WASHINGTON COUNTY DISTRICT COURT

Minnesota map with Washington County highlighted.

Washington County Courts

Court Administration

Washington County Courthouse
Washington County Courthouse
14949 62nd Street North
P.O. Box 3802
Stillwater, MN 55082
map
Phone:  (651) 413-8030

Teresa Underwood, Court Administrator

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Court Appointed Probate Court Visitor (Contract Position)


CRIMINAL SIGNING JUDGE INFORMATION

**Note:  Effective August 29, 2022, Criminal Signing Judge information will be located under the Calendar tab above.

Criminal e-Charging Judge Information

 

Week of March 11, 2024

3/11: Judge Helen Brosnahan
3/12: Judge Helen Brosnahan
3/13: Judge Helen Brosnahan
3/14: Judge Helen Brosnahan
3/15: Judge Helen Brosnahan
 

Week of March 18, 2024

3/18: Judge Juanita Freeman
3/19: Judge Juanita Freeman
3/20: Judge Juanita Freeman
3/21: Judge Juanita Freeman
3/22: Judge Juanita Freeman
 

Court Calendar

Court calendars reflect scheduled courtroom hearings, but they do not include all matters handled by the court each day.

Confidential cases and cases that are not remotely accessible under Minn. Rules of Public Access 8, subd. 2, are not posted in this calendar. If your case does not appear on the calendar, do not assume that your court appearance has been cancelled or rescheduled.

The calendar is in searchable .PDF format. You can use your computer or mobile device to find your name or the name of an attorney.
 
Washington County Weekly Public Court Calendar

Districtwide Referee Weekly Public Court Calendar

Please note:

  • This calendar is posted at 7 a.m. each business day and updated hourly throughout the day.
  • Calendar hearings are subject to change as there are often changes in scheduled cases, judge assignments, and courtroom assignments.
  • Screens displaying calendars located outside the courtrooms or in public lobbies contain the most current daily calendar information.
  • If you have any questions about the calendar, please contact the local court administrator’s office.
  • Information in the calendar is subject to the MN Rules of Public Access.
Learn about Hearing eReminders »

 

The Washington County Traffic Division is responsible for processing cases that are payable and/or do not require a court appearance. Offenses that require a court appearance are handled by the Criminal Division.

Options for payable offenses

Call (651) 413-8133 to determine status of citation.  If it is payable, you need to choose one of the following two options within 30 days of the date of your offense:

  1. Schedule an Appointment with a Hearing Officer. The Hearing Officer can explain options you may have to settle the ticket other than paying the fine. OR
  2. Pay the fineIf you pay the fine(s), you are entering a guilty plea. If paying with American Express or Discover please call (651) 413-8133.

Visit the Pay Fines page for information about paying your citation. Información en español.


Court Debts Gone to Collections

For more information about court debts that have gone to collections, visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue website.


Related Links

The Criminal Division is responsible for processing higher level and/or court-required criminal and traffic charges which occur within Washington County. 

Criminal charging documents may be in the form of a citation or a formal complaint. A hearing date notice will be mailed to the defendant at the address noted on the citation or formal complaint.

Criminal and traffic cases are scheduled for court at the Washington County Courthouse in Stillwater, with office hours of Monday through Friday 8:00-4:30.  Questions regarding your court appearance can be addressed by calling (651) 413-8133.

Examples of court-required charges

Hit and Run; Underage Drink and Drive; Theft; charges involving an accident or endangering life or property (will be indicated on citation).
 

Your first appearance in court

A first appearance is where you enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.  If you plead not guilty, a pretrial or court trial is scheduled. If you enter a plea of guilty, you will be sentenced at that time. The court encourages you to resolve the matter at the first appearance, when the city or county attorney is present to discuss the facts of the case. The Washington County Criminal Defense Panel Program offers representation on cases at misdemeanor level or higher - call (651) 748-9373 for more information. 

This is a large volume court hearing, and you can expect to be at the court for several hours.
If you are assessed a fine, you are expected to pay it before leaving or arrange a payment plan.
If the charge is alcohol- or assault-related, you may be required to be assessed by the Corrections Department.
 

You have a right to an attorney

If you are not comfortable representing yourself in court, you may want to consider hiring an attorney. An attorney is your representative in court. No one else you will see in the courtroom is rightfully entitled or obligated to protect your rights. If you don't think you can afford an attorney, but feel that you need one, you can ask the Court to appoint an attorney to represent you. You may request the Application Form when you check in for court, complete the form while waiting, and submit it to the Clerk prior to the start of court, or the Judge when your case is called. You will be assessed a co-pay of $75.00 if you qualify for the services. 
 

Failure to Appear Notice

If you fail to pay your fine or appear for the court date, additional penalties may be added.  Extended delays may cause a warrant to be issued for your arrest or suspension of your driver's license. 
 

Misdemeanor offenders

A person charged with a misdemeanor who intentionally fails to appear in court for trial on the charge after having been notified that a failure to appear for court appearance is a criminal offense is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 90 days or payment of a fine of not more than $1000, or both. Minn. Stat. § 609.49, subdivision 2. 

All fines are due on the day they are imposed in court.

If you need reasonable accommodations, an interpreter, or other assistance, call (651) 413-8030 option #1.
 

Policies and Procedures

The Civil Division handles cases involving civil matters, such as:

Contact

Civil Division
14949 62nd St. N.
P.O. Box 3802
Stillwater, MN  55082
(651) 413-8030

Juvenile Court handles cases for individuals under 18 years old. Cases types include: Most juvenile files are confidential.
 

