About Murray County

Murray County is a rural county located in the southwestern corner of Minnesota, situated within the Coteau des Prairies, a broad glacially formed plateau that gives the region its characteristic gently rolling terrain. The county covers approximately 720 square miles of predominantly agricultural land, dotted with numerous prairie lakes and wetlands that support both farming operations and abundant wildlife. The landscape is defined by wide open skies, fertile soils, and the kind of quiet, unhurried beauty that has drawn settlers to this corner of the Great Plains for generations. The area sits within Minnesota's famed Prairieland region, and its natural features, including Shetek Lake — the largest lake in southwestern Minnesota — make it a notable destination for outdoor recreation including fishing, hunting, and birdwatching. Murray County is home to approximately 8,179 residents, a population that reflects the broader demographic trends of rural Minnesota, with tight-knit communities, a strong sense of civic identity, and deep roots in agriculture. The county seat, Slayton, serves as the commercial and governmental hub of the county, providing residents with essential services, local government offices, schools, and small businesses. Slayton itself is a modest but proud community that captures the spirit of southwestern Minnesota — resilient, self-reliant, and deeply connected to the land and its history. The economy of Murray County is driven primarily by agriculture, with corn, soybeans, hogs, and cattle forming the backbone of the local economic activity. Farming operations range from large-scale commercial enterprises to smaller family-run farms that have been passed down through multiple generations. Beyond agriculture, the county's economy is supported by local retail, healthcare services, education, and government employment. Wind energy development has also become an increasingly significant presence in the region, with wind turbines now a familiar sight across the prairie landscape. Like many rural Minnesota counties, Murray County faces the ongoing challenge of retaining younger residents while maintaining the services and infrastructure that make small-town life viable and rewarding.

Practice Areas in Murray County

Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Charges, arrests, bail and criminal trials.
Learn More ›
DUI
DUI
DUI charges, licence suspension and reinstatement.
Learn More ›
Family Law
Family Law
Divorce, custody, property and support.
Learn More ›
Immigration Law
Immigration
Visas, green cards, deportation and citizenship.
Learn More ›
Traffic Law
Traffic Law
Traffic violations, licence matters and offences.
Learn More ›
Employment Law
Employment Law
Wrongful termination, discrimination, disputes.
Learn More ›

Courts in Murray County

Legal matters in Murray County are handled primarily through the Murray County District Court, which is part of Minnesota's Fifth Judicial District. The court is located at the Murray County Courthouse, 2500 28th Street, Slayton, MN 56172. As part of the Fifth Judicial District, this court has general jurisdiction over a wide range of civil and criminal matters, including felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, family law proceedings such as divorce, child custody, and child support, probate and estate matters, civil disputes, juvenile cases, and traffic and ordinance violations. The Fifth Judicial District also encompasses conciliation court, sometimes called small claims court, which handles civil disputes involving smaller dollar amounts without the need for formal legal representation. Residents seeking court records, filing assistance, or information about upcoming hearings can contact the Murray County Court Administrator's office, which operates out of the same courthouse location.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Murray County

In Murray County, the vast majority of legal matters — including most criminal cases, family law disputes, traffic violations, landlord-tenant issues, and local civil claims — fall under the jurisdiction of Minnesota state courts, specifically the Murray County District Court within the Fifth Judicial District. However, certain matters fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal court system, which for Murray County means the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota, headquartered in Minneapolis. Federal jurisdiction applies to cases involving federal law, including immigration matters, federal criminal charges such as drug trafficking or fraud against federal agencies, bankruptcy proceedings, civil rights claims under federal statutes, and disputes between parties from different states where the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000. When a legal issue has both state and federal dimensions, understanding which court has proper jurisdiction is a critical first step, and consulting with an attorney familiar with both the Minnesota state court system and the federal district court can help Murray County residents navigate this distinction effectively.

Common Legal Situations in Murray County

Given Murray County's rural agricultural character and small-town demographics, residents most frequently encounter legal issues that reflect the rhythms of farming life and rural community. Agricultural law matters — including farm leases, equipment disputes, neighbor boundary disagreements, and livestock liability — are common concerns for the many farming families in the county. Traffic and DWI offenses represent a significant share of cases that come before the Murray County District Court, particularly given the long rural road distances residents travel daily. Family law matters such as divorce, child custody modifications, and child support enforcement arise regularly, as do probate and estate planning issues given the county's older demographic profile and the need to plan for the transfer of farm properties and family assets. Employment disputes, including wage claims and workplace injury matters connected to agricultural and manufacturing work, also arise, along with landlord-tenant conflicts, small civil disputes handled in conciliation court, and occasional criminal matters ranging from misdemeanor offenses to more serious felony charges.

Why Go To Court for Murray County Legal Matters

Go To Court provides Murray County residents with reliable, accessible legal support no matter where they are located in this rural and spread-out county. The Go To Court team operates a free 24/7 legal hotline, meaning that whether you are dealing with an urgent family law matter, a criminal charge, or an agricultural dispute, you can get guidance at any hour without having to wait for business hours. The experienced team at Go To Court understands the practical realities facing rural Minnesotans and can connect clients with attorneys who are familiar with the Fifth Judicial District and the specific legal landscape of southwestern Minnesota. With fixed-fee services coming soon, Murray County residents will have even greater clarity and confidence about the cost of their legal representation before committing to a path forward.

Free — available now

In Murray County and have a legal question?

Call our free hotline right now — available 24/7, no obligation.

Call free now

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a traffic citation or DWI charge in Murray County?

If you receive a traffic citation in Murray County, you generally have the option to pay the fine, contest the citation in court, or in some cases request a hearing before a judge at the Murray County District Court in Slayton. For more serious matters such as a DWI charge, it is strongly advisable to consult with an attorney before responding, as a conviction can result in license suspension, fines, and even jail time depending on prior offenses and circumstances.

How does the divorce process work in Murray County, Minnesota?

Divorce in Murray County is filed through the Murray County District Court and follows Minnesota state law, which is a no-fault divorce state, meaning neither party needs to prove wrongdoