Stillwater County District Court cases in Stillwater County, Columbus, MT
Stillwater County Justice Court in Columbus, Montana, is a county justice court (a court of limited jurisdiction). It handles misdemeanor criminal offenses (including DUI and fish-and-game violations), traffic and local ordinance citations, small claims, landlord-tenant/eviction actions, and other civil matters within statutory monetary limits. The court conducts initial appearances, arraignments, and preliminary hearings in felony cases before they are transferred to District Court, and it can issue orders of protection as authorized by Montana law. Felony trials, divorces, child custody, and probate matters are outside its jurisdiction and are heard in District Court.
Stillwater County District Court Contact and Location Information
| Court Type: | District Court |
| County: | Stillwater |
| Street Address: | 400 N. 3rd Ave PO Box 367 |
| City: | Columbus |
| Zip Code: | 59019 |
| Phone: | 406-322-8030 |
| Website URL: | https://www.stillwatercountymt.gov/department/clerk-of-district-court/ |
| Forms & Filing: | https://www.stillwatercountymt.gov/forms/ |
| Languages: | English |
| Email: | clerkofcourt.stillwater@mt.gov |
| ADA: | Disability Rights Montana |
| ADA Phone: | 406-449-2344 |
| ADA Fax / Email: | 406-449-2418 |
Services and Case Types Handled in Stillwater County District Court
Stillwater County Justice Court serves the public by providing front-line access to criminal and civil justice. Core services include:
- Case filings: misdemeanor criminal (traffic, DUI, fish and game, ordinance violations), civil and small claims, and landlord-tenant matters within its jurisdiction.
- Protective orders: accepts petitions for orders of protection and holds related hearings.
- Court hearings: initial appearances, arraignments, bail, pretrial conferences, bench and jury trials, sentencing; preliminary hearings in felony cases.
- Jury services: juror qualification, summons, selection, orientation, deferrals, and compensation.
- Case management: scheduling, warrants, fines/fees and bond collection, payment plans, and compliance monitoring.
- Public access: case records, calendars, standardized forms, and procedural information (without legal advice).
These functions provide timely case processing, enforce laws, and ensure accessible court services at the local level.