Orange District Court cases in Franklin County, Orange, MA
Orange District Court is a Massachusetts District Court (part of the Trial Court's District Court Department) located in Orange, MA. As a trial court of limited jurisdiction, it handles most criminal misdemeanors; conducts arraignments, bail hearings, and probable-cause proceedings for felonies; and hears bench and jury-of-six trials within its authority. Its civil docket includes civil actions generally up to $50,000, small claims, summary process (evictions), supplementary process, and municipal ordinance/bylaw violations. The court also processes motor-vehicle and traffic infractions, abuse prevention and harassment prevention orders (G.L. c. 209A and c. 258E), and certain commitment petitions. Probate, family (such as divorce and custody), and most juvenile matters are handled in other departments of the Massachusetts Trial Court.
Orange District Court Contact and Location Information
| Court Type: | District Court |
| County: | Franklin |
| Street Address: | 1 Court Square |
| City: | Orange |
| Zip Code: | 1364 |
| Phone: | 978-544-8277 |
| Fax: | 978-544-5204 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday : 8:30 am - 4:30 pm |
| Website URL: | https://www.mass.gov/locations/orange-district-court |
| Parking: | There is free parking located at the courthouse |
| Public Transportation: | The Orange District Court is accessible through Route 32 of the Franklin Regional Transit Authority. The closest stop to the courthouse is the Orange Center stop. The courthouse is also accessibly through the G-Link Gardner to Orange line. The closest stop to the courthouse is the Orange Center/Memorial Park stop |
| Restrictions: | Using cameras and electronic devices |
| Languages: | Multiple |
| Email: | cmorangedc@jud.state.ma.us |
| About / Additional Info: | This court serves Athol, Erving, Leverett, New Salem, Orange, Shutesbury, Warwick, and Wendell. |
Services and Case Types Handled in Orange District Court
Orange District Court provides front-line judicial services for the community. It accepts and processes case filings for traffic and misdemeanor offenses; small claims and other limited civil disputes (e.g., landlord-tenant, debt collection); juvenile and family matters as authorized; and conducts initial appearances and preliminary hearings in felony cases. The court issues and enforces protective orders (domestic violence, stalking, harassment) and handles related violations. It schedules and holds arraignments, motion hearings, bench or (where authorized) jury trials, reviews, and sentencings, while maintaining calendars and notifying parties. Jury services (where applicable) include summonsing, qualification, orientation, deferrals, reporting instructions, and juror compensation. Public services include records and certified copies, case lookup, fine/fee payments, forms, interpreters and ADA accommodations, mediation referrals, and assistance with subpoenas and warrants.