Understanding Washington County’s Courts
Washington County falls within Utah’s Fifth Judicial District, with St. George as its largest city. The St. George District Court and the Washington County Justice Court handle the majority of criminal cases in the county. Additionally, there are justice courts in the nearby cities of Hurricane, Santa Clara, Washington City, Enterprise, and Hildale.
Where Will My Case Be Filed?
The St. George District Court is a court of general jurisdiction, meaning it handles a wide range of criminal charges, from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. Felony charges and class A misdemeanors must be filed in district court. Class B and class C misdemeanors may also be handled in district court if they are part of a case involving more serious charges.
Justice Courts in Washington County, including those in St. George and surrounding cities, are limited to hearing class B and class C misdemeanors, as well as infractions. Common class B misdemeanors handled in justice courts include DUI and domestic violence, while class C misdemeanors often include charges like retail theft, drug paraphernalia, open container violations, and minor in possession of alcohol.
How to Determine Which Court Is Handling Your Case
If your case involves a felony or class A misdemeanor, it will be filed in the St. George District Court. For class B and class C misdemeanors, the case may be filed in either district court or a local justice court, depending on the circumstances. Generally, justice courts only handle cases when the incident occurred within the city limits where the court operates. However, the Washington County Justice Court has broader jurisdiction and can hear cases from across the county.
The best way to find out which court is handling your case is to consult with a criminal defense attorney who can provide specific guidance based on the details of your situation.