The County Court handles a wide range of cases involving less serious criminal matters and civil disputes.

Common Case Types

County Court typically handles:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases
• Traffic and citation violations
• Small claims cases
• Civil cases involving limited dollar amounts
• Probate matters (estates, guardianships, conservatorships)
• Preliminary hearings in felony cases

County Court is often the first point of contact for individuals interacting with the court system.

The District Court is a trial court of general jurisdiction and handles more serious and complex cases.

Common Case Types

District Court typically handles:

• Felony criminal cases
• Civil cases involving larger monetary claims
• Domestic relations (divorce, custody, child support)
• Juvenile matters
• Appeals from County Court decisions

District Court proceedings may involve jury trials and more formal legal processes.

Jury Duty

Dakota County residents may be called to serve as jurors in District Court cases.

Jurors play a vital role in the justice system by:

• Listening to evidence presented in court
• Following instructions provided by the judge
• Reaching fair and impartial decisions

If you receive a jury summons, please follow the instructions provided or contact the court office with any questions.