Justice Court

SCAM ALERT: The Montana Department of Justice’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) and the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is warning Montanans of fraudulent text messages from scammers claiming to be from the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles and asking the recipients to pay fines or traffic tickets. MVD does not send texts asking for money for unpaid tickets or toll road fees. Additionally, Montana does not have a Department of Motor Vehicles, it is called the Motor Vehicle Division.

Stay vigilant and report any phone, email, or text scams to OCP online at https://dojmt.gov/office-of-consumer-protection/

The mission of the Justice Court is to administer and process traffic, criminal, civil and small claims in a judicious and timely manner. To provide accurate records of these cases to the State of Montana and the public. Wheatland County Justice Court and Harlowton City Court are operated from the same office located at 201 A. Avenue NW, Harlowton, MT.

The Justice Court Judge is elected as the Justice of the Peace and appointed as the Harlowton City Judge. 

Wheatland County Justice Court has three areas of jurisdiction:

• Criminal court handles traffic, fish and game violations, misdemeanor offenses and initial appearances and preliminary hearings on felony charges.
• Civil court handles actions involving personal or property damages, contract disputes, recovery of personal property, protection orders, unlawful detainer, and landlord/tenant disputes.
• Small Claims court is a quick, inexpensive, and informal way to resolve disputes over small amounts of personal property or money.  Juries and lawyers are not necessary.  Small claims cases are handled in Justice courts, in accordance with Title 25, Chapter
  35 of the Montana Code Annotated.

(Note: Civil and Small Claims for Justice Court has monetary and property limitations. Please refer to the current MCA, legal help website, or contact the court for the up-to-date information.)

Courtroom Gallery Etiquette

No weapons of any kind.

No drugs, intoxicating substances, or alcohol of any kind.

No back packs or sports bags (diaper bags are allowed if children are necessary in court).

No smoking or chewing tobacco.

No food, or gum.

Coffee, milk, soda, energy drinks (any fluid other than water) allowed in lidded containers only.

All beepers, cellular phones, and electronic devices MUST be turned off before entering the courtroom.

Proper courtroom attire is required. Revealing or inappropriate clothing can distract from the legal matters at hand and may be considered disrespectful in the courtroom setting.

Hats should be removed before entering the courtroom or Judge’s Chambers.

While in the courtroom please sit quietly when Court is in session. It is best to try to avoid bringing children to court.

ALL PARTIES ARE SUBJECT TO SEARCH

DISCLAIMER: While the staff of the Justice Court will attempt to assist you in any way possible, please understand that we are unable to provide legal advice and the Judge cannot  discuss your case with you. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney.