Dubuque County Jail Criminal Court Process
Criminal Court Process for Dubuque County Iowa
Dubuque County District Court, Dubuque, Iowa
State criminal cases from Dubuque County are heard at the courthouse, 720 Central Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001, a few blocks from the jail on Iowa Street. The county is the largest in Iowa's First Judicial District, which spans 11 northeast counties. Courthouse offices are open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Who to call about a case
- Clerk of District Court: 720 Central Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001; 563-589-4418.
- Dubuque County Attorney: 720 Central Avenue, fourth floor, Dubuque, IA 52001; 563-589-4470. The office prosecutes crimes and does not advise defendants.
- Juvenile Court Office: 350 W. 6th Street, Suite 215, Dubuque, IA 52001; 563-589-7831.
- Dubuque County Jail: 770 Iowa Street, Dubuque, IA 52001; 563-589-4420.
From arrest to verdict
- Initial appearance before a magistrate, who sets bond and conditions.
- Trial information, the County Attorney's written charge in indictable cases.
- Arraignment, where a district judge takes the plea.
- Pretrial work: discovery, motions, depositions and plea talks.
- Trial and sentencing if the case does not resolve.
Simple misdemeanors, ordinance violations and most traffic citations stay in magistrate court. Find dates and filings on Iowa Courts Online.
↑ Back to the question listPublic defenders in Dubuque
Dubuque has its own State Public Defender office, reachable at 563-582-0750. Request a court-appointed lawyer when you first see the magistrate, and complete the financial form. The judge decides whether you qualify, and the State Public Defender or a contract lawyer takes the case. Some costs may be ordered repaid after a conviction. For getting out of jail, see our bail guide.
↑ Back to the question listCharges against minors
Delinquency complaints go to First District Juvenile Court Services at 350 W. 6th Street, Suite 215, 563-589-7831. A juvenile officer can resolve a minor complaint by agreement or send a petition to juvenile court. Certain serious felonies by 16- and 17-year-olds are filed in adult court from the start.
↑ Back to the question listFederal cases from Dubuque
Federal crimes are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, Eastern Division. Filings go to the clerk at 111 7th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, 319-286-2300. Our inmate search page covers federal custody lookups.
↑ Back to the question listWhich detention centers serve Dubuque youth?
Usually North Iowa Juvenile Detention Services, 1440 West Dunkerton Road, Waterloo, IA 50703, 319-291-2455; the Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center, 2317 Rick Collins Way, Eldora, IA 50627, 641-858-3852 also lists the county. A detention hearing must follow within 1 working day.
↑ Back to the question listWhat is security like at the Dubuque courthouse?
Everyone goes through a metal detector and x-ray. The clerk can be reached at 563-589-4418 or by fax at 563-557-0614. To check a court date, call 563-589-4582.
↑ Back to the question listHow are warrants from the Dubuque County court handled?
Sheriff's deputies serve warrants from the Dubuque courthouse on Central Avenue, while Dubuque police handle many city warrants. The sheriff's office answers at 563-589-4400. Neither agency publishes names, and Iowa offers no statewide lookup to the public. Read the case on Iowa Courts Online. A warrant from a missed hearing can be discussed with the Clerk of District Court, 720 Central Avenue, Dubuque, at 563-589-4418.
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