Caldwell County Texas

• Represents the state in prosecuting misdemeanor criminal cases.
• Works with law enforcement officers in the investigation of criminal cases.
• Provides legal advice to the Commissioners Court and to other elected officials.
• Brings civil enforcement actions on behalf of the state or county.
• Represents victims of family violence in protective order proceedings.
• Represents Texas Department of Family and Protective Services in child abuse and neglect cases.
• Represents the state in applications and petitions for mental health commitments.

• Represents the state in prosecuting felony criminal cases.
• Works with law enforcement officers in the investigation of criminal cases.
• Presents cases to the grand jury.
• Represents victims of violence in protective orders and represents the state in removing children from abusive households.

Some counties just have either a Criminal District Attorney or a combination County and District Attorney. In these counties, one office performs the functions of both the County Attorney and the District Attorney.

• Appointed by the district judge(s).
• Prepares and administers accounting records for all county funds.
• Audits the records and accounts of the various county departments.
• Verifies the validity and legality of all county disbursements.
• Forecasts financial data for budgetary formulation purposes.
• Serves as budget officer in counties with more than 225,000 residents. (Counties with more than 125,000 residents may opt for an appointed budget officer.)

• Hears traffic and other Class C misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only.
• Hears civil cases with up to $10,000 in controversy.
• Hears landlord and tenant disputes.
• Hears truancy cases.
• Performs magistrate duties.
• Conducts inquests.

• Serves as clerk and custodian of records for the Commissioners Court, Constitutional County Court and Statutory County Courts.
• Acts as a recorder and custodian of important public records, including all bonds, deeds, birth and death certificates, assumed names and livestock brands, ensuring that records are maintained in a secure, archival manner.
• Issues marriage licenses.
• Services as chief elections officer in most counties. 

• Serves as clerk and custodian of all records for the District Courts.
• Indexes and secures all court records, collects filing fees, and handles funds held in litigation and money awarded to minors.
• Coordinates the jury panel section process.
• May process passport applications.
• Manages court registry funds. 

• Receives and deposits all county revenues.
• Acts as chief liaison between the county and depository banks.
• Prepares the payroll.
• Disburses funds upon the order of the Commissioners Court.
• Records receipts and expenditures and reconciles bank statements.
• May be designated as the county’s investment officer and required to submit regular reports on county finance to the members of the Commissioners Court.
• May also act as the county’s human resources officer, employee benefits coordinator, risk manager and insurance coordinator.
• May have some audit responsibilities in counties with no Auditor. 

• Serves as a licensed peace officer and is responsible for enforcing the criminal laws of the state.
• Manages and operates the county jail.
• Provides security for the courts.
• Serves warrants and civil papers.
• Regulates bail bondsmen in counties with no bail bond board.
• May serve as the Tax Assessor-Collector in counties with fewer than 8,000 residents.

The Commissioners Court conducts the general business of the county and consists of the County Judge and four Commissioners. The Court:

• Adopts the county’s budget and tax rate.
• Approves all budgeted purchases of the county.
• Fills vacancies in elective and appointive offices.
• Sets all salaries and benefits.
• Has exclusive authority to authorize contracts.
• Provides and maintains all county buildings and facilities. 

• Presiding officer of the Commissioners Court.
• Represents the county in many administrative functions. 
• Serves as budget officer in counties with fewer than 225,000 residents.
• Most have broad judicial duties, such as presiding over misdemeanor criminal and small civil cases, probate matters and appeals from the Justice of the Peace Court.
• Serves as head of emergency management. 

• As a member of the Commissioners Court, exercises broad policy-making authority.
• Represents one of four precincts within the county.
• Typically responsible for building and maintaining county roads and bridges within their precinct. 

• Calculates property tax rates for the county.
• May collect taxes for cities, schools and other local taxing entities.
• Processes motor vehicle title transfers.
• Issues motor vehicle registration and licenses.
• May process boat titles and registrations.
• Registers voters and may conduct elections.
• Collects various other fees for the state and county. 

• Serves as a licensed peace officer and performs various law enforcement functions, including issuing traffic citations.
• Serves warrants and civil papers such as subpoenas and temporary restraining orders.
• Serves as bailiff for Justice of the Peace Court.