Responsibilities & Services

The General District Court has three major divisions.

• The Civil Division handles all claims for money up to $25,000. This includes debts, unpaid rent, contracts, and personal injury.
• The Criminal Division handles all criminal matters from dogs running at large to preliminary hearings in capital cases.
• The Traffic Division handles all traffic matters from minor equipment violations to hit and run cases.

You are not required to have a lawyer in most cases; however, it is suggested that you contact a lawyer in all cases to properly protect your rights.

Judges

• Hon. J. Bruce Strickland, Presiding Judge
• Hon. Ricardo Rigual, Chief Judge
• Hon. John R. Stevens
• Hon. Hugh S. Campbell

Court Schedule
Civil
Monday, 3rd and 4th Tuesday
Cases are scheduled by the Clerk at time of filing.

Traffic
Tues. - Fri., 9:00 a.m.

Criminal
Tues. - Fri., 10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

Arraignments
Tues. - Fri., 8:30 a.m.

Preliminary hearings and criminal trials of Class 1 and Class 2 misdemeanors are scheduled by the court at arraignment. Class 3 and Class 4 misdemeanors are tried on return date.

Motions, 10:00 a.m., date needs to be authorized through clerk's office.

Continuance Policy
All continuances must be requested at least three business days prior to current court date. In traffic cases, first continuance granted by Clerk on timely motion; otherwise granted by Judge on motion.