Texas Property Code - PROP § 24.005107. Appeal to County Court

(a) A party may appeal the judgment of a justice court in an eviction suit by filing a bond, cash deposit, or statement of inability to afford payment of court costs with the justice court not later than the fifth day after the date the judgment is signed.  A tenant who files an appeal must affirm, under penalty of perjury, the tenant's good faith belief that the tenant has a meritorious defense and that the appeal is not for the purpose of delay.  An appeal is perfected when a bond, cash deposit, or statement of inability to afford payment of court costs is timely filed with the justice court in accordance with this section.

(b) The justice court shall forward the transcript and original papers in an appeal of an eviction case to the county court, by electronic means or otherwise, not earlier than 4 p.m. on the sixth day or later than 4 p.m. on the 10th day after the date the tenant files the appeal, except that, if the court confirms that the tenant has timely paid the initial rent payment into the justice court registry in accordance with Section 24.0053, the court may forward the transcript and original papers immediately.

(c) The county court shall hold a trial not later than the 21st day after the date the transcript and original papers are delivered to the county court.