District Court Judge -- Hon. Susan H. Grant
Administrator/Magistrate -- Steve DeLaney

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Room 118 400 Elm Street, Big Rapids, MI 49307 (231) 592-0799 Fax (231) 796-2180 Email 77DistCt@co.mecosta.mi.us

Citizens have more contact with District Court than any other court in the state. District Court has exclusive jurisdiction of all civil litigation up to $25,000.00 and handles garnishments, eviction proceedings, land contract and mortgage foreclosures and other proceedings. In the criminal field, the District Court handles all misdemeanors where punishment does not exceed one year, relevant proceedings including arraignment, setting and acceptance of bail, trial and sentencing. It also conducts preliminary examinations in felony cases.

The District Court includes a small claims division, for civil cases up to $3,000 beginning January of 2000. In these cases, litigants agree to waive their right to a jury, rules of evidence, representation by a lawyer and the right to appeal from the District Judge’s decision. If either party objects, the case will be heard by the general civil division of the District Court.

By statute, District Judges have the authority to appoint Magistrates. Magistrates may set bail and accept bond in criminal matters, accept guilty pleas and sentence for traffic, motor carrier and snowmobile violations, dog, Department of Natural Resources and marine law violations. The Magistrate may also issue arrest and search warrants authorized by the prosecutor or municipal attorney. Attorney Magistrates may hear small claims cases. Magistrates may, at the direction of the Chief Judge, perform other duties allowed by statue.

District Judges are elected for six-year terms on nonpartisan ballots, under the same requirements as Circuit Judges.

CIVIL/SMALL CLAIMS - LANDLORD/TENANT

The District Court of Mecosta County has jurisdiction over Small Claims (claims not exceeding $3,000.00), General Civil Complaints (not exceeding $25,000.00), Landlord-Tenant disputes and Land Contract forfeitures.

The District Court of Mecosta County provides an informational brochure regarding the Small Claims process and Landlord-Tenant process. A copy of this brochure may be obtained at the Mecosta County Courthouse, District Court/Civil Division 400 Elm St. Big Rapids, Michigan.

For further information contact the Civil Division Clerk at (231) 592-0796.

• Civil Filing Fees
• Small Claims Brochure
• Criminal Division
• Fines & Costs
• Jury Duty Information

To access court forms:
www.courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms/#forms

To search for legal information or information on court processes:
www.michigan.gov

To access “self help” regarding a Small Claim filing:
http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/selfhelp/smallclaims/sc_help.htm