There are municipal courts in approximately 850 cities. The Legislature, by general law, has created a municipal court in each incorporated city. Larger cities usually have more than one municipal court.
Municipal courts have original exclusive jurisdiction over violations of city ordinances.
Municipal courts also have concurrent jurisdiction with justice of the peace courts in misdemeanor cases resulting from violations of state laws within the city limits when punishment is by fine only and in cases under Chapter 106 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code relating to minors that do not include confinement as a possible punishment. Most municipal courts are not courts of record. In a court of record, a formal transcript is made of the proceedings which forms the basis for review by the appellate court. In addition to city-imposed court fines, fees, and costs, the State of Texas assesses certain costs and fees against defendants in municipal court. The general reasoning for the costs and fees is that those who violate the law should help pay for certain programs, such as those aimed at crime prevention, victim restitution, and training of court and law enforcement personnel.