The Dakota County Western Service Center is a government building located in Apple Valley, Minnesota. It serves as a hub for various county services, including property tax and license centers, court administration, human services, and corrections.

Navigating the legal system after being charged can be challenging. Thankfully, a criminal defense attorney can guide you through this process and protect your rights.

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Dakota County, don’t suffer on your own. A criminal defense attorney can guide you through the court system and help you with your case.

Contact Martine Law in Minneapolis today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a successful resolution.

Dakota County Western Service Center Information

Dakota County Western Service Center is a part of the First Judicial District Administration. It is one of the three court locations in Dakota County. This district court has jurisdiction in civil, family, probate, juvenile, criminal, and traffic cases in Dakota County.

Contact Information

Address

14955 Galaxie Ave. West

Apple Valley, MN 55124

Phone

General: (952) 247-7099

Fax: (952) 891-2820

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 Western Service Center

The Dakota County Western 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. The Dakota County Western Service Center handles misdemeanor offenses and felony offenses, ranging from theft and drug charges to assault and homicide. 

Juvenile Division

Dakota County Western 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 Western 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?

A criminal defense attorney can provide invaluable assistance in court by offering their resources, experience, and knowledge to protect your rights and ensure you receive a fair trial.

Here are some ways a criminal defense attorney can help you in court:

  • Legal representation
  • Expert knowledge of the law
  • Building a strong defense strategy
  • Negotiating plea bargains
  • Gathering evidence
  • Presenting your case during trial
  • Advocating for lenient sentencing
  • Offering emotional support
  • Exploring post-conviction options (e.g., appeals)

A criminal defense attorney plays a crucial role in protecting your rights and ensuring you receive a fair trial. Their knowledge, experience, and dedication can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Top-Rated Dakota County Criminal Law Attorney

If you’re facing criminal charges in Dakota County, you need the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Martine Law is dedicated to providing quality legal representation and guidance to clients facing criminal charges. With their extensive knowledge and experience, the attorneys at Martine Law ensure a fair trial, protect clients’ rights, and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.

Partnering with Martine Law can make a significant difference in navigating the complexities of the legal system and securing the most favorable results in your case.

Don’t hesitate to get the legal representation you deserve. Contact Martine Law today to schedule your consultation.

Who Will Protect Your Future