Most personal injury lawyers don’t litigate claims in court. Still, Houston courts can be a key part of the recovery process when it’s time to initiate a case and take other legal action.
With more than a dozen court houses in Houston, however, it can be difficult to know where to go and what the different Houston court houses are for (not all of them provide the same services or adjudicate on the same matters).
To help you figure it out and take the right steps with a personal injury claim, here’s a simple guide on Houston court houses, featuring some contact information and a basic rundown of what’s provided at each forum.
Houston Municipal Courts
There are six municipal courts located throughout Houston, with information about each highlighted below. No matter which one you have business with, it’s prudent to check out the court’s rules of conduct and dress code before you show up.
Herbert W. Gee Municipal Courthouse
Also known as the Central Municipal Courts Building, the Herbert W. Gee Municipal Courthouse is in the heart of Downtown Houston. So, be prepared to pay for parking ($5 for a half day and $10 for all-day parking).
Address: 1400 Lubbock, Houston, TX 77002
Hours: Mon. to Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. | Sat. 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Phone Number: (713) 247-5479
Acres Homes
Also referred to as the North Command Station, Acres Homes Municipal Court is in Northwest Houston. While this courthouse is not open on Saturdays, it does have free parking.
Address: 9455 West Montgomery, Houston, TX 77088
Hours: Mon. to Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.| Closed daily from noon to 1 p.m.
Phone Number:(281) 405-5319
Clear Lake Sub-Station
As one of the smaller municipal courts in Houston, the Clear Lake Sub-Station is only open one day a week. So, you may want to conduct your business at another local court if you’re not going to be able to make it to the Clear Lake Sub-Station on a Thursday.
Address: 2855 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, TX 77058
Hours: Thurs. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
Phone Number: (832) 395-1877
Kingwood Annex Court
Like the Clear Lake Sub-Station, the Kingwood Annex Court is only open one day a week. So, keep your Wednesdays open for local court business if you need to complete it at the Kingwood Annex Court (or make plans to visit a different Houston municipal court).
Address: 3915 Rustic Woods, Kingwood, TX 77339
Hours: Wed. 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.| Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
Phone Number: (832) 395-8042
Southeast Command Station
Nestled in the South Park neighborhood, the Southeast Command Station is one of the business municipal courts in Houston, serving as the base for “Courts 13 and 14.”
Address: 8300 Mykawa, Houston, TX 77048
Hours: Mon. to Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
Phone Number: (832) 394-2202
Westside Command Station
Located in the Westchase business district, Westside Command Station is another bustling Houston court with extended hours to operate “Courts 18 and 19.”
Address: 3203 South Dairy Ashford, Houston, TX 77082
Hours: Mon. to Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. | Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
Phone Number: (832) 394-5150
County & Federal Courts in Houston
In addition to municipal courts, Houston is also home to county and federal courts. While the municipal courts tend to handle traffic violations, misdemeanor criminal cases, and violations of city laws:
- County courts are district courts that generally oversee cases involving violations of state law, as well as municipal cases that have been appealed. Family law cases, personal injury cases, and other matters may also be handled in district courts.
- Federal courts are a higher level of court than municipal and district courts, handling cases in which federal laws have been allegedly violated or district court cases that have been appealed.
Harris County District Court
Comprised of a sprawling complex of different buildings, the Harris County District Court actually spans multiple blocks of Houston, with separate complexes for family matters, civil cases, criminal cases, records, passport services, and more. Here is a map of the Harris County District Court.
Address: 201 Caroline, Suite 420, Houston, Texas 77002
Hours: Mon. to Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone Number: (832) 927-5800
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Also called the “Bob Casey United States Courthouse,” the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas oversees various civil and criminal matters, from appellate cases that have made their way through the Texas court system to bankruptcies, employment law cases, personal injury cases, federal criminal cases, and more.
Address: 515 Rusk Avenue, Houston, TX 77002
Hours: Mon. to Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone Number: (713) 250-5500
When It’s Time to Go to Court
Whatever legal matter you have to resolve at a Houston court, there are good chances you’ll have to deal with paperwork, filing deadlines, filing fees, and a complicated system that can be challenging to navigate. That’s why it’s generally in your best interests to consult an attorney before going to court. An experienced lawyer can advise you of your rights, the options for handling your legal matters, and how to move forward.
Learn more about Police Stations in Houston here.