Rice County District Court cases in Rice County, Faribault, MN
Rice County District Court, located in Faribault, is a Minnesota state district court (trial court of general jurisdiction). It serves as the county's primary forum for adjudicating cases under Minnesota law, exercising original jurisdiction over matters arising in Rice County. The court handles criminal (felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor) and traffic/petty offenses; civil actions of all monetary values, including small claims (conciliation); family cases such as dissolution, custody, parenting time, and child support; juvenile delinquency and child protection; probate, estates, and guardianship/conservatorship; housing/evictions; orders for protection and harassment restraining orders; and mental health/chemical dependency commitment proceedings. It conducts arraignments, motion hearings, trials (jury and court), and sentencing, and issues orders and judgments subject to appellate review.
Rice County District Court Contact and Location Information
| Court Type: | District Court |
| County: | Rice |
| Street Address: | 218 NW Third St Suite 300 |
| City: | Faribault |
| Zip Code: | 55021 |
| Phone: | 507-497-7134 |
| Fax: | 507-332-6199 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday : 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Website URL: | http://www.mncourts.gov/Find-Courts/Rice.aspx |
| Parking: | Public parking is available in the lot on the west side of the courthouse, as well as on the street. |
| Jury Service: | https://www.mncourts.gov/Jurors.aspx#tab03CountyJuryInfo |
| Languages: | English |
| ADA: | Lisa Kuhlman |
| ADA Phone: | 507-497-7134 |
| ADA Fax / Email: | 507-332-6199 |
Services and Case Types Handled in Rice County District Court
Rice County District Court provides public access to trial court services, including:
- Case filings and records: accept and process criminal, civil, family (divorce, custody, child support), juvenile (delinquency, child protection), probate/guardianship, traffic/parking, small claims, housing/evictions, name changes, and adoptions; provide copies, certifications, and fine/fee payments.
- Protective orders: file and issue domestic abuse and harassment protection orders; assist with emergency orders and service.
- Court hearings: schedule and conduct in-person and remote hearings; maintain calendars for arraignments, trials, sentencings, and review hearings; provide interpreters and ADA accommodations.
- Jury services: summon and qualify jurors; manage orientation, deferrals/excuses, and juror payment.
- Public assistance: self-help forms and information, referrals to mediation/legal aid, and help with eFiling/eService.