St. Joseph County Court

County Resources

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St. Joseph County Court

The St. Joseph County Circuit Court was first established in 1831, and the first county courthouse was built in 1832. A larger courthouse was built in 1855. The third and current main courthouse was built in 1896-1897. It was renovated in 1998.

The St. Joseph County Superior Court was established in 1900, and this county is the only one in Indiana that has a separate Probate Court.

Locations

St. Joseph County Circuit Court
101 S Main Street
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 235-9551

St. Joseph County Superior Court
Civil Division
101 S Main Street
South Bend, IN 46601

St. Joseph County Superior Court
Misdemeanor and Small Claims Division
112 S. Lafayette Blvd.
South Bend, IN 46601

St. Joseph County Superior Court
Felony Division
129 S. Main Street
South Bend, IN 46601

St. Joseph County Superior Court
Mishawaka Small Claims Division
219 Lincoln Way West
Mishawaka, IN 46544
574-256-6219

St. Joseph County Probate Court
1000 S. Michigan Street
South Bend, IN 46601
574-235-5378

Walkerton Town Court
301 Michigan Street
Walkerton, IN 46574
574-586-2340

United States District Court
Northern District of Indiana
South Bend Division
204 S. Main St.
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 246-8000

Clerk of the Circuit and Superior Court

The Clerk of the Circuit and Superior Court is an elected official who manages court information as an officer of the court. The Clerk sends notices for jury duty and maintains the Judgment Docket and records of judgment and orders.The Clerk is responsible for issuing court documents like protective orders, writs, and arrest warrants All new court cases are processed by the Clerk, and the Clerk is in charge of all court records.

In addition, the Clerk is a member of the Election Board, certifies copies of documents, and issues marriage licenses.

Amy Rolfes
Clerk of the Circuit Court and Superior Court
St. Joseph County
101 South Main Street
South Bend, IN 46601
574-235-9635

United States District Court

St. Joseph County is part of the Northern District of Indiana for the United States District Court. The South Bend division includes Elkhart, Cass, Kosciusko, Fulton, Miami, Marshall, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Pulaski, Wabash, and Starke Counties.

Holly A. Brady is the Chief Judge, and Chanda J. Berta is the Clerk of Court.

Circuit Court

Circuit Court judges are elected to 6-year terms and can run for multiple terms. If a vacancy occurs in a non-election year, the governor can appoint a judge. Judges must be lawyers admitted to practice in the state and must be residents of their circuit court district.

In St. Joseph County, Circuit Court mostly hears civil cases, such as personal injury, contract disputes, divorce, estates, and child support. The Circuit Court also handles all Grand Jury proceedings. St. Joseph County is located in Judicial District 4. There are 26 judicial districts in Indiana.

Superior Court

Superior Court judges are first appointed by the governor to serve a 2-year term, then are elected to 6-year terms. Superior Court judges must reside in their judicial districts and must be admitted to practice law in Indiana.

In St. Joseph County, Superior Court hears almost all criminal cases and some civil cases, including Small Claims.

Magistrates

Magistrates are often used in St. Joseph County courts. To be a magistrate, one must be admitted to practice law in Indiana and have at least 5 years of experience as a lawyer. While serving as a magistrate, one cannot practice law.

Magistrates have the authority to administer oaths, officiate marriages, order subpoenas, and issue warrants. Magistrates can also conduct preliminary and pretrial hearings, receive a verdict from a jury, set bail, and enforce rules of the court.

Civil Court

Civil cases are those that are not criminal in nature and usually involve a financial or property dispute between two parties. Small Claims cases are handled in Superior Court. Examples of civil cases include probate, child support, divorce, mental health, malpractice, and contract disputes.

Criminal Court

Criminal court judges hear cases involving criminal offenses. Felony cases are serious crimes that can be punished by more than 1 year in prison, fines, or both. Misdemeanor cases are less serious crimes that can be punished by a maximum of 12 months in jail and/or fines.. Most criminal cases are heard in St. Joseph County Superior Court.

Family Relations

The Family Relations Division is part of Civil Court and includes family court matters such as adoption, divorce, paternity determination, and domestic violence. It also includes all juvenile matters, such as neglect, abuse, and delinquency.

Veterans Court

Veterans Court is a specialized court that addresses the needs of veterans and active duty members who have been charged with certain offenses. To be eligible, the offender must be a veteran who has not received a dishonorable discharge and must be facing a criminal charge under the jurisdiction of a St. Joseph county court.

Persons who have a violent criminal history, a history of sex offenses, or unresolved felony or misdemeanor offenses that could carry jail time in other jurisdictions are not eligible for the program.

Drug Court

Drug Court is a specialized program for offenders who admit they have substance abuse problems. Long-term substance abuse treatment, random drug and alcohol testing, and court appearances are all mandatory. If successfully completed, non-violent felony charges may be dismissed.