Orleans District Court cases in Barnstable County, Orleans, MA
Orleans District Court is a trial-level court in the Massachusetts Trial Court's District Court Department, located in Orleans, Barnstable County. It functions as a court of first instance for local matters, conducting criminal arraignments, bail determinations, probable cause hearings in felony cases, and trials for misdemeanors and some felonies. On the civil side, it hears civil actions up to $50,000, small claims (generally up to $7,000), summary process (evictions), supplementary process, and civil motor vehicle and bylaw/ordinance violations. The court also issues and enforces abuse prevention and harassment prevention orders, handles mental health and substance use commitment petitions, and processes traffic citations and other civil infractions. Matters such as divorce, custody, and juvenile delinquency are handled by other Massachusetts Trial Court departments.
Orleans District Court Contact and Location Information
| Court Type: | District Court |
| County: | Barnstable |
| Street Address: | 237 Rock Harbor Road |
| City: | Orleans |
| Zip Code: | 2653 |
| Phone: | 508-255-4700 |
| Fax: | 508-240-1150 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm |
| Website URL: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/orleans-district-court |
| Parking: | There is free parking located near the courthouse. |
| Public Transportation: | The Orleans District Court is accessible by the H20 Hyannis-Orleans Route of the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority |
| Restrictions: | Using cameras and electronic devices |
| Languages: | Multiple |
| Email: | cmorleansdc@jud.state.ma.us |
| Facebook: | https://www.facebook.com/pages/Orleans-District-Court/119344351466384 |
| Linkedin: | https://www.linkedin.com/company/orleans-district-court |
| ADA: | Marion Broiderick |
| ADA Phone: | 508-255-4700, ext. 148 |
| ADA Fax / Email: | marion.broidrick@jud.state.ma.us |
| About / Additional Info: | This court serves Brewster, Chatham, Dennis, Eastham, Orleans, Harwich, Truro, Wellfleet, and Provincetown. |
Services and Case Types Handled in Orleans District Court
Orleans District Court serves the public by processing and adjudicating:
- Criminal matters (misdemeanors, ordinance violations, traffic; felony arraignments and preliminary hearings).
- Civil disputes (contract, property damage, landlord-tenant/evictions, small claims).
- Protective orders (domestic abuse, stalking, harassment).
- Juvenile or family-related matters as authorized.
Core services include:
- Case filings, docketing, records management, and public access.
- Scheduling and conducting hearings, arraignments, trials (bench and jury where applicable).
- Issuing warrants, subpoenas, and protective orders; setting bail; probation review.
- Jury services: summons, orientation, selection, and juror support.
- Payment processing for fines, fees, and restitution; compliance monitoring.
- Self-help resources, standardized forms, interpreters, and ADA accommodations.
- Options for remote or in-person appearance when permitted.