Judith Basin County District Court cases in Judith Basin County, Stanford, MT
Judith Basin County Justice Court in Stanford, Montana, is a county-level Justice Court (court of limited jurisdiction). It functions as a local trial court handling misdemeanor criminal offenses, traffic and DUI citations, fish and game/boating violations, and civil disputes up to $12,000, including small claims (generally up to $7,000) and many landlord-tenant matters. The court also issues and enforces orders of protection, conducts initial appearances, sets bail, and holds preliminary hearings in felony cases before transfer to District Court. It does not hear felony trials or most family law matters (such as divorce or child custody), which are handled by the District Court.
Judith Basin County District Court Contact and Location Information
| Court Type: | District Court |
| County: | Judith Basin |
| Street Address: | 91 N. 3rd St. PO Box 427 |
| City: | Stanford |
| Zip Code: | 59479 |
| Phone: | 406-566-2277 |
| Fax: | 406-566-2211 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday : 8:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Website URL: | https://courts.mt.gov/CourtLocator/10thJudicialDistrict |
| Languages: | English |
| ADA: | Disability Rights Montana |
| ADA Phone: | 406-449-2344 |
Services and Case Types Handled in Judith Basin County District Court
Judith Basin County Justice Court serves the public by:
- Criminal/traffic: Processes citations; handles misdemeanors (e.g., DUI, traffic, disorderly conduct), fish and game, and county ordinance violations; issues warrants; sets bail.
- Felony-related: Conducts initial appearances and preliminary hearings before transfer to District Court.
- Civil: Hears civil claims up to $12,000 (contracts, property damage, landlord-tenant/evictions) and small claims up to $7,000 with simplified procedures.
- Protective orders: Accepts petitions and issues temporary orders of protection, schedules related hearings, and enforces compliance.
- Hearings: Schedules and conducts arraignments, pretrial conferences, bench and jury trials, and sentencing; manages continuances and compliance reviews.
- Jury services: Summons and qualifies jurors, handles deferrals/excuses, and conducts jury selection and trials.
- Case filings and records: Files complaints and pleadings, maintains the docket, provides public access and certified copies per law.
- Payments/support: Collects fines/fees, sets payment plans, and provides forms and self-help guidance.