They deal with misdemeanor criminal cases. All county judges are elected for four year terms of office. The chief trial court of the state is district court. These courts have the highest civil and criminal jurisdiction. Civil cases involving the largest amounts of money, and divorce cases are resolved at this level.
Criminal cases processed are the most serious crimes or felonies.
District court judges are elected for four year term, and must not only be attorneys, but have practiced law for four years before running for office. The state of Texas has fourteen Courts of Appeals courts that hear intermediate civil and criminal appeals from district and county courts in their area. Appeals judges are elected for six year overlapping terms. Appeals judges must be attorneys with at least ten years of experience. These intermediate courts of appeals are followed by a final judicial authority.