By statute, county courts handle civil cases under $15,000, misdemeanors, traffic infractions, felony complaints (which are then sent to district court), protection orders, and small claims.
Misdemeanor charges include: DUI, assault, child abuse, theft, violation of protective orders, and drug possession cases, among others.
County court matters can be handled without a lawyer, with private counsel or appointed public defenders.
Misdemeanor matters can face up to one year in jail and defendants have a right to a jury trial.