Skip to main content

Going to Court

People come to court for many reasons, and many come not knowing what to expect. Although going to court can seem scary or overwhelming, this page includes information and tips about the process that may be helpful.

Overview

Individuals have the right to represent themselves in District Court without a lawyer, but are required to follow the court rules and the law. Read the court form called Rights and Duties of Self-Represented Parties and review the Representing Yourself in Court Help Topic for more information.

You have the right to ask for a free court-appointed interpreter for you or any of your witnesses, if needed. You should ask for an interpreter as soon as possible. You can ask for an interpreter by calling court administration in the county where your case is filed. Your hearing notice may also include a phone number for you to call. 

If you have a disability and need reasonable accommodations for a court hearing, please review the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations Help Topic.

The Minnesota Judicial Branch adopted a district court hearing framework in July 2024 that aims to bring statewide consistency to how district courts hold hearings, while respecting judicial discretion and providing local flexibility.  All hearings scheduled and hearing notices issued will follow the statewide Remote and In-Person Hearings Policy. All hearings scheduled and hearing notices issued will follow the policy. Case participants will find the most accurate information about how their court hearings will take place on their hearing notices.  Review the Criminal Hearing PlansNon-Criminal Hearing Plans, and Juvenile Delinquency Hearing Plans for more information.

Click on the Tools and Resources tab for videos with information about how different types of hearings are usually held and why. Visit the Remote Hearings Information page for detailed information about remote hearings.

*new* View a video on Remote Hearings in the MN Judicial Branch or read a written explanation on Preparing for your Remote Hearing

Handout - Preparing for Your Remote Hearing - Hmong Translation
Handout - Preparing for Your Remote Hearing - Somali Translation
Handout - Preparing for Your Remote Hearing - Spanish Translation
Handout - Preparing for Your Remote Hearing - Karen Translation

Need Help?

Self-Help Centers

A Self-Help Center is a place where you can find helpful information, services and resources about your legal problem if you are not represented by a lawyer.

Self-Help Center Locations

Get Legal Help

Find a Lawyer

State Law Library

Room G25
Minnesota Judicial Center
25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155

(651) 297-7651

mn.gov/law-library