Lake County District Court cases in Lake County, Polson, MT
Lake County Justice Court in Polson, Montana, is a county-level Justice Court (a court of limited jurisdiction). It serves as a trial court handling misdemeanor criminal offenses (including DUI and most traffic crimes), traffic citations, fish and game violations, and county/municipal ordinance violations. The court also hears small claims and other limited civil matters, including landlord-tenant disputes and collection actions within statutory monetary limits. In felony cases arising in Lake County, it conducts initial appearances, sets bail, and holds preliminary hearings before cases are transferred to District Court. The court issues warrants and may process orders of protection as authorized by Montana law. It does not hear felony trials, divorces, custody, major civil litigation, probate, or juvenile dependency, which are handled by the District Court.
Lake County District Court Contact and Location Information
| Court Type: | District Court |
| County: | Lake |
| Street Address: | 106 4Th Ave E |
| City: | Polson |
| Zip Code: | 59860 |
| Phone: | 406-883-7254 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday : 8:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Website URL: | https://www.lakemt.gov/court/Dclerk.html |
| Languages: | English |
| ADA: | A.W.A.R.E. Inc |
| ADA Phone: | 406-543-2202 |
Services and Case Types Handled in Lake County District Court
Lake County Justice Court provides front-line, accessible court services for the public by:
- Accepting case filings: traffic and parking citations; misdemeanor criminal matters (e.g., DUI, disorderly conduct); fish, wildlife, and boating violations; small claims; civil actions within monetary limits; and landlord‑tenant disputes, including evictions.
- Processing and issuing protective orders: intake of petitions, temporary (ex parte) orders, hearings, and coordination of service.
- Managing court hearings: arraignments, initial appearances, pretrial conferences, motion hearings, bench and jury trials, sentencing, and compliance/review hearings; setting bail and warrants as authorized.
- Administering jury services: juror summons, orientation, hardship/deferral requests, scheduling, and juror compensation.
- Handling payments and compliance: fines and fees, payment plans, collections, and restitution processing.
- Providing public access: calendars, records/copies, forms, self-help guidance, and referrals to legal or victim services.