Magistrate Courts have jurisdiction over certain types of civil and criminal cases.

Criminal cases heard by the Magistrate Court include preliminary hearings for most criminal cases and criminal cases punishable by limited fines or short terms of incarceration. Cases typically heard by the Magistrate Court include fraudulent checks, shoplifting, some cases involving assault or battery or breach of the peace, petty larceny, larceny involving less than $1000, receiving stolen goods and false pretenses. Civil cases heard by the Magistrate Court include most general civil claims for less than $7500, including contract claims, damages to real or personal property, penalties or fines or forfeitures, attachment of property for debts. The Magistrates Court also handles certain types of claims without financial limits, including some landlord- tenant cases, some bonds, confessions of judgment, interpleader and cases involving rented personal property.

The Magistrate Court shares jurisdiction with Family Courts over some cases involving juvenile violations of traffic, fish, and game or watercraft ordinances. The Magistrate Court has jurisdiction over requests for domestic abuse protection orders if the Family Court is closed or not in session.

FAQ:

• If you want to file Civil Papers in McCormick, make sure that the Defendant resides in McCormick County.
• If you have questions about your case you need to appear on your Court Date. Do not call this office.
• If you have a complaint or need an investigation, you need to call the Agency where the offence occurred.

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