Yellowstone County District Court cases in Yellowstone County, Billings, MT
Yellowstone County Justice Court in Billings, Montana is a county-level, limited-jurisdiction Justice Court. It handles misdemeanor criminal cases (including DUI and other misdemeanors), traffic and fish-and-game violations, and civil matters within statutory monetary limits, including small claims and landlord-tenant/eviction actions. The court conducts initial appearances, sets bail, and holds preliminary hearings in felony cases before they are transferred to District Court. It may issue warrants and protective orders as authorized by law, and it accepts pleas or conducts bench or jury trials in qualifying cases. Family law matters such as divorce, custody, probate, and most felony proceedings are outside its trial jurisdiction and are heard in District Court.
Yellowstone County District Court Contact and Location Information
| Court Type: | District Court |
| County: | Yellowstone |
| Street Address: | 217 N 27Th St |
| City: | Billings |
| Zip Code: | 59102 |
| Phone: | 406-256-2851 |
| Hours: | Monday - Friday : 8:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Website URL: | http://www.co.yellowstone.mt.gov/clerk_court/ |
| Languages: | English |
| Facebook: | https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yellowstone-County-District-Court/363482697116977 |
Services and Case Types Handled in Yellowstone County District Court
Yellowstone County Justice Court is a limited-jurisdiction court serving the public by:
- Case filings: traffic and misdemeanor criminal citations (e.g., DUI, theft, PFMA misdemeanors), fish & game violations, county ordinance cases, small claims, civil money claims within Justice Court limits, and landlord-tenant/eviction actions.
- Protective orders: accepts petitions for Orders of Protection, issues temporary orders, and holds hearings on final orders.
- Court hearings: conducts arraignments, pretrial conferences, motion hearings, bench and jury trials, sentencings, and initial appearances on some felony matters (with transfer as required).
- Jury services: manages juror qualification, summons, scheduling, check-in, excuses/deferrals, and juror support during trials.
- Payments and compliance: processes fines, fees, restitution, bonds, and payment plans.
- Records and public access: provides case information, copies/certifications, calendars, forms, and filing guidance; coordinates interpreters and ADA accommodations; communicates orders to law enforcement when applicable.