Sanborn County Magistrate Court

Sanborn County Magistrate Court cases in Sanborn County, Woonsocket, SD

Sanborn County Magistrate Court in Woonsocket, South Dakota, is a state magistrate court within the South Dakota Unified Judicial System, operating under the local circuit court. It provides first-tier judicial services for the county by handling misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic and county/municipal ordinance violations, and small-claims and other limited civil matters authorized by statute. The magistrate court also conducts key preliminary proceedings in felony cases, including arrest warrants, initial appearances, bond determinations, and preliminary hearings, before transfer to circuit court. Juvenile, divorce, custody, major civil actions, and felony trials are heard in circuit court.

Sanborn County Magistrate Court Contact and Location Information

Services and Case Types Handled in Sanborn County Magistrate Court

Sanborn County Magistrate Court serves the public by:

- Accepting filings and scheduling for small claims; limited civil matters (e.g., landlord-tenant/evictions); misdemeanor criminal; traffic/ordinance violations; and initial appearances and preliminary hearings in felony cases.
- Processing and hearing protection orders (domestic abuse and stalking/harassment), including temporary/emergency orders.
- Conducting court hearings: arraignments, bond hearings, pleas and sentencing for misdemeanors, small-claims trials, and applications for search/arrest warrants.
- Managing jury services for applicable trials-juror summons, reporting, excusal requests, and orientation (coordinated through the Clerk of Courts).
- Providing public counter services: fine/fee payments, records and certified copies, court calendars, standardized forms and filing guidance, and requests for interpreters and ADA accommodations.

These functions facilitate access to justice, timely case processing, and public safety at the local level.