Q: Can I request a jury trial for an eviction appeal in Texas county court?
I lost in a jury trial in Justice Court JP3 in Texas over alleged non-payment of rent, despite presenting evidence of timely rent payment. The initial eviction was filed without a notice to vacate in retaliation for my repair and remedy case, which was dismissed. Subsequently, a second eviction was filed and both cases were consolidated, resulting in a 60-day notice given at the end of January. I lost the consolidated case in March and have appealed to Collin County Court. Can I request a jury trial for the eviction appeal in county court, and what steps should I follow? I have not received the court date yet but expect it soon.
A:
Yes, in Texas, you can request a jury trial for an eviction appeal in county court. Since you've appealed the decision from Justice Court to Collin County Court, you are allowed to request a jury trial within a specified time frame. This request must typically be made within five days after the appeal is filed, so it's important to act quickly once you receive the court date.
When you make the request, you'll likely need to pay a jury fee, which varies by county. Once the jury trial is requested and the fee is paid, your case will proceed to be heard by a jury instead of just a judge. Make sure you follow all the proper steps to request the jury trial and confirm the timeline with the county court.
If you're uncertain about any part of this process, it's a good idea to consult with an attorney to ensure your rights are protected and that you comply with all court requirements. It's crucial to be organized and prepared for the trial with all the necessary evidence and documentation to support your case.
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