Criminal Division

The 3B District Court handles criminal matters for all individuals aged 17 and older for offenses committed within the cities, townships, and villages of St. Joseph County.

Misdemeanor Jurisdiction

The court has full jurisdiction over all misdemeanors, including:

Major Traffic Offenses
Liquor & Conservation Violations
Watercraft & Animal Violations
General Misdemeanor Charges

Most violations require a personal appearance before a Judge or a Magistrate

Limited Felony Jurisdiction

For felony charges, the District Court’s role is specifically defined to handle the initial stages of the case:

The Legal Process

Arraignment
The initial reading of charges and setting of bond.

Preliminary Examination
A hearing held to establish Probable Cause that a felony was committed and that the defendant committed it.

Legal Disclaimer: Court staff are not permitted to provide legal advice regarding criminal proceedings.