Legal System

District Court

The District Court handles all civil litigation up to $25,000, and handles garnishments, eviction proceedings, land contract and mortgage foreclosures, and other proceedings. In criminal cases, the District Court handles all misdemeanors where punishments do not exceed one year, including arraignment, setting and accepting bail, trial and sentencing, and conducts preliminary examinations in felony cases. Also, District Courts have a small claims division for civil cases up to $3,000. In these cases, parties agree to waive their right to a jury, representation by a lawyer, and the right to appeal from the district judge's decision. If either party objects, the case will be heard by the general civil division of the District Court.