District Court - Misdemeanors

The District Courts have complete jurisdiction over misdemeanors and handle these matters from arraignment through trial and sentencing.

After the defendant is arraigned on a misdemeanor charge (an offense of one year or less) the court schedules the matter for a pretrial.

At the pretrial, the assistant prosecutor and the defense attorney exchange information and enter into discussions about whether or not the case can be resolved without a trial.

Usually this occurs by way of a plea and the case moves to the sentencing stage. If the case cannot be resolved withou a trial, it's scheduled for a jury or bench trial (a trial before a judge).

At the trial, the prosecution has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the defendant is convicted, the case then moves to sentencing by the court.

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