• Clerk of District Court: 212 S. 5th Street, Osage, IA 50461; 641-732-3726.
• Mitchell County Attorney: 515 State Street, Osage, IA 50461; 641-732-3796; weekdays 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m.
• Mitchell County Sheriff and Jail: 211 S. 6th Street, Osage, IA 50461; 641-732-4740.

A person who stays in custody goes before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, usually on camera from the jail. At that hearing the defendant hears the accusation, the magistrate decides release and asks if the defendant wants a lawyer paid for by the state. A warrantless arrest must be reviewed by a judge for probable cause within 48 hours.

• Magistrate: simple misdemeanors and city ordinance tickets from Osage, St. Ansgar or Riceville; a six-person jury can be requested.
• District associate judge: serious and aggravated misdemeanors, where a jury has 12 members.
• District judge: felony trials and juvenile court.

1. Booking in Osage and the first appearance.
2. Within roughly 45 days, the prosecutor puts the formal charge in writing.
3. Arraignment or a signed waiver of it.
4. Discovery, depositions and motion hearings.
5. A trial within 90 days of arraignment, unless that right is waived.
6. After a guilty verdict or plea, a presentence report and then sentencing.

Search Iowa Courts Online for Mitchell County by name or case number. It shows charges, hearings, bond and judgments. Sealed and juvenile cases are hidden.

Fill in a financial affidavit at the first hearing or at the clerk's office. If approved, the State Public Defender system assigns counsel, usually a private attorney on contract in this part of Iowa. Some of the cost may have to be repaid later.

A district judge hears juvenile delinquency cases at the Osage courthouse. Juvenile Court Services for the district is based at 220 North Washington Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401. Youths who need secure detention are taken to the Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center, 2317 Rick Collins Way, Eldora, IA 50627, 641-858-3852.

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, Eastern Division. Its clerk is at 111 7th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, 319-286-2300. PACER carries the filings, and the BOP locator shows where a federal prisoner is held.

Yes. Our Mitchell County bail page covers what bail costs, who takes payment, getting a refund and this year's new rules.

Ask the Mitchell County Sheriff, open weekdays 8 to 4:30 at 641-732-4740; deputies serve the court's warrants. The office lists no names publicly, and Iowa offers no statewide warrant search. Iowa Courts Online shows the case. When a missed Osage court date caused it, the Clerk of District Court at 212 S 5th Street (641-732-3726) can explain how to ask for another.