When it comes to appeals, Houston stands apart from other Texas cities. It’s the only major metro area served by two intermediate appellate courts — the First Court of Appeals and the Fourteenth Court of Appeals. Both are based in downtown Houston, inside the historic 1910 Harris County Courthouse, and both hear civil and criminal appeals from the same ten-county region.
If you’ve ever wondered what makes Houston’s appellate system unique — or how people file appeals here — this guide breaks it all down clearly and simply.
Why Houston Has Two Appellate Courts
Texas law allows the Legislature to create additional courts of appeals when needed to manage growing caseloads.
- The First Court of Appeals was created in 1892.
- The Fourteenth Court of Appeals followed in 1967, under Texas Government Code §22.201, to ease backlogs in the First Court.
Both courts serve the same region, which includes Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, Chambers, Austin, Colorado, Grimes, Waller, and Washington counties.
This dual structure helps distribute thousands of civil and criminal appeals each year — making Houston one of the busiest judicial hubs in the state.
The First Court Of Appeals
The First Court of Appeals handles a broad range of appeals — from civil disputes to serious felony convictions.
Typical cases include:
- Contract and business litigation
- Family law appeals (custody, divorce, child support)
- Criminal convictions are appealed from the district courts
- Administrative agency reviews
Each appeal is reviewed by a three-judge panel, and decisions are based on written briefs and oral arguments — not new evidence.
Local practitioners often cite Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure (TRAP) Rule 25.1, which governs how to perfect an appeal, and Rule 38.1, which details the structure of appellate briefs. These rules are essential for anyone filing in Houston’s appellate courts.
The Fourteenth Court Of Appeals
The Fourteenth Court of Appeals functions under the same jurisdiction and rules, but operates as a separate court with its own chief justice and eight associate justices.
It shares the same Clerk’s Office and follows identical filing procedures, as outlined by the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure and Harris County Local Rules.
This court often hears:
- Personal injury and tort cases
- Criminal appeals involving sentencing or evidentiary disputes
- Property, construction, and business litigation
Together, the First and Fourteenth Courts issue thousands of opinions each year — many of which shape Texas law statewide. When these two courts disagree, the Texas Supreme Court or Texas Court of Criminal Appeals typically steps in to resolve the conflict.
Key Rules And Local Procedures
If you plan to appeal a case in Houston, here are some of the most relevant appellate laws and procedures to know:
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Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure (TRAP):
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- Rule 9.2: Governs electronic filing. Houston’s appellate courts require e-filing through the Texas eFile system (efile.txcourts.gov).
- Rule 26.1: Sets the deadline for filing a notice of appeal — generally 30 days after the judgment, or 90 days if certain post-trial motions are filed.
- Rule 38.6: Defines when appellate briefs must be submitted — typically 30 days after the clerk’s record is filed.
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Local Rules – Harris County:
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- Both appellate courts require compliance with Harris County Local Rule 1.2, which mandates electronic submission of all pleadings and motions.
- Oral argument requests must comply with Local Rule 7.1, allowing each side 20 minutes unless otherwise ordered.
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Filing Fees:
- As of 2025, the standard filing fee for an appeal in the First or Fourteenth Court is $205, payable to the Clerk of the Court.
- Indigent appellants can file an Affidavit of Inability to Pay, as provided under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 145.
Knowing these rules — or working with an experienced appeal attorney in Houston — ensures that your case is filed correctly and on time.
How The Appeals Process Works In Houston
Filing an appeal isn’t about re-trying your case — it’s about examining whether a legal or procedural error occurred during trial.
Here’s how it typically unfolds:
- Notice of Appeal: Filed with the trial court within the deadline under Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure (TRAP) 26.1.
- Record Preparation: The court reporter and clerk prepare the record of trial proceedings.
- Briefs: Both parties file written arguments.
- Oral Arguments: Scheduled only when justices determine it’s necessary for clarification.
- Decision: The panel issues an opinion affirming, reversing, or remanding the case.
This process can take anywhere from six months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case and court workload.
Why Houston’s System Stands Out
Houston’s appellate setup brings both advantages and challenges:
Advantages
- Efficiency: Two courts divide the region’s heavy caseload.
- Diversity of Opinion: With multiple panels, legal reasoning becomes broader and more nuanced.
- Accessibility: E-filing allows lawyers statewide to submit appeals without visiting in person.
Challenges
- Conflicting Opinions: Sometimes, the two courts reach different interpretations of similar legal issues.
- Volume of Cases: Harris County alone generates thousands of new appeals annually.
- Complex Navigation: Determining which court will hear a specific appeal can be confusing for newcomers.
For this reason, people often rely on skilled appellate professionals who understand how to move a case smoothly through either court.
Final Thought
An Appellate Lawyer in Houston specializes in written advocacy, legal research, and navigating the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure. They identify legal errors, craft persuasive briefs, and understand judicial preferences, TRAP Rule 9.4 formatting, and en banc review requests.
An experienced Appellate Lawyer ensures accuracy and improves your chances of success on appeal.