| 80th District Court: Duties and Responsibilities
District Court is the initial court for all criminal matters, all
traffic, DNR, and animal control. Felonies proceed to Circuit
Court after arraignment and preliminary hearing. All other matters
remain in District Court for trial or other resolution. Trials are
either by a jury of 6 or non-jury, heard by the Judge. Cases may
be resolved by plea, trial or dismissal.
For civil matters,
the District Court handles summary proceedings (landlord-tenant
matters, land contract forfeitures), civil suits in which the
amount sought is $25,000 or less, and Small Claims matters (suits
for up to $3,000, no attorney allowed for either party, mediated
by the Magistrate, then heard by the Judge if not resolved). Cases
may be resolved by settlements, hearings/trials, or dismissals. |
