Union County Jail Criminal Court Process
Criminal Court Process for Union County Iowa
Union County District Court, Creston, Iowa
Union County criminal cases go to the Iowa District Court at the courthouse, 300 North Pine Street, Suite 6, Creston, IA 50801. The clerk's office answers questions about filings and court dates at 641-782-7315.
Criminal matters in Union County go before the court at 300 North Pine Street, Creston, part of Iowa's Fifth Judicial District. The clerk's office phone is 641-782-7315.
1. Courthouse contacts
- Clerk of District Court: Suite 6, 300 North Pine Street, Creston, IA 50801; 641-782-7315; countyclerk.union@iowacourts.gov.
- Union County Attorney: Suite 7, 300 North Pine Street, Creston, IA 50801; 641-782-1730; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.
- Juvenile Court Office: Suite 9, 300 North Pine Street, Creston; 641-782-2519.
- Union County Jail: 302 North Pine Street, Creston, IA 50801; 641-782-7717.
2. How quickly does a defendant see a judge?
The initial appearance usually happens within a day of arrest. A magistrate reads the complaint, decides on bond or other release terms and decides any request for appointed counsel. If no warrant was used, a judge has to review probable cause inside 48 hours.
↑ Back to the question list3. Which judges hear which cases?
- Magistrates: traffic, simple misdemeanor and ordinance cases.
- District associate judges: operating while intoxicated, along with serious and aggravated misdemeanors.
- District judges: every felony, and juvenile proceedings.
4. How does a felony case proceed in Creston?
- Booking at the jail on North Pine Street, then the initial appearance.
- The County Attorney charges by trial information, usually within 45 days.
- Arraignment, which a written not-guilty plea can take the place of.
- Discovery, depositions and pretrial motions.
- A speedy trial within 90 days of arraignment unless waived.
- If convicted, a presentence investigation followed by sentencing.
5. Are cases searchable online?
Search public criminal dockets on Iowa Courts Online by name or case number. Sealed and juvenile records are left out.
↑ Back to the question list6. Can Creston defendants get counsel?
Tell the court at the initial appearance and complete a financial affidavit. If you qualify, the judge appoints a public defender or contract attorney, and part of the fee may be assessed later.
↑ Back to the question list7. Where do youth cases go?
The Juvenile Court Office, Suite 9 of the courthouse, 641-782-2519, handles delinquency referrals, and the County Attorney files petitions. Juvenile court staff can tell a family where a detained youth is being held.
↑ Back to the question list8. Federal court for Union County
The Southern District of Iowa, Central Division, sits at 111 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309; call the clerk at 515-284-6248. Federal dockets are on PACER, and the BOP locator finds federal prisoners.
↑ Back to the question list9. Bail details
Our Union County bail page covers amounts, payment and refunds.
↑ Back to the question list10. Where does a Creston youth wait before the hearing?
At the Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center, 2317 Rick Collins Way, Eldora, IA 50627, 641-858-3852. The hearing must take place within 1 working day.
↑ Back to the question list11. Creston court warrant: who can explain it?
Union County deputies serve the district court's warrants, and Creston police serve some city ones; the sheriff's number is 641-782-7717. Names stay off the internet here, and Iowa has no public statewide search. Read the case on Iowa Courts Online. The Clerk of District Court at 300 North Pine, Suite 6 (641-782-7315), can talk about resetting a missed Creston hearing.
↑ Back to the question list