way could hurt your case and your chances of success.
That’s why it’s typically prudent to consult a lawyer before going to court and, ideally, throughout your case. An experienced attorney can explain and help you protect your rights while also guiding you at every step as you make your way through the Austin court system.
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