The Columbia County District Court includes Dayton Municipal Court and hears criminal, civil, infraction, and parking cases. Other proceedings include:

• Anti-harassment petitions 
• Name change petitions
• Vehicle impound hearings

Criminal Cases
Criminal misdemeanor cases carry a maximum penalty of up to 90 days and a $1,000 fine. Criminal gross misdemeanor cases carry a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Civil Cases
Civil cases include general civil actions with damage claims in the maximum amount of $75,000. The court does not hear cases involving title to or possession of real property.

Additionally, small claims actions with money claims are awarded in the maximum amount of $5,000. The Small Claims Court may only grant judgment for monetary damages. The court may not order the party to return property or do anything except pay money.

Infraction Cases
Infractions include traffic and non-traffic violations and code violations.