Deuel County Circuit Court

Deuel County Circuit Court cases in Deuel County, Clear Lake, SD

Deuel County Circuit Court in Clear Lake, South Dakota, is a state circuit court and the trial court of general jurisdiction for Deuel County within the South Dakota Unified Judicial System. It handles felony and misdemeanor criminal cases; general civil actions; family law matters (divorce, custody, child support); juvenile cases; probate and guardianship; and protection orders, and it hears appeals from magistrate court. Traffic and small-claims cases are heard by a magistrate judge within the same circuit, while the circuit court handles more serious offenses, broader civil disputes, and trials and appeals arising from lower-court proceedings.

Deuel County Circuit Court Contact and Location Information

Services and Case Types Handled in Deuel County Circuit Court

Deuel County Circuit Court serves the public as the trial court of general jurisdiction by:

- Hearing cases: criminal (felonies, misdemeanors), civil disputes, small claims, family law (divorce, custody, support), juvenile matters, probate/guardianship, traffic/infractions, and mental health commitments.
- Case filings and records: accepts and processes new filings, motions, and protective-order petitions; maintains dockets; issues summons, warrants, and certified copies; provides access to court records consistent with law.
- Protective orders: intake and emergency/temporary orders for domestic abuse and stalking; schedules hearings and enforces orders.
- Court hearings: arraignments, pretrial conferences, motions, trials (bench and jury), sentencings, and review hearings; posts calendars and notices.
- Jury services: manages qualification, summons, orientation, check-in, deferrals, and juror pay.
- Payments and compliance: collects fines, fees, restitution, and bonds; tracks compliance with court orders.
- Public assistance: self-help forms, referrals, and basic procedural guidance from the clerk.