Frequently Askes Questions

District Court and Justice Court are two separate entities within the judicial system that hold varying levels of jurisdiction. Justice Court hears both misdemeanor criminal cases and felony criminal preliminary hearings. Misdemeanor criminal cases are resolved at the Justice Court level. Felony Criminal cases begin in justice court and are bound over to District Court at the preliminary hearing. Justice Court also hears misdemeanor traffic cases, restraining orders, small claims, evictions, and all other civil matters that amount in controversy to less than $10,000. District Court hears all civil cases beyond this. If you have questions about a case or hearing date, please make sure that you contact the correct court staff.

Justice Court Small Claims and Traffic: (775) 623-6377

Justice Court Criminal: (775) 623-6059

District Court: (775) 623-6451 or (775) 623-6371

In nearly all cases, it would be inappropriate for the Judge to speak to any interested parties regarding an open case without the presence of all parties or their legal representation. If you feel you have information relevant to a case, you must provide that information to your attorney. However, if you are representing yourself; please write it down, provide a copy to the opposing party and mail it to Judge Montero’s chambers. Keep in mind that any attempt to sway the Judge toward a certain decision will be disregarded and that if you call his office you will not be permitted to speak with him directly.

The thirteen individuals who are selected to sit on the jury throughout the trial are reimbursed $40 for each day that they serve. In addition, any juror who must travel a considerable distance in order to serve will be reimbursed for their mileage.

Per Nevada statute, persons of 70 years or more as well as those who are 65 or older and living 65 miles or more away are automatically exempt from serving as a juror. If you do not meet these qualifications but you would still like to be excused, you may submit a written request to the Court detailing your reason for the request. Please include as much information about your circumstances as possible. Your letter should contain a phone number at which you can be reached during business hours as well.

Address requests to

District Court

50 W. 5th Street

Suite #207

Winnemucca, NV 89445

Please keep in mind that the Judge excuses potential jurors at his discretion and that individuals who receive a summons and fail to appear can be held in contempt. (N.R.S SS 6.020-030, 6.040)

If you receive a summons addressed to someone who no longer resides at your address, please do not sign for it. If you have already opened and read the summons, please let the Humboldt County Clerk’s Office know so that they can update the information in their system.

You are welcome to bring magazines, books, tablets and cellphones when you appear for jury duty as there are often times you will be made to wait. However, once you have been called for voir dire (jury screening process performed by the Judge and counsel) or selected to serve on the jury, you will leave all personal items in a secure place until you have either been excused as a potential juror or the trial has recessed for the day.