Accessing the Courts
Stearns County Attorney
County Attorney: Janelle P. Kendall
You will be subpoenaed if you are required to attend a hearing.
Most court proceedings are open to the public. All adult criminal hearings, many juvenile delinquency hearings (those involving persons who are 16 years of age or older and charged with a felony offense), and most child protection hearings are open. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 260B.163, the court shall also, with certain exceptions, admit persons who have a direct interest in closed hearings into court, including victims of delinquent acts. Victims also have a right, pursuant to Minnesota Statute Section 611A, to attend and present victim impact statements at all sentencing and dispositional hearings.
At the same time, citizen attendance at hearings is seldom required. You will be subpoenaed if you are required to attend a hearing, and should also be contacted by the attorney requesting your attendance before the hearing occurs. Subpoenas are court orders to appear. More information on this topic can be found under Victim and Witness Services on this website.
Call Court Administration at 320.656.3620 or our office for court hearing information.
For more information about the legal process, contact:
Stearns County Attorney Victim Assistance Program
320.656.3880
320.253.1868 TTY/TDD
1.800.450.3880 Outside of the St. Cloud calling area
Downtown map, with parking options for the County Campus area (518 Kb Acrobat file)
Helpful Links:
www.courts.state.mn.us/default.aspx
www.mnd.uscourts.gov/
www.supremecourtus.gov/