Southern Berkshire District Court cases in Berkshire County, Great Barrington, MA
Southern Berkshire District Court in Great Barrington is a Massachusetts District Court within the Trial Court's District Court Department. It serves the southern Berkshire County region and handles: criminal matters (arraignments, misdemeanors, and felonies through probable-cause hearings), civil actions up to $50,000, small claims, summary process (evictions), abuse and harassment prevention orders, civil motor vehicle and other traffic/ordinance violations, clerk-magistrate show-cause hearings, search and arrest warrants, bail and probation matters, and certain civil commitment proceedings (e.g., G.L. c. 123, §35). Core family-law matters such as divorce, child custody, and guardianship are heard in the Probate and Family Court, not the District Court.
Southern Berkshire District Court Contact and Location Information
| Court Type: | District Court |
| County: | Berkshire |
| Street Address: | 9 Gilmore Ave. |
| City: | Great Barrington |
| Zip Code: | 1230 |
| Phone: | 413-528-3520 |
| Fax: | 413-528-0757 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm |
| Website URL: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/southern-berkshire-district-court |
| Parking: | There is free parking available at the courthouse. |
| Public Transportation: | The Southern Berkshire District Court is not accessible by public transportation. |
| Languages: | Multiple |
| Email: | cmsouthernberkshiredc@jud.state.ma.us |
| ADA: | Calandra Austin |
| ADA Phone: | 413-528-3520 x3 |
| ADA Fax / Email: | calandra.austin@jud.state.ma.us |
| About / Additional Info: | The Southern Berkshire District Court in Great Barrington serves Alford, Becket, Egremont, Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, Mt. Washington, New Marlborough, Otis, Sandisfield, Sheffield, Stockbridge, Tyringham, and West Stockbridge. Pittsfield District Court exercises concurrent jurisdiction in Becket and Lenox. |
Services and Case Types Handled in Southern Berkshire District Court
Southern Berkshire District Court serves the public by handling:
- Criminal: intake of complaints, arraignments, bail determinations, clerk‑magistrate show‑cause hearings, misdemeanor trials, probable‑cause hearings for felonies, jury/bench trials, probation violations, warrants, and civil motor vehicle infraction hearings/appeals.
- Civil: civil actions up to $50,000, small claims (to $7,000), summary process (evictions), supplementary process (judgment enforcement), and motion hearings and trials.
- Protective orders: Abuse Prevention Orders (209A) and Harassment Prevention Orders (258E), including emergency access when applicable.
- Specialized: Section 35 substance‑use commitments and other authorized mental‑health proceedings.
- Jury services: juror check‑in, orientation, and management for jury‑of‑six trials.
- Public services: case filings and docketing, scheduling and notices of hearings, access to case records, certified copies, payment of fines/fees/restitution, and interpreter coordination.