Hamilton County Jail Criminal Court Process
Criminal Court Process for Hamilton County Iowa
Hamilton County District Court, Webster City, Iowa
Hamilton County's courthouse at 2300 Superior Street in Webster City holds the court, the clerk and the jail under one roof. The clerk is in Suite 9 and the jail in Suite 8. Its judges and magistrates serve in the Second Judicial District, a 22-county stretch of the state's north and center.
Who to call
- Clerk of District Court: 2300 Superior Street, Suite 9, Webster City, IA 50595; 515-832-9600.
- Juvenile Court Services: 2300 Superior Street, Suite 10, Webster City, IA 50595; 641-456-8572.
- Hamilton County Jail: 2300 Superior Street, Suite 8, Webster City, IA 50595; 515-832-8629.
- Hamilton County Sheriff's Office: same building; 515-832-9500.
What happens in a criminal case
- First appearance in front of a magistrate, who sets bond and conditions.
- Formal charge: for indictable crimes, the prosecutor puts the charge in a written trial information.
- Arraignment, where the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty.
- Pretrial: evidence is shared, motions are argued and pleas are discussed.
- Trial within 90 days of arraignment unless waived, then sentencing after a conviction.
Simple misdemeanors stay with the magistrate. Look up cases on Iowa Courts Online.
↑ Back to the question listA lawyer if you cannot pay
Speak up at the first hearing and complete the court's form listing your income and bills. If you are found eligible, the State Public Defender program appoints counsel, frequently a private lawyer who takes state contracts. The judge may order partial repayment after a conviction. For release, read our bail guide.
↑ Back to the question listCases involving minors
Juvenile Court Services has an office in Suite 10 of the courthouse, 641-456-8572. Youths who need secure detention are sent to the Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center, 2317 Rick Collins Way, Eldora, IA 50627, 641-858-3852. Some 16- and 17-year-olds accused of serious felonies are charged in adult court from the start.
↑ Back to the question listFederal court for Hamilton County
Federal charges go to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, whose clerk for this area is at 320 6th Street, Sioux City, IA 51101, 712-233-3900. Hearings may also be held in Fort Dodge. Use our inmate search page to find someone in federal custody.
↑ Back to the question listWho sets court dates in Webster City?
The district office at 515-574-3752 does. Hamilton's clerk is at 515-832-9600, and takes faxes at 515-832-9519.
↑ Back to the question listIs there a way to ask about a Hamilton County court warrant?
Hamilton County sheriff's deputies serve warrants from the Webster City courthouse; the office is at 515-832-9500. Hamilton names aren't released, and Iowa has no public statewide search covering every county; the case shows on Iowa Courts Online. Where a missed hearing caused it, the Clerk of District Court at 2300 Superior Street, Ste. 9, in Webster City (515-832-9600) can explain getting a fresh Webster City court day.
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