Practice Area: Civil Law

Civil Law Attorney in the Rio Grande Valley

Contract disputes, business matters, property issues, injury claims and more. We take on opponents of any size, from the first demand letter through trial.

Civil Law in a Nutshell

What Is Civil Law?

Civil law is as vast as Mount Everest. It is defined by disputes involving entities, individuals, or a mix of both, and it covers everything that is not criminal law (criminal law deals with an individual’s alleged offenses against the state or federal government). A crime does not have to be committed in a civil case, and because of the nature of civil disputes, many settle without ever going to trial.

Civil lawsuits are filed by an entity, an individual, or both, and can involve a single party or multiple parties. The filing party is called the plaintiff, and liability is decided by a preponderance of the evidence standard. Civil cases often require a significant amount of additional work, because information must be gathered from multiple sources, then checked, confirmed, reviewed and interpreted.

Civil Cases in Hidalgo County

Civil disputes in the Rio Grande Valley are filed in the Hidalgo County District Courts and County Courts at Law in Edinburg, or in justice of the peace courts for smaller claims. Which court hears your case depends on the amount in dispute and the type of claim. Justice courts handle claims up to $20,000 and most evictions. Larger contract, property, and business disputes go to the county or district courts. Attorney Arturo A.J. Garcia practices in all of these courts and also handles civil matters in Cameron and Starr Counties. Many disputes in the Valley involve land, family-owned businesses, construction, and contracts between people who know each other, and we approach those cases with an eye toward a resolution that protects your interests without burning down relationships you may need to keep.

The Process

The Stages of a Civil Case

Knowing what comes next helps you make better decisions at every step. Here is how a typical civil lawsuit moves forward.

Pre-Filing

The dispute occurs and the parties research the issues and make demands. The parties attempt to negotiate, a demand letter is drafted and sent to the opposing party, and both sides prepare for a possible lawsuit.

Initial Pleading

The original petition is drafted, served and filed with the District Clerk. The other party files an Answer in response to the original petition.

Discovery

Both attorneys exchange information and gather more facts about the lawsuit. Depositions may be taken to learn the strengths and weaknesses of the other side’s case.

Pre-Trial

Trial preparation begins by organizing evidence and witnesses. Either side may file motions to dispose of the case or for trial purposes, and a settlement conference may take place.

Trial

The parties present evidence at trial to either a judge or a jury, and a judgment is rendered.

Post-Trial

The winning party works to enforce the judgment. The losing party may appeal the judgment issued at trial.

Our Approach

We Fight for You, No Matter the Opponent

The Law Office of AJ Garcia works on a wide range of civil law issues. We do not limit ourselves in our professional skills, so we can bring superior knowledge and legal services to every client. You should not have to wonder whether the attorney you hire will protect your rights, explain the issues to you, or simply call you back.

No attorney can guarantee the outcome of a case, but we can guarantee that we are prepared to take whatever steps are necessary to fight for your rights.

At the Law Office of AJ Garcia, we:

Strategize and consider every avenue to obtain the best results for our clients
Consistently inform our clients of their options and the possible outcomes
Explain the risks and benefits of going to trial
Make sure our clients’ rights remain protected

We will zealously fight for your rights:

No matter how big the opponent
No matter how much money the opponent has
No matter how intimidating the opponent is

Civil Law Services

Civil Matters We Handle

As hybrid attorneys, we handle a wide mix of civil matters so you do not have to hire a different lawyer for every legal need. Looking for something specific? See our personal injury and family law pages.

Most civil matters never reach a jury. We start with a clear assessment of your position, send a demand when that is the right move, and negotiate from strength. When the other side will not deal fairly, we file and litigate. Because we also try criminal cases, we are comfortable in the courtroom, and opposing counsel knows it.

Administrative Law
Admiralty / Maritime Law
Antitrust
Appellate Advocacy
Arbitration
Auto Accidents
Bankruptcy
Business Creation
Business-to-Business Disputes
Breach of Contract
Class Actions
Constitutional Law Advocacy
Construction Law
Consumer Protection
Contract Law
Corporate Law, Securities, and Reorganization
Corporate and International Finance
Education Law
Election Disputes
Employment Discrimination
Energy Law
Entertainment Law
Environmental Law
Estate Planning
Family Law
Foreign and International Law
Human Rights
Immigration and Citizenship
Intellectual Property
International Trade Consulting
Labor Law
Marital Relations and Divorce
Medical Malpractice
Oil and Gas
Partnership Disputes
Personal Injury
Probate
Products Liability
Real Estate
Sports Law
Slip and Fall
Trusts
Wage and Hour Disputes
Wills
Will Contests
Wrongful Death

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Civil Law Questions in the RGV

Civil cases vary widely, but these are the questions we hear most often from clients in Hidalgo County. Call us for answers about your specific dispute.

How long do I have to file a civil lawsuit in Texas?

It depends on the claim. Most contract disputes must be filed within four years, and most personal injury and property damage claims within two years. Some claims are shorter. If you think you have a case, do not wait to find out which deadline applies.

Can I recover my attorney’s fees?

Sometimes. Texas law allows fee recovery in certain cases, including many breach of contract claims, and some contracts include their own fee provisions. We will tell you up front whether fees are likely recoverable in your case.

What if I have been sued?

Do not ignore it. In Texas you generally have until 10:00 a.m. on the Monday after 20 days from service to file an answer. If you miss that deadline, the other side can take a default judgment against you. Call us as soon as you are served.

Do you handle small claims?

Yes. Justice court cases in Hidalgo County cover claims up to $20,000, including unpaid debts, deposits, and property damage. We can represent you or advise you on handling it yourself.

Can you help with a landlord or eviction matter?

Yes. We represent both landlords and tenants in eviction cases, lease disputes, and deposit claims across the Valley.

Will my case go to trial?

Most civil cases settle before trial, often after mediation. We prepare every case as if it will be tried, which puts you in the strongest position to settle on good terms.

Book a Consultation

Have a Civil Dispute? Let's Talk.

Book a consultation and walk away with a clear understanding of your options. Se habla español.