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1. What Division Do I Need?

There are five divisions of court:

Civil Division – 763-682-7639

Family Division-763-682-7639

Probate Division- 763-682-7639

Criminal/Traffic Division- 763-682-7548

Juvenile Division-763-682-7548

2. What is a civil case?

Some
common examples of civil cases are: Unlawful detainer (eviction), name change,
quiet title, implied consent, mortgage foreclosure, condemnation, contracts,
forfeiture, harassment (HRO restraining order), minor settlement, rent escrow
or conciliation (small claims) cases.

3. What is a family case?

Some
examples are a case that involves a divorce, annulment, legal separation, child
custody, paternity, child support, order for protection (OFP restraining order)

4. What is a probate case?

Examples
of this case type include any case that involves an estate or will, the
guardianship or conservatorship of a person, or a commitment case.

5. What is a juvenile or child protection case?

Some common juvenile cases are
juvenile petty offense, juvenile traffic offense, juvenile delinquency,
truancy, runaway and children in need of protection or services. 

6. What is a criminal/traffic case?

Any
traffic ticket (citation) or criminal charges (petty misdemeanor, misdemeanor,
gross misdemeanor, or felony)

7. How do I request to postpone my jury service?

You can
request a postponement of jury service by emailing   MJBJury@courts.state.mn.us 

You should state your full name, your juror number if available, the reason you are requesting postponement and your preferred month of service.  Your request will be reviewed and you will receive a response from court personnel in the mail.  Please know that there are some limitations regarding postponing or excusing people from jury service.  Documentation may be required.  

8. Where do I go for court?

Wright
County Court Administration address:  Wright County Government Center, 10 2^nd Street NW, Room C201, Buffalo, MN 55313 (near Peterson Funeral Chapel and Buffalo Lake) 

If you use the north entrance (near funeral home), turn immediately right after entering, at the end
of the hallway you will see the stairs/elevator. Go up the stairs/elevator to the 2^nd floor. The counter at the top of the stairs is C201 - Court Administration.  You will need to go through Court Security at this point. 

If you use the south entrance (facing lake) cross the lobby to the north entrance and follow the directions above.

9. How do I get a continuance of my court hearing?

If you have an attorney, your attorney must file the request to continue your hearing.  If you are not represented by an attorney, you should first contact the other party in your case and see if they are in agreement with your request to continue the hearing.  Put your request in writing and file it with court administration and the opposing party as soon as possible before the hearing and indicate in your request if the opposing party is in agreement with this continuance.  Include your contact information so you can be notified of the judge’s decision on your continuance request.  You also need to send a copy of your continuance request to the other party and complete an affidavit of service (found in the forms link at http://www.mn.courts.gov) and file
it with your continuance request.

10. Where do I find the application for a Public Defender or Court Appointed Attorney?

Find an application at this link: http://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/PD-Application-Form-Aug-2012.pdf?ext=.pdf 

11. How to pay a traffic ticket/citation in MN?

Information about paying fines is here: http://www.mncourts.gov/Pay-a-Fine.aspx

12. Are there rules for jurors?

Casual
dress is appropriate.  Jurors are not
allowed to wear hats, chew gum, or use tobacco products.  Wireless internet is available for use in the
Jury Assembly Room.  Electronic devices
must be shut off and not used in the courtrooms.  More information about Jury Duty can be found
at:  http://mncourts.gov/jurors.aspx

13. What is the court security checkpoint?

Before
you can enter the court administration area/courtrooms you must go through the
security area.  All items you are
carrying will be searched and you will walk through a metal detector and
jackets/belts may need to be removed to go through the metal detector.  This is done to prevent court users from
bringing prohibited items into the courtroom area and courtrooms. It is also done to protect the safety of all participants. If you
have questions or concerns, ask the court security deputies

14. How do I find my courtroom?

Once you are through security, look at the wall monitors for the names of the parties who have cases
scheduled that day, as well as the courtroom number where the hearing will
occur.  Go into the courtroom and check
in with the courtroom clerk.
Confidential cases (for example, certain juvenile cases) will only list
the court file number.  If you do not see
your name on the screen, go to the Court Administration counter and ask for
assistance.  You may need to provide identification
if the matter you are inquiring about is confidential.

15. What is the Law Library and Self-Help Center?

The 10^th District Self-Help Center can provide information about court processes and procedures, can review forms for completeness and can provide assistance in locating free or low-cost legal services and programs including legal advice clinics.  The Wright County Law Library is located in Room 240 and can assist you with locating legal materials, researching legal issues, and obtaining court forms.  Note that the Self-Help Center and Law Library, cannot provide legal advice.       

10^th District Self-Help Center website: https://www.lawhelpmn.org/files/1765CC5E-1EC9-4FC4-65EC-957272D8A04E/attachments/0B5D63D3-8F6E-44C4-8604-E016D8B55663/10th-self-help-center-brochure-v.5.0docx.pdf

Wright County Law Library website:  https://www.co.wright.mn.us/197/Law-Library