Face Coverings
Face coverings are not required in court facilities. The Chief Judge of a Judicial District is authorized to require face coverings in a court facility if a county is designated as a
"high” COVID-19 Community Level in accordance with CDC guidelines. Individuals who prefer to wear a face covering may continue to do so. Face coverings will be provided by court staff upon request.
Symptoms and Contact
Do not visit any court facility if you are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus. If you are required to visit a court facility but have COVID-19 symptoms or have had COVID-19 exposure in the last 5 days, contact the court or your attorney as soon as possible.
Current Court Operations
- In-Person Hearings and Trials: Criminal Jury Trials; Civil Jury Trials; court trials in Major Criminal, Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Protection (including Child in Need of Protection or Services and Permanency) cases; Criminal Settlement Conferences; and Grand Jury Proceedings; and Mandatory misdemeanor criminal trials and contested hearings in these cases.
- Remote Hearings: All other district court proceedings will be held remotely unless the chief judge grants permission for an in-person proceeding based on extenuating circumstances.
- Public Service Counters: At least one public service counter in each county, and one in the appellate courts, will be accessible between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday, excluding court holidays. Counter service can be provided remotely, by appointment, or in person.
- Self-Help Services continue to be conducted by appointment, remotely, or by telephone.
- Courthouse Terminals are available based on hours established by the local district court. See below for more details.
Health and Safety Protocols
All courts are expected to meet conditions established by the
Minnesota Judicial Branch COVID-19 Preparedness Plan (March 3, 2022) to manage in-person activities in a manner that prioritizes health and safety.
Minnesota Judicial Branch COVID-19 Orders and Information »
Safely Reopening Court Facilities Resources »
Face Coverings
Face coverings may be required in courtrooms and public spaces of our court facilities. Contact us for more information. Individuals may wear face coverings in court facilities if they choose to do so. Judges may direct people to remove face coverings as necessary to conduct court hearings.
It is recommended that phones, online services, and drop boxes are used to conduct court business as much as possible to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The courthouse public service counter and public access terminals (courthouse terminals) are open from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm at all three locations:
- Judicial Center, Hastings
- Western Service Center, Apple Valley
- Northern Service Center, West St. Paul
If you have a court case scheduled in Dakota County District Court, call (651) 438-8100 to determine if your case will be heard or scheduled to a future date. You may also contact the court by email and use the dropdown menu to select the appropriate county.
If you are scheduled for a remote hearing and you do not have access to appropriate technology or internet access to join the hearing remotely, you may visit a location offering these services for attending remote hearings.
Dakota County COVID-19 Pandemic Family Case Process:
Dakota County updated its family case processing plan effective November 4, 2021. Learn more about the updates at
Dakota County COVID-19 Pandemic Family Case Processing.