Beltrami County District Court: A Comprehensive Guide
Contact Information and Hours
Location: Beltrami County Judicial Center
600 Minnesota Avenue NW, Suite 108
Bemidji, MN 56601
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Contact:
Phone: 218-333-4120
Fax: 218-333-4209
Website: www.mncourts.gov
Historical Background
The Beltrami County District Court has been serving the Bemidji community since 1866 when the county was established. As part of Minnesota’s judicial system, it operates within one of the state’s ten judicial districts under Minnesota Supreme Court oversight. In 1998, the court relocated to its current facility at 619 Beltrami Ave NW.
Court Structure and Operations
Jurisdiction
The court handles various legal matters within Beltrami County, including:
- Civil cases (including those under $15,000)
- Criminal cases (misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and felonies)
- Family law matters
- Probate cases
- Real estate disputes
Court Personnel
The court operates with:
- Four district court judges
- Multiple court referees
- Support staff including:
- Court administrators
- Court reporters
- Law clerks
- Probation officers
- Clerical staff
- Volunteer mediators
- Guardians ad litem
- Security personnel (sheriff deputies and court officers)
Legal Process Overview
Filing a Case
- Initial filing with court administrator
- Payment of applicable filing fees
- Service of process to involved parties
- Scheduling of first appearance or hearing
Court Proceedings
- Initial appearances and arraignments
- Pretrial conferences
- Settlement negotiations
- Trial proceedings (if necessary)
- Sentencing hearings (for criminal cases)
Trial Process
- Jury selection from county resident pool
- Evidence presentation
- Witness testimony
- Jury deliberation
- Verdict delivery
- Post-trial proceedings
Online Resources and Services
Court Records Access
- Minnesota Court Records Search System
- Criminal history information database
- Public case records
- Court calendars and dockets
Digital Services
- Online fine payment system
- Electronic form submission
- Court calendar access
- Legal research tools
Available Forms and Documents
- Civil case forms
- Criminal case documents
- Family law paperwork
- Fee waiver applications
- Self-help divorce forms
- Expungement instructions
Legal Assistance and Support
Free Legal Resources
- County law libraries
- Self-help centers
- Legal aid services
- Public defender services
- Problem-solving courts
Additional Support Services
- Language interpretation
- Disability accommodations
- Child support services
- Foreclosure assistance
- Consumer protection resources
Important Guidelines
Court Etiquette
- Professional dress required
- No cell phones or electronic devices
- Punctual attendance expected
- Respectful behavior mandatory
Filing Fees
- Civil cases: $100-300 base fee
- Document copies: $1 per page
- Fee waivers available for eligible individuals
Contact for Additional Information
For specific questions or concerns, contact the Court Administrator’s office during business hours at 218-333-4120 or visit the courthouse in person.




