eFiling an increase of eviction cases

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) - Evictions are on the rise in Round Rock. Williamson County Precinct one Justice of the Peace Dain Johnson has averaged 43 eviction cases a month since January. With another week to go in July, Judge Johnson has already received 53 cases – in which 31 were filed last week alone.

"This last July seems to have been an anomaly,” said Judge Johnson.

He is counting on a new online case filing system to help with the increase of cases. Johnson is one of seven justices of the peace in the state to offer landlords and attorneys the option to file eviction cases online.

Before the cases ever reach the bench, complainants can file evictions through Judge Johnson's website, which links landlords and attorneys to a state run site through Texas Online.

Besides saving his clerks time, plaintiffs can file cases around the clock. The first person to file an electronic filing in his precinct was a Williamson County property owner who lives in San Diego.

“She never had to make the trip from California to Texas to process her eviction proceeding,” said Johnson.

Locally, he said Hunter's Chase Apartments in Round Rock has also had to turn to the online tool. The judge has heard landlords are trying to work more with tenants to keep their buildings filled in the trying economy, but sometimes they have no other choice.

"Landlords and plaintiffs are looking to make sure their business is thriving at the same time people are getting hurt with regards to the economy,” said Johnson.

The online system is especially handy for property managers over large apartment complexes. Travis County currently uses the system with district and county courts, but not justice of the peace courts.

A workshop is scheduled Aug. 6 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. on the second floor of the Williamson County Courthouse at 710 S. Main Street. Space is available for 100 people to register. To RSVP to the event e-mail jp1@wilco.org or call 512-248-3223 for details.