The Southern Berkshire County District Court in Great Barrington, MA handles civil and criminal cases from the regional towns of Alford, Becket, Egremont, Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, Mt. Washington, New Marlborough, Otis, Sandisfield, Sheffield, Stockbridge, Tyringham, and West Stockbridge.
The furthest western section of the Massachusets turnpike from Otis to West Stockbridge and the New York border is under this jurisdiction. Any State Police stops on this section of the pike resulting in criminal charges like OUI also make their way to the Great Barrington district court.
Where is the Southern Berkshire Courthouse located?
The district court address for Southern Berkshire District Court is:
9 Gilmore Avenue
Great Barrington, 01230
Is there parking at the court?
Yes, there is plenty of parking in the lot directly in front of the Courthouse.
Is there public transportation?
No. Great Barrington doesn’t have any public transportation.
Can I bring my phone into the court building?
Yes you can. There are no restrictions on carrying electronics into the building itself. However, you can’t use your phone inside the courtrooms, or take any photos within the building.
Where do I go for a Clerk Magistrate’s Hearing?
Head to the Clerk’s office in the courthouse to ask about which courtroom the Clerk-Magistrate is holding hearings that day.
How do Arraignments work at the Southern Berkshire District Court?
Before heading to the courtroom assigned for arraignments, you should go to the probation department and let them know you are there for an arraignment. Probation also will ask if you qualify as indigent for a court-appointed attorney. You won’t need one for your arraignment today.
Arraignments typically start promptly at 9am, so you will want to be in the courtroom when your name is called. So leave plenty of time to get into the building, through probation, and find the right courtroom.
If you don’t have a lawyer, you will stand up and be recognized when your name is called. The charges against you will be read in court, and you can plead not guilty, or a not guilty plea will be entered for you. You will then be given a date to reappear for a pretrial conference, at which point you will need to have an attorney present.
If you do have a lawyer representing you at the arraignment, it might go slightly differently depending on your legal strategy and goals, but your attorney will let you know what do it.
What about a trial at the Southern Berkshire District court?
Southern Berkshire District Court in Great Barrington
Cases that are to be tried in front of a judge or jury are sent up to the Pittsfield District Court.
Where can I eat near the courthouse?
The closest restaurant to the courthouse is the Great Wall Chinese across the street, but it can’t be recommended. You are better off venturing out a half a mile over to Xicohtencatl for Mexican.
If you head west on Main St (Rt 7), there are more choices, including:
- Baba Louie’s pizza.
- Siam Squares for Thai
- 20 Railroad Public House for American.
- Rubi’s for sandwiches and coffee
- GB Eats for diner fare.
- Fiesta Bar and grill
