Steve Benton was appointed (by unanimous vote) to the court 01/18/2000 after the popular and respected incumbent, Jim Bitz, retired in January of 2000.  Out of a field of qualified and well-liked opponents, Judge Benton emerged as best all-around fit for the job.  An affiliate to Georgetown First Baptist Church in Georgetown he is a graduate of Southwestern University with extensive law enforcement continuing education including TCLEOSE Master Peace Officer Certification.  Judge Benton has spent over 20 years in law enforcement, serving as a Texas State Trooper, a Williamson County Deputy and both an officer and detective with the Georgetown Police Department.  During that time he earned a reputation for straight-arrow fairness and professionalism.  Through his long years of police work, he honed an ability to judge the facts and the conclusions they drew.  Judge Benton will continue to build the fine reputation the court has earned.

Steve Benton, Justice of the Peace for Precinct Three, presides over the Justice Court and Small Claims Court for Precinct Three, Williamson County, Texas. The court is located in the Williamson County Inner Loop Annex, 301. S.E. Inner Loop, Ste. 103, Georgetown, TX 78626. map

FOR ALL PARTIES, JURORS, ATTORNEYS AND WITNESSES

 NOTE

• ALL PERSONS AND PROPERTY ENTERING THE COURTROOM ARE SUBJECT TO SEARCH.
• OTHER THAN LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL, WEAPONS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN THE COURTROOM AND THE BUILDING.

REQUESTS FOR CONTINUANCE MUST BE IN WRITING AND IN THE JUSTICE COURT OFFICE A MINIMUM OF TEN (10) DAYS FOR CIVIL CASES OR THREE (3) DAYS FOR CRIMINAL CASES PRIOR TO COURT DATE.
NO EXCEPTIONS.

COURTROOM CONDUCT

Conduct in the “Courtroom” also includes the reception/foyer area, jury room, and/or any office space assigned to the Justice Court.
 
ALL PERSONS present in the courtroom shall conduct themselves in a manner that shows dignity and respect for the Court.
 
PRO SE parties (non-attorneys representing themselves) should be prepared to present their case in a proper and lawful manner. The Court is prohibited from providing legal advice, instruction on rules of court procedure, rules of evidence or direction on presenting a case. It is not the Court’s duty or responsibility to protect you, represent you, or instruct you on court procedures, rules of evidence or any other manner on how to present or prove your case. If you are unprepared or not knowledgeable of the requirements for presenting your case, you risk losing your case. 

• Be on time.
• Turn off all pagers and cellular phones, or set instrument to a mode that does not disrupt others.
• Address the Court as “Judge”, “Your Honor”, or “Sir”.
• Rise when the Judge enters the courtroom and remain standing until directed to be seated or until the Judge has left the courtroom.
• Address opposing parties, counsel, witnesses and court officers in a formal manner (IE. Mrs., Mrs., Dr., etc.) The use of first names is unacceptable unless addressing a child under the age of 14.
• Unless quoting from pertinent facts in a case, language and gestures that are profane, racist, sexist or obscene are strictly prohibited.
• ALL PERSONS shall conduct themselves in a manner that is not disrupting, distracting or argumentative towards the Court, counsel, witnesses or court personnel.
• The Justice Court is not considered a “COURT OF RECORD”. In order to preserve the judicial appeal process, recording devices of any sort are strictly prohibited.
• When standing before the Court, place hands at your sides or behind. DO NOT place hands in your pocket.
• DO NOT APPROACH THE COURT BENCH. ANY DEVIATIONS SHALL BE CONSIDERED A SECURITY THREAT AND APPROPRIATE MITIGATION MEASURES SHALL BE UNDERTAKEN. Any evidence or articles that need to be presented to the Court shall be conducted through the Bailiff.

 
ATTIRE

ALL PERSONS present in the courtroom shall be dressed in a manner that shows dignity and respect for the Court.

You are expected to have:

• Shirt tails tucked
• Non-suit jackets removed
• Hats removed

Examples of Unacceptable Attire Not Allowed In The Courtroom

• Shorts, cutoffs, T-Shirts, Muscle shirts
• Clothing with offensive, vulgar, racist, sexist depictions, slogans or pictures
• Provocative clothing styled or worn to provoke, disrupt or distract
• Barefoot
• Flip-flops
• Clothing that is dirty, ragged or torn