Juvenile Traffic Offenders

A juvenile traffic offender is any child charged with a traffic offense, except those children under the jurisdiction of adult court as provided in Minn. Stat. § 260B.225

A traffic offense is any violation of a state or local traffic law, ordinance, or regulation, or a federal, state or local water traffic law.

Generally, children between the ages of 16 and 17 who are charged with petty misdemeanor traffic offenses fall under the jurisdiction of adult court. See the Traffic Court section for additional information.

Probate Court

Probate Court has jurisdiction over cases concerning the disposition of property belonging to deceased persons, administration of court-supervised trusts, and proceedings to create guardianships and conservatorships for minor children, incapacitated or incompetent adults.

Mental Health / Civil Commitment

The Mental Health / Civil Commitment area of the Probate Court Division is responsible for committing people to treatment centers. Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 253B governs this process. 

Resources

Newspaper publications (where to publish notices)
Guardianships/Conservatorships
Mental Health/Civil Commitments
Probate/Trust Information and Forms

Washington County Judicial Officers

Judge Helen R. Brosnahan

Judge Helen R. Brosnahan Tenth Judicial District
Washington

Judge Patrick W. Flanagan

Judge Patrick W. Flanagan Tenth Judicial District
Washington

Judge Juanita C. Freeman

Judge Juanita C. Freeman Tenth Judicial District
Washington

Judge Gregory G. Galler

Judge Gregory G. Galler Tenth Judicial District
Washington

Judge Francis Green III

Judge Francis Green III Tenth Judicial District
Washington

Judge Sheridan Hawley

Judge Sheridan Hawley Tenth Judicial District
Washington

Judge Douglas B. Meslow

Judge Douglas B. Meslow Tenth Judicial District
Washington

Judge Siv Mjanger

Judge Siv Mjanger Tenth Judicial District
Washington

Judge Laura A. Pietan

Judge Laura A. Pietan Tenth Judicial District
Washington

The Washington County Criminal Defense Panel Program offers assistance to defendants facing misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony charges who require legal representation for their case. This program is run by private attorneys who are not affiliated with the court, prosecutor, or Public Defender's Office. During court hearings, these panel attorneys are available to answer questions about the legal process and your particular case. If you haven't yet hired a private attorney or applied for a public defender, a panel attorney can speak with you free of charge on your court date. After discussing your case with the panel attorney, you'll have the opportunity to speak with the prosecutor or judge if you wish. If your case isn't resolved on the court date and you're interested in retaining the panel attorney's services to represent you through resolution, you'll receive a reduced rate based on the severity of your offense.

 

If you are interested in speaking with a panel attorney, contact Shawn Betts, Program Coordinator, at (651) 748-9373. If leaving a message, please leave the following information:

  1. Level of offense;
  2. Type of offense;
  3. Date of last court appearance;
  4. Date of next court appearance; and
  5. Return phone number.

Please note that panel attorneys do not have a specific, consistent availability schedule for court hearings; it is best to call the number above to ensure a panel attorney is present for your hearing.

The Washington County District Court Speakers Bureau was established to enhance public knowledge about the Washington County District Court and promote judicial outreach. Made up of judicial officers and staff with expertise in the District Court system, the bureau is available upon request to attend your organization's events to share accurate and interesting information about the courts and their new initiatives. 

Request a Speaker

To request a speaker for a meeting or event, please: 

Due to the busy schedules of judicial officers, we recommend contacting us at least one month prior to your desired date for a speaker. 

Speakers can present to various groups and events, including civic classes, career days, scout troops, field trips, Chamber of Commerce meetings, service clubs, church groups, and Parent Teacher Association meetings. 
 

Possible Topics Include

  • Judicial Independence and Accountability
  • Eliminating Bias
  • Abused & Neglected Children
  • Community/Court Partnership
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution Restorative
  • Justice/Circle Sentencing
  • Juveniles/Families in Courts
  • Domestic Violence
  • Courts' Role in Society
  • Sentencing Guidelines
  • Women in the Courts
  • Judicial Ethics
  • Criminal Court System
  • Business of the Courts
  • Judicial Selection & Evaluation
  • Access to Justice
  • Access to Courts
  • Expanded Use of Technology in the Courts
  • The Role of the Jury
  • Public Trust & Confidence
  • Courthouse Security & Facilities

Other Services Available

  • Courtroom Observation
  • Judicial Ride Along
  • Courthouse Tour

Available Speakers

  • Judge Helen R. Brosnahan
  • Judge Juanita C. Freeman
  • Judge Gregory G. Galler
  • Judge Francis Green III
  • Judge Sheridan K. Hawley
  • Judge Richard C. Ilkka
  • Judge Ellen L. Maas
  • Judge Douglas B. Meslow
  • Judge Siv Mjanger
  • Judge Laura A. Pietan
Many of the speakers are Washington County residents. We are eager to accommodate your request for one of the listed topics or another topic of special interest to your organization. There is no cost for this service.

Main Phone: (651) 413-8030
Fax: (651) 430-1345
 

Division Phone Numbers 

 

Fine Payment by Phone

  • Visa or MasterCard: Minnesota Court Payment Center: (651) 281-3219 or 1-800-657-3611

  • American Express or Discover: (651) 413-8133

Online Fine Payments


Criminal/Traffic

(651) 413-8133


Family

(651) 413-8132


Juvenile

(651) 413-8132


Civil

(651) 413-8131, option #1


Conciliation/Small Claims Court

(651) 413-8131, option #2


Probate

(651) 413-8131


Jury Manager

(651) 413-8134


Court Records

(651) 413-8030, option #6


Guardian Ad Litem Program

(651) 413-8130

 

Email

Email us via Contact Form