Civil Process
The Strafford County Sheriff’s Office Civil Process section is responsible for the service and execution of court orders dealing with civil matters.
The most common types of civil matters include:
- Bill, Libel or Petition
- A written document which when filed with the Court initiates a specific legal action.
- Child Custody Order
- An order from the Court specifying physical and or legal custody or specifying conditions, which the custodian must meet.
- Demand for Rent
- A demand for rent from the tenant owed to the landlord.
- Notice to Quit
- Tells the tenant the date by which they must vacate the premises to the landlord.
- Landlord Tenant Writ
- A writ of summons commanding the tenant to appear in court and show cause why he/she should not be evicted.
- Ex-parte Court Orders
- An order from the Court generally emergency in status in matters pertaining to such items as child custody, restraining orders or similar matters.
- Small Claim Complaint
- A document that initiates a civil suit for damages of less than $5,000.00, which is filed with the District Court.
- Writ of Attachment
- A document from the Court ordering the Sheriff to either place liens or take into custody certain real estate goods, chattels, monies, credit or other property interest in satisfaction of a judgment or in certain cases in anticipation of same.
- Writ of Execution
- A document from the Court ordering the Sheriff to levy or seize property of a judgment debtor and pay over same to the plaintiff who is seeking to recover financial damages awarded in a lawsuit.
- Writ of Possession
- A document from the Court ordering the Sheriff to take custody of certain rental property and turn ownership and control of same over to the landlord. A court ordered eviction.
- Writ of Replevin
- A document from the Court ordering the Sheriff to repossess certain property as a result of a lawsuit.
- Writ of Summons
- A document, which orders an individual, corporation or other entity to appear before the specified court and answer to, the charges alleged therein. The document, which initiates most civil lawsuits.
- Subpoena
- A document which orders an individual, corporation or other entity to appear in a specified legal forum to either give testimony or produce records or other evidence before same. A command to appear and testify.
Court Security
The Strafford County Sheriff’s Office Court Security section is responsible for providing security to the Superior Court. Court Officers are responsible for security at building access points, courtrooms and cellblock areas. They perform many duties to ensure the security, safety and effectiveness of the Courts.
Other Duties & Responsibilities
The Strafford County Sheriff’s Office is also responsible for investigating and apprehending fugitives from justice, felony capias’ and domestic and small claims warrants. In addition, this Division is delegated to assisting towns within the county, particularly when crimes cross-jurisdictional boarders.