- Home
- Departments
- Court
Court
The Belgrade Municipal Court Judiciary
The City court is staffed by a Municipal Judge, a panel of judges pro temps, a Municipal Chief Clerk, and two Associate Court Clerks. Each year the Belgrade Municipal Court processes approximately 2000 traffic, misdemeanor, city ordinance, and civil cases.
The Belgrade Municipal Court is an independent branch of government constitutionally entrusted with the fair and just resolution of disputes. The Court works diligently to efficiently and effectively accomplish the duties of the Belgrade City Charter, the laws and Constitutions of the State of Montana and the United States.
Belgrade Municipal Court Docket Blocks
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday (Open Court) | 1:30 pm - Initial appearances, change of pleas, and warrants |
| Tuesday (Open Court and Change of Pleas) | 8:30 am - Initial appearances, arraignments, and warrants 10:30 am - Change of pleas |
| Wednesday | 8:15 am - Trials (or) Motion Hearings 10:30 am - Change of Pleas |
| Thursday | 8:30 am - Omnibus Hearings 1:30 pm - Motion Hearings |
| Friday | 9:00 am - Trials, Motion Hearings, Revocation Hearings |
| In-custody hearings are held via video appearance from the Gallatin County Detention Center at 3:00 pm each day. (This is subject to change). | |
Time Payments
General Information
If you do not know the payment amount, call the court or visit citepayuse.com. If you need to setup a time pay agreement you need to appear before the Judge in open court.
Payment Methods
- In person
You may pay by cash, check, or money order at the window. - By mail
You may mail a check or money order for your payment to the court. Do not mail cash.- If paying by check or money order make the check payable to Belgrade Municipal Court. Write the name of the person whose account you are making a payment for the memo line. It is helpful to include the ticket or case number.
- Online
You may make an online payment for citations that DO NOT require an appearance. You will be charged a convenience fee to use this service. You will need your date of birth, and your ticket or case number. If you do not know the ticket or case number, please call the court. Visit the CitePayUSA website to make online payments.
Civil Actions
The Belgrade Municipal Court has jurisdiction over claims for money damages up to $9,500.
The Municipal Court has jurisdiction over Landlord Tenant claims under limited M.C.A statues. Inquire at counter.
The rules of civil procedure for Montana municipal courts are found in Title 25, Chapters 23 and 24 of the Montana Code.
Under Montana law, these rules are to be interpreted to promote just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of civil actions.
Fees, including a $50 filing fee for plaintiffs and a $30 answer fee for defendants, apply to civil suits.
Most cases will be referred to trained volunteer mediators to explore the possibility of pre-trial settlement prior to the Court setting a trial date. Mediation of this kind typically achieves success rates of 70% or greater without trial.
Civil forms for municipal court can be found at the Montana Judicial Branch website by selecting "Forms"; then "Civil Court Forms"; and then the "Limited Jurisdiction" menu items.