VOTE411 Voter Guide

The district court has exclusive jurisdiction over all civil litigation up to $25,000 and handles garnishments, eviction proceedings, and land contract, as well as other proceedings including criminal matters. A district court has jurisdiction over all adult misdemeanor cases where punishments do not exceed one year, however, all adult criminal matters, regardless of the nature of the offense, start in the district court including all felonies. The district court issues arrest and search warrants, sets bail and accepts bond, conducts misdemeanor and felony arraignments, presides over probable cause conferences and preliminary examinations for felony offenses and performs civil marriage ceremonies. (insert link to the marriage page for underline portion) Also, a small claims division is provided in district court for civil cases where the amount claimed does not exceed $6,500 (increased to $7,000 in 2024). In these cases, litigants agree to waive their right to a jury, rules of evidence, 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. 6 year term.Note: Due to lack of candidate contact information, LWVGGRA was not able to ask candidates to participate in Vote411.