Civil Process Division

Responsibilities

There are many different aspects and responsibilities of this division, although the primary responsibility is the service and enforcement of all Superior Court orders and Subpoenas. The Civil Process Division serves and enforces thousands of these orders every year. 

Definitions

The following is a list that contains, but is not limited to, several of the order types and related tasks associated with the Civil Process Division:

  • Writ - Something written; an order or mandatory process in writing issued under seal in the name of the sovereign or of a court or judicial officer commanding the person to whom it is directed to perform or refrain from performing an act specified therein.
  • Writ of Attachment - Seizure of property by name
  • Writ of Execution (Wages) - Attaching wages to pay a judgment
  • Writ of Execution - A judicial writ directing the enforcement of a judgment
  • Writ of Possession - Right of Ownership, i.e. Real Estate
  • Writ of Replevin - Recovery of goods or chattels wrongfully taken or detained

Staff

The Civil Process Division is comprised of clerical support staff and uniformed law enforcement officers.

Services

Summons & Complaint

Superior Court documents advising a person that a civil lawsuit has been filed against them. Some of the more common reasons for these civil suits would be:

  • Auto Accidents
  • Collection Matters
  • Custody
  • Divorce
  • Family Court
  • Mortgage Foreclosure
  • Personal Injury
  • Petitions

Restraining Orders

The most common form of restraining order is the temporary restraining order, which is designed to keep individuals apart and safe until a specified court date. Some of the tasks involved for Sheriff's Officers pertaining to these orders are:

  • Executing Any Specific Orders Contained From Domestic Violence Office
  • Execution of Search Warrant for Weapons
  • Removal of Defendant and Personal Property From Dwelling
  • Seizure of Weapons
  • Serve the Actual Copy on Defendant

Writs of Execution

These are orders from Superior Court that are used to recover monetary judgments. There are several different types, and they are commonly referred to as a levy:

  • Bank Levy Will Freeze Accounts and Apply to Judgments
  • Personal Property Levy Authorizes the Sale of Personal Property to Satisfy Judgment
  • Wage Garnishments Will Seize and Collect a Portion of Wages

Writ of Possession

This is a court order directing the Sheriff's Office to take control and possession of a property that was sold at Sheriff Sale and turn it over to the purchaser. This action is more commonly known as an eviction.

Writ of Repletion

This is an order authorizing the Sheriff's Office to seize an article of property such as a motor vehicle, construction equipment, etc. and turn it over to its lawful owner.