~The District Court is a trial court of limited jurisdiction~

The District Court has exclusive jurisdiction over the following types of cases:

• Civil suits involving $25,000 or less
• Adult criminal misdemeanor offenses punishable by up to one year’s imprisonment
• Civil infractions
• Traffic violations
• Landlord/tenant disputes
• Small claims (involving $3,000 or less)
• Land contract forfeitures

In addition to its jurisdiction to try adult criminal offenses punishable by up to one year’s imprisonment, the District Court is the court in which all other adult criminal proceedings begin, regardless of the nature of the offense. In carrying out this function, the District Court has jurisdiction to issue arrest and search warrants, set bail and accept bond, conduct misdemeanor and felony arraignments, preside over preliminary examinations for felony and misdemeanor offenses outside its trial jurisdiction and perform civil marriage ceremonies.

Page Last Modified: May 19, 2008 at 3:49 pm