Felonies are offenses which are so defined by law, or punishable by death or confinement in a penitentiary. Court Jurisdictions Cities have one or more municipal courts which operate within each incorporated city in Texas. These courts have original and exclusive jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances which are punishable by fine only. These may include violations of city ordinances concerning fire safety, zoning, public health and sanitation, parking, and pedestrians. Appeals from municipal courts go to county courts.
Counties have three levels of courts.
There are one or more Justice of the Peace courts which operate in each precinct in the county, divided according to population. The JP Courts have original jurisdiction in misdemeanor cases when punishment is by fine only. Appeals from JP Courts go to the county court. Appeals from County Courts generally go to the Court of Appeals. District Courts operate in separate geographical jurisdictions and exercise both criminal and civil jurisdiction.