Carter County Circuit Court

Carter County Circuit Court cases in Carter County, Van Buren, MO

Carter County Circuit Court in Van Buren, Missouri, is a circuit court (trial court of general jurisdiction) within the 36th Judicial Circuit. It handles most state-law matters arising in Carter County, including felony and misdemeanor criminal cases; civil lawsuits and small claims; family and domestic relations matters (divorce, custody, support); juvenile delinquency and abuse/neglect proceedings; probate and estate administration; traffic and infraction cases; and orders of protection. The court's associate circuit division manages lower-value civil actions, misdemeanors, traffic and ordinance violations, and preliminary hearings in felony cases, while circuit divisions conduct bench and jury trials and enter judgments in higher-level civil and criminal matters within the county.

Carter County Circuit Court Contact and Location Information

Services and Case Types Handled in Carter County Circuit Court

Carter County Circuit Court serves the public as the county's court of general jurisdiction. It:
- Accepts and dockets case filings, including felony criminal cases, larger civil actions (e.g., contracts, personal injury), and domestic relations matters (divorce, custody, child support), and hears certain appeals from lower courts.
- Processes applications for protective orders and sets related hearings as provided by law.
- Schedules and conducts court hearings and trials: arraignments, motions, pretrial conferences, jury and bench trials, and sentencings.
- Manages jury services: qualification, summons, orientation, and attendance for trials.
- Maintains official records; provides copies and certifications; issues summonses and subpoenas.
- Collects court costs, fees, and assessments; provides payment and compliance information.
- Offers public information on calendars, case status, and courtroom procedures.