The General District Court decides all criminal offenses involving ordinances, laws, and bylaws of the State, County, and Town, and all misdemeanors, including traffic offenses, under State law. The Court also decides civil cases in which the amount in question does not exceed $25,000.
The General District Court holds preliminary hearings in felony cases to determine whether or not there is sufficient evidence to justify holding a defendant for a grand jury hearing. All cases are heard by a judge.