The Yellowstone County Justice Court is divided into three divisions: the criminal division, the civil division and the small claims division.
If your case was not called, please contact the Justice Court at 406-256-2998 or email at JCcrimclerks@yellowstonecountymt.gov.
To request remote appearance, please complete the Motion to Appear Remotely form and email it to the appropriate department. Contact information for both departments is below.
Civil, Small Claims, and Order of Protection Cases
JCcivilclerks@yellowstonecountymt.govCriminal/Ticket Cases
JCcrimclerks@yellowstonecountymt.govFor any other questions, or to request a remote appearance for a civil matter, please complete the General Motion form and email it to the appropriate department.
The Yellowstone County Justice Court is divided into three divisions:
The criminal division handles traffic, fish and game violations, misdemeanor offenses, alcohol involving juveniles, and preliminary hearings.
The civil division handles actions involving personal or property damages, contract disputes, recovery of personal property, interpleader, local ordinances, protection orders, forcible entry, unlawful detainer, and landlord/tenant disputes. The amount in controversy, or the value of the property, cannot exceed $15,000.00.
The small claims division handles contracts involving the recovery of money, recovery specific personal property, and interpleader. The amount in controversy, or the value of the property, cannot exceed $7,000.00. Counterclaims cannot exceed $6,500.00.
The justice court does not handle disputes involving false imprisonment, libel, slander, criminal conversation, seduction, malicious prosecution, determination of paternity, and abduction. The justice court does not have jurisdiction which involves the title or possession of real property or the legality of any tax.