Eureka County Justice Court

Eureka Justice Court's mission is to provide fair and equal access to justice. The Court strives to efficiently resolve disputes, protect legal rights, and promote public trust through transparency, professionalism, and a commitment to the rule of law.  

The Eureka County Justice Court deals with a range of civil, criminal, and administrative matters that occur within the boundaries of Eureka County. 

The following is an overview of the court’s jurisdiction: 

Traffic Violations: The court handles traffic citations and related offenses. The court hears citations if a party contests the citation (civil infractions) or enters a plea of not guilty (criminal traffic). A party can dispose of a traffic citation without going to court by notifying the court of that decision and paying the amount listed on the citation.  The justice court also hears and decides juvenile traffic matters where the violation charged is considered a minor traffic offense.

Criminal Cases: The justice court hears and decides all misdemeanor criminal cases.  Typical misdemeanor cases may include petty theft, assault or battery, domestic violence, and DUI. For more serious offenses (gross misdemeanors and felonies,) the justice court will conduct a preliminary hearing and determine whether sufficient evidence exists to send the case to the district court for trial. The court also conducts pretrial custody hearings and makes probable cause determinations for all warrantless arrests made by law enforcement.

Civil Cases: The justice court handles civil matters where the amount in dispute does not exceed $15,000. These might include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property damage, or other civil issues.  

Small Claims: Small claims cases are civil cases where the disputed amount does not exceed $10,000.  Small claims court is designed to facilitate the quick resolution of cases with minimal cost, eliminating the need for extensive legal procedures. As a result, the parties involved typically represent themselves, and the trials are conducted informally.

Evictions: The court considers matters involving landlord-tenant disputes. Typically, these cases involve summary evictions and unlawful detainer actions brought by a landlord seeking to remove a tenant from a rental property. 

Protection Orders: The court may issue temporary and extended protection orders in cases of sexual assault, protection of children, domestic violence, stalking and harassment, and harassment in the workplace.   

Weddings: Eureka County Justice Court is authorized to solemnize marriages within Eureka County.  

Legal Advice:  Court staff will assist litigants by explaining general court procedures or providing forms, if available, for a particular action. Staff, however, cannot interpret laws, offer opinions, or provide legal advice. For legal advice, please consult an attorney or qualified legal professional. 

Accepted Payment Types:  The Eureka Justice Court accepts cash, credit cards, money orders, cashier’s checks, business checks, traveler’s checks, or Western Union. The court does not accept personal checks.