FANNIN COUNTY, Tex. -- Fannin County officials are asking for a county court of law because of an increased case load. Stephanie Brletic has more.

Grayson, Lamar, Cooke, and Hunt counties all have county courts to help handle the heavy docket, and Fannin County officials hope they are next.

During their July and August sessions, the Fannin County Grand Jury heard 37 cases and handed out 32 indictments.

Commissioners requested that State Representative Larry Phillips step in to get a county court in place to help handle the work.

If granted, the new court would be able to hear everything from misdemeanor criminal cases to civil cases, which would free up a lot of time for county judge Butch Henderson, because aside from hearing cases, he also has to take care of day-to-day county business.

Representative Larry Phillips says having a county court could have a big impact, possibly decreasing jail overcrowding and increasing efficiency.

"With an increased population and increased case load, that to accomplish all of those things, there are certain things that have to be done. So, you don't have as good as administration of justice, so cases aren't moved as quickly as they could be," Rep. Larry Phillips said.

Fannin County district attorney Richard Glaser says there are other changes in the works as well. He requested three new prosecutors be hired over the next year.

Beginning in October, district court Judge Laurie Blake will be hearing cases three weeks a month in Fannin County. It is up to the State Legislature to decide if a county court is granted.

If lawmakers sign off on the plan, Glaser hopes to have it in place by October of 2009.