Pennington County Circuit Court

Pennington County Circuit Court cases in Pennington County, Rapid City, SD

Pennington County Circuit Court in Rapid City is a state circuit court-the trial court of general jurisdiction for Pennington County-within the Seventh Judicial Circuit of the South Dakota Unified Judicial System. It handles criminal (felonies and certain misdemeanors/traffic), civil actions beyond small-claims, family/domestic relations, juvenile matters, probate and guardianship, and appeals from magistrate court and some administrative agencies. The court exercises countywide trial jurisdiction over these matters.

Pennington County Circuit Court Contact and Location Information

Services and Case Types Handled in Pennington County Circuit Court

Pennington County Circuit Court serves the public as the trial court of general jurisdiction. Core services include:

- Case filings and docketing: criminal, civil, family/domestic relations (divorce, custody), probate/guardianship, juvenile, small claims, and traffic.
- Protective orders: processing petitions and issuing orders for domestic abuse, stalking/harassment, and vulnerable adults.
- Court hearings: scheduling and conducting hearings, trials, sentencings, and managing calendars and notices.
- Jury services: juror qualification and summons, deferrals, reporting, orientation, and jury trials.
- Records and copies: public access to case information, certified copies, and record searches consistent with law.
- Payments: fines, fees, restitution, bonds, and approved payment plans.
- Public assistance: forms and self-help resources, interpreter and ADA accommodations, and e-filing for eligible users.

The court's role is to provide accessible case processing, fair adjudication, and essential services to residents.