Which court in Texas is designated for handling felony cases?

District courts in Texas are the primary trial courts designated for handling felony cases. These courts have general jurisdiction, which means they can hear a wide range of cases, including serious criminal offenses such as felonies, as well as civil cases, family law matters, and probate issues.

Felony cases are typically more serious than misdemeanor cases and can carry significant penalties, including state prison sentences. The structure of the Texas judicial system assigns felony cases to district courts due to their ability to manage complex legal issues and their authority to impose harsher penalties that align with the severity of felony offenses.

Other courts, such as justice courts and municipal courts, are established mainly for less serious matters, including misdemeanor offenses and minor civil disputes. County courts handle both misdemeanor cases and some civil matters, but their jurisdiction does not extend to felony cases. Thus, the district courts play a crucial and exclusive role in the adjudication of felony offenses within the Texas judicial system.