Clerk of Court

Danielle Petersen
PO Box 68
Mohall, ND 58761
701-756-6398
ddpetersen@nd.gov

Custodian of Court Files

Another name for clerk of court might be Custodian of Court Files because much of the clerks time is spent working with the legal records. It is an important job because maintaining accurate, updated, and accessible records helps bring efficient delivery of judicial services.

District Court

Since the unification of the court system, all court functions at the county level happen in District Court. All criminal cases, civil, and small claims are handled in District Court. Some duties of the Clerk of Court are processing traffic tickets and collecting fines, fees and restitution, maintaining military discharge records, summoning jurors, maintaining exhibits, and attending court when it is in session, but their biggest job is administration of court records. These records fall into several categories:

• Civil Actions are proceedings concerning the rights of private individuals. They include divorces, foreclosures and personal injury/property damages cases.
• Restricted Action files aren’t open to the public. They include formal juvenile proceedings, adoptions and paternity suits.
• Criminal Actions or felonies are handled in district court. These serious crimes include murder, gross sexual imposition, and burglary.
• Child Support: Because of the number of divorces and a growing number of state and federal laws, the number of child support cases is expanding faster than other court responsibilities.

The Clerk of Court is not permitted by law to give legal advice. If you require legal advice, please contact a private attorney.

QUICK LINKS:

ND Supreme Court: https://www.ndcourts.gov/
Search for a Court Record/Pay a fine: https://www.ndcourts.gov/public-access
Legal Self Help Center: https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help
Child Support: https://www.childsupport.dhs.nd.gov/
ND Department of Transportation: https://www.dot.nd.gov/
ND Division of Vital Records (Birth and Death Records): https://www.health.nd.gov/vital

RENVILLE COUNTY DISTRICT COURT: 701-756-6398
District Judge: Anthony Swain Benson

MOHALL MUNICIPAL COURT: 701-756-6464
Municipal Judge: Brent Hauge

GLENBURN MUNICIPAL COURT: 701-362-7544
Municipal Judge: Paul Temanson

SHERWOOD MUNICIPAL COURT: 701-459-2261
Municipal Judge: John Daeley