Clerk of the District Court

Jurisdiction of the District Court

District Courts are trial courts of general jurisdiction and are organized into 12 judicial districts to serve all 93 counties in the state.  Fifty-three district court judges serve these judicial districts.

Although District Court had concurrent jurisdiction with County Courts, they primarily hear all felony criminal cases, equity cases, domestic relations cases and civil cases involving more than $51,000.  It also functions as an appellate court in deciding appeals from county courts and various administrative agencies.

Functions of the District Court Office

In addition to being the Administrative Officer of the Court, the Clerks of the District Courts are responsible for maintaining the records of criminal and civil cases, mental health cases, the Court’s dockets and processing judgments.  Some other duties of the District Court Office are:

• Issuing writs and orders;
• Filing and preserving all papers delivered to the Court;
• Endorsing papers filed with the Court;
• Certification/Authentication of court filings;
• Make entry of return of every summons, subpoena and order served;
• Keep the records pertaining to the Court and record its proceedings;
• Provide and process protection order applications;
• Track all court costs, fees, fines, restitution and judgments ordered in each case filed;

The clerk also serves as a passport agent and is the ex-officio jury commissioner for the County.