Cerro Gordo County Jail Criminal Court Process
Criminal Court Process for Cerro Gordo County Iowa
Cerro Gordo County District Court, Mason City, Iowa
Criminal cases for Cerro Gordo County are heard at the courthouse, 220 North Washington Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401, in the Second Judicial District. Unlike the courthouse, the jail is outside downtown; it sits at the Law Enforcement Center on Lark Avenue, and people in custody are brought over or appear by video.
Offices you may need
- Clerk of District Court: 220 North Washington Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401; 641-424-6431.
- Cerro Gordo County Jail: 17262 Lark Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401; 641-421-3019.
- State Public Defender, Mason City office: 103 East State Street, Suite 210, Mason City, IA 50401; 641-423-4181.
- Juvenile Court Services: 3 4th Street NE, Mason City, IA 50401; 641-423-8624.
What is the path of a Mason City case?
It opens with an initial appearance before a magistrate, who settles release and the lawyer question. Felony cases need a written charge from the county attorney, called a trial information, before going to a district judge for arraignment, pretrial motions and either a plea or a jury. Magistrates finish simple misdemeanors and most traffic tickets. Dates appear on Iowa Courts Online.
↑ Back to the question listCan I get an appointed lawyer?
Tell the magistrate you can't afford counsel and complete the financial affidavit. Most appointments here go to the State Public Defender's office on East State Street, 641-423-4181; conflicts are sent to contract attorneys. The court may order repayment later if you have the means. For release questions see our bail guide.
↑ Back to the question listHow are juvenile cases handled?
A delinquency complaint against someone under 18 goes to Second District juvenile court officers at 3 4th Street NE, Mason City, 641-423-8624. They decide whether to handle it informally or send it to a judge. Serious charges can be waived to adult court.
↑ Back to the question listIs there a federal court in Mason City?
It does. The Northern District of Iowa's Central Division sits in Mason City part of the time, while filings run through the clerk at 320 6th Street, Sioux City, IA 51101, 712-233-3900. Federal custody lookups are on our inmate search page.
↑ Back to the question listWhich detention center serves Cerro Gordo juvenile court?
Youths a judge orders held are placed at North Iowa Juvenile Detention Services, 1440 West Dunkerton Road, Waterloo, IA 50703, 319-291-2455. Hearings on that hold may take place in Waterloo rather than Mason City.
↑ Back to the question listWhat should I bring to court in Mason City?
Bring your papers and an ID, but not a weapon. The building does not allow them. Cerro Gordo's clerk is at 641-424-6431, fax 641-424-6726. Hearing schedules are kept by 641-494-3612.
↑ Back to the question listHow are warrants from the Cerro Gordo County court served?
Cerro Gordo County sheriff's deputies serve the court's warrants, and Mason City police serve some of their own; the sheriff's jail desk is at 641-421-3019. The Mason City sheriff posts no names, and Iowa runs no statewide warrant search for Mason City families or anyone else. The case appears on Iowa Courts Online. If the warrant stems from a skipped court date, phone the Clerk of District Court at 220 North Washington in Mason City, 641-424-6431, about a new date.
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