The Dakota County Northern Service Center is where community members in Dakota County go to handle their legal matters. Whether you’re dealing with traffic violations, misdemeanors, or felonies, you’ll go to this courthouse to resolve your legal issues.

Regardless of what you’re dealing with, going to your local courthouse can be confusing and daunting. It can be especially overwhelming when you think about the consequences of your actions and what’s at stake.

If you need to go to the Dakota County Northern Service Center, it’s best to have a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney on your side. A skilled lawyer can assist you in traversing the legal process, ensuring that you comprehend your rights and options while vigorously defending your interests.

If you’re confronted with a legal issue in Dakota County, don’t face it alone. Reach out to a criminal defense attorney who is well-versed in the intricacies of the courthouse and is committed to safeguarding your rights and liberty.

Contact Martine Law in Minneapolis today to schedule a consultation.

Dakota County Northern Service Center Information

The Dakota County Northern Service Center is a key government facility located in West St. Paul, Minnesota, dedicated to serving the needs of residents in northern Dakota County. The center offers a comprehensive range of essential services and resources to enhance the well-being and quality of life of all community members.

Contact Information

Address

1 Mendota Rd. West

West St. Paul, MN 55118

Phone

(651) 554-6600

Hours of Operation

Monday—Friday

8:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m.

Website

https://www.mncourts.gov/Find-Courts/dakota.aspx

Appearing in Court

Before you can enter the Dakota County courthouse, you have to go through a security screening. You must remove your belt and coat, along with emptying your pockets. You will then walk through a metal detector, be scanned by a handheld metal detector, or undergo a pat-down search.

The following items are not allowed in the courthouse:

  • Firearms
  • Bladed instruments or cutting tools (any size)
  • Electronic incapacitation devices
  • Chemical incapacitation sprays
  • Explosives
  • Ammunition
  • Combustible or flammable liquid
  • Any other item designed or carried as a weapon capable of producing death or great bodily harm
  • Any replica or toy version of a weapon
  • Any item prohibited by judicial order or district court policy
  • Any other items that point-of-entry screening personnel consider in their discretion to be a security threat, including, without
  • limitation, chains, padlocks, handcuffs, handcuff keys, bats, blunt objects, pointed objects, and aerosol sprays

Once you have passed through security, you can proceed to your courtroom.

Divisions of the Dakota County Northern Service Center

The Dakota County Northern Service Center is a hub of legal activity in Minnesota. It houses several divisions, each dedicated to specific aspects of the legal system.

Here, we’ll focus on the criminal, juvenile, and traffic court divisions.

Criminal Division

You will likely appear in criminal court if you have been charged with a crime in Dakota County. Dakota County Northern Service Center handles misdemeanor offenses and felony offenses, ranging from theft and drug charges to assault and homicide. 

Juvenile Division

Dakota County Northern Service Center has a specialized juvenile division that handles cases involving minors. This division is responsible for hearing cases that involve criminal offenses, delinquency, and dependency. The juvenile division is equipped with specialized staff trained to handle the unique needs of minors involved in the court system.

Traffic Court

Dakota County Northern Service Center has a specialized traffic court division that handles traffic violations. This division is responsible for hearing cases involving traffic tickets, DWIs, and other traffic-related offenses. If you receive a traffic ticket or citation in Dakota County, you will likely have to appear in traffic court.

How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me in Court?

If you’re been charged with a crime in Dakota County, you might think you can handle it alone. While you’re not required to work with a criminal defense attorney, having legal representation can benefit your case.

Here are some ways a criminal defense lawyer can help you:

  • Legal strategy development — Create a plan for the best possible outcome
  • Representation — Represent you during all legal proceedings
  • Protection — Ensure your rights are protected throughout the process
  • Negotiation skills — Negotiate with prosecutors for favorable outcomes
  • Evidence presentation — Present favorable evidence to support your case
  • Sentencing advocacy — Argue for leniency if found guilty
  • Support — Provide emotional support and guidance
  • Post-conviction assistance — Help with appeals or expungements if needed

Top-Rated Dakota County Criminal Law Attorney

Navigating the complex and often intimidating legal process is made significantly easier with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. Their knowledge, strategic planning, and unwavering dedication to protecting your rights can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case.

Facing criminal charges is a serious matter, and having a skilled legal advocate by your side is crucial in ensuring the best possible outcome.

So, if you find yourself in need of legal representation, don’t hesitate to seek out a knowledgeable and compassionate criminal defense attorney who will fight tirelessly on your behalf.

Contact Martine Law today to schedule your consultation. Don’t wait to get the help you need.