As an expert in the legal field, I have encountered numerous cases that have been brought before the District Court in Rockingham County, NH. This court serves as a vital authority in the county, handling a wide range of civil and criminal cases. However, many people are often confused about the jurisdiction of this court and what types of cases it has the power to hear. The District Court in Rockingham County is one of the 10 district courts in New Hampshire. It is located in Brentwood and serves as the primary court for all legal matters within the county.
The court has jurisdiction over both civil and criminal cases, with a few exceptions that fall under the jurisdiction of other courts. The authorities in Rockingham County, NH include three judges who preside over cases and make decisions based on the law. These judges are appointed by the Governor and Executive Council and serve a term of seven years. They are responsible for interpreting and applying state laws to cases brought before them.
Jurisdiction of Civil Cases
The District Court in Rockingham County has jurisdiction over civil cases where the amount in dispute is less than $25,000. This includes cases such as contract disputes, personal injury claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims.The court also has jurisdiction over family matters such as divorce, child custody, and child support. One important thing to note is that the District Court does not have jurisdiction over cases involving real estate or title to land. These types of cases fall under the jurisdiction of the Superior Court in New Hampshire.
Jurisdiction of Criminal Cases
The District Court in Rockingham County also has jurisdiction over criminal cases, including misdemeanors and violations. Misdemeanors are crimes that are punishable by a maximum of one year in jail, while violations are offenses that are punishable by a fine only. The court also handles preliminary hearings for felony cases, which are then transferred to the Superior Court for trial. Some examples of criminal cases that fall under the jurisdiction of the District Court include traffic violations, disorderly conduct, and simple assault.However, more serious crimes such as murder, rape, and robbery are handled by the Superior Court.
Specialized Courts
In addition to handling civil and criminal cases, the District Court in Rockingham County also has specialized courts that focus on specific types of cases. These include the Family Division, Probate Division, and Drug Court. The Family Division deals with all family-related matters such as divorce, child custody, and child support. The Probate Division handles matters related to wills, estates, and trusts. The Drug Court is a specialized court that focuses on helping individuals with substance abuse issues through treatment and rehabilitation programs.Appeals from the District Court
If a party is dissatisfied with the decision made by the District Court in Rockingham County, they have the right to appeal to a higher court.Appeals from the District Court go to the Superior Court, which is located in Brentwood as well. The Superior Court has the power to review the decision made by the District Court and either uphold it or overturn it. It is important to note that appeals must be made within 30 days of the decision being made by the District Court. Failure to do so may result in losing the right to appeal.
Conclusion
The District Court in Rockingham County, NH is a vital authority that handles a wide range of legal matters within the county. It has jurisdiction over both civil and criminal cases, with a few exceptions that fall under the jurisdiction of other courts.Understanding the jurisdiction of this court is crucial for anyone involved in a legal matter in Rockingham County. As an expert in the legal field, I have seen firsthand the importance of knowing the jurisdiction of the District Court in Rockingham County. It is essential to seek the advice of a qualified attorney if you are involved in a legal matter to ensure that your case is brought before the appropriate court.
