About Taylor

Taylor County is located in the heart of West Texas, situated on the eastern edge of the Permian Basin where the rolling plains begin to give way to the rugged terrain that defines this region of the Lone Star State. The county covers approximately 916 square miles of characteristically West Texas landscape, featuring open grasslands, mesquite brush, and the occasional creek drainage that cuts through the caliche soil. This expansive territory gives the county a wide-open, frontier character that has defined life here for well over a century, and residents take pride in the self-reliant, hardworking culture that the land itself seems to demand.

Practice Areas in Taylor

Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Charges, arrests, bail and criminal trials.
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DUI
DUI
DUI charges, licence suspension and reinstatement.
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Family Law
Family Law
Divorce, custody, property and support.
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Immigration Law
Immigration
Visas, green cards, deportation and citizenship.
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Traffic Law
Traffic Law
Traffic violations, licence matters and offences.
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Employment Law
Employment Law
Wrongful termination, discrimination, disputes.
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Courts in Taylor

Taylor County is served by several courts that handle the full range of civil and criminal matters for residents. The Taylor County District Courts, located at the Taylor County Courthouse at 300 Oak Street in Abilene, include the 42nd, 104th, 326th, and 350th Judicial District Courts, which handle felony criminal cases, civil matters involving larger sums, family law disputes including divorce and child custody, and other significant legal proceedings. The Taylor County Court at Law handles misdemeanor criminal cases, probate matters, and civil disputes involving smaller amounts, while Justice of the Peace courts scattered across the county's precincts manage Class C misdemeanors, small claims cases, and civil matters under the jurisdictional threshold. Municipal courts within the City of Abilene handle city ordinance violations and traffic offenses occurring within city limits.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Taylor

Residents of Taylor County who find themselves involved in federal legal matters fall under the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, with the Abilene Division serving this region directly. Federal courts handle cases involving federal laws, constitutional questions, disputes between citizens of different states where the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000, bankruptcy proceedings, and federal criminal charges such as drug trafficking across state lines or federal fraud offenses. The vast majority of legal matters Taylor County residents encounter — including state criminal charges, family law cases, traffic violations, and most civil disputes — are handled entirely within the Texas state court system, with the Taylor County District Courts and County Courts at Law serving as the primary venues for those proceedings.

Common Legal Situations in Taylor

Taylor County residents encounter a broad range of legal situations shaped by the character of this West Texas community. Traffic and DWI offenses are among the most frequent matters handled in local courts, given the long driving distances inherent to rural West Texas life and the heavy commercial truck traffic moving through the region. Family law matters including divorce, child custody modifications, and child support enforcement are consistently common, reflecting the pressures that economic uncertainty and military-connected family changes can place on households in the area. Employment disputes, including wrongful termination and wage claims tied to the county's oil field services, healthcare, and retail sectors, are also regularly seen, as are estate planning and probate matters as the county's older population navigates the transfer of agricultural land and family property. Criminal defense matters ranging from drug possession to property crimes round out the legal landscape that local attorneys regularly address.

Why Go To Court for Taylor Legal Matters

Go To Court Lawyers is an excellent choice for Taylor County residents who need reliable, experienced legal representation across a wide range of practice areas. The firm offers a 24/7 free legal hotline, meaning that whether you are facing an unexpected arrest on a Saturday night or need urgent advice about a civil matter, help is always just a phone call away. With a team of experienced attorneys who understand Texas law and the local court systems of West Texas, Go To Court is well-positioned to provide effective representation in Taylor County's district and county courts. Fixed-fee pricing options are also coming soon, offering clients greater transparency and peace of mind when it comes to understanding the cost of their legal representation from the outset.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a traffic ticket in Abilene or Taylor County?

You generally have the option to pay the fine, which is treated as a guilty plea and may add points to your driving record, or to contest the ticket in the appropriate court — either Abilene Municipal Court for city violations or a Justice of the Peace court for county offenses. Contesting a ticket with the help of an attorney can sometimes result in a dismissal or a deferred adjudication that keeps the violation off your record. It is worth consulting a lawyer before simply paying a fine, particularly if you hold a commercial driver's license or already have prior violations.

How does the divorce process work in Taylor County, Texas?

Divorce cases in Taylor County are filed in one of the District Courts in Abilene, and Texas requires that at least one spouse have been a resident of the state for six months and a resident of Taylor County for at least 90 days before filing. Texas is a community property state, meaning most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided equally, though courts can deviate from that standard based on specific circumstances. If the divorce involves children, issues of conservatorship, possession schedules, and child support will also need to be resolved, either by agreement or by the court.

What are the consequences of a DWI conviction in Texas?

A first-offense DWI in Texas is a Class B misdemeanor that can result in fines up to $2,000, a jail sentence of between 72 hours and 180 days, and a driver's license suspension of up to one year. Subsequent offenses carry significantly harsher penalties, including felony charges for a third DWI conviction, and any DWI involving a child passenger is automatically elevated to a state jail felony. Beyond the criminal penalties, a DWI conviction can affect your employment, insurance rates, and professional licenses, making it important to seek experienced legal representation as early as possible.

Can I modify a child custody order in Taylor County if circumstances have changed?

Yes, Texas law allows either parent to seek a modification of an existing child custody or possession order if there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the original order was made. Common grounds for modification include a significant change in a parent's living situation, relocation, changes in the child's needs, or concerns about the child's safety and well-being. The petition for modification is filed in the same District Court that issued the original order, and the court will evaluate the proposed changes based on the best interests of the child.

What is the process for probating an estate in Taylor County?

When someone passes away owning property in Taylor County, their estate typically must go through the probate process in the Taylor County Court at Law, which handles probate and estate matters for the county. If the deceased left a valid will, the executor named in the will files an application to have the will admitted to probate, after which the court authorizes the executor to gather assets, pay debts, and distribute property to beneficiaries. If there is no will, the court will appoint an administrator and the estate will be distributed according to Texas intestacy laws, which follow a specific hierarchy of surviving family members.

Neighbouring Counties

Taylor County is bordered by Jones County to the north, Nolan County to the northwest, Fisher County to the northeast, Callahan County to the east, Coleman County to the south, and Runnels County to the southwest.