Silver Bow County District Court cases in Silver Bow County, Butte, MT
Butte-Silver Bow County Justice Court is a limited-jurisdiction Justice Court in Butte, Montana. It handles misdemeanor criminal offenses; traffic and DUI matters; fish and game and local ordinance violations; civil lawsuits up to $15,000; small claims; landlord-tenant actions, including evictions; and petitions for and enforcement of orders of protection. The court conducts initial appearances, probable-cause determinations, warrants, bail settings, and preliminary hearings in felony cases before transfer to the Montana District Court. It does not hear felony trials, divorces, custody, probate, or major civil cases, which are within District Court jurisdiction.
Silver Bow County District Court Contact and Location Information
Court Type: | District Court |
County: | Silver Bow |
Street Address: | 155 W. Granite St. |
City: | Butte |
Zip Code: | 59701 |
Phone: | 406-497-6410 |
Fax: | 406-497-6414 |
Hours: | Monday - Friday : 8:00 am - 5:00 pm |
Website URL: | https://co.silverbow.mt.us/168/District-Court |
Languages: | English |
Email: | clkofdistcourt@bsb.mt.gov |
Facebook: | https://www.facebook.com/Butte.SilverBow/ |
Twitter: | https://twitter.com/ButteSilverBow |
ADA Phone: | 406-782-4834 |
Services and Case Types Handled in Silver Bow County District Court
Butte-Silver Bow County Justice Court serves as a first-contact court for the community. It:
- Accepts filings for misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic/fish-and-game citations, DUI misdemeanors, and civil actions within statutory limits, including small claims and landlord-tenant/eviction matters.
- Processes petitions for orders of protection and conducts related hearings.
- Handles initial appearances, arraignments, bail, warrants, pretrial conferences, motions, and misdemeanor bench and jury trials; conducts felony preliminary hearings before referral to District Court.
- Manages jury services (qualification, summons, orientation, and trial management).
- Provides scheduling, notices, standard forms, and public access to records; collects fines, fees, and restitution; and monitors compliance with court orders.
The court's role is to provide case filing, hearings, and resolution of eligible disputes and offenses.