District Court is the initial court for all criminal matters, all traffic, DNR, animal control, and any City of Beaverton or Gladwin matters, including civil infractions, misdemeanors and felonies.  Felonies proceed to Circuit Court after arraignment and preliminary hearing.  All other matters remain in District Court for trial or other resolution.  Trials are either by a jury of 6 or non-jury, heard by the Judge.  Cases may be resolved by plea, trial or dismissal.

For civil matters, the District Court handles summary proceedings (landlord-tenant matters, land contract forfeitures), civil suits in which the amount sought is $25,000 or less, and Small Claims matters (suits for up to $3,000, no attorney allowed for either party, heard by the Magistrate).  Cases may be resolved by settlements, hearings/trials, or dismissals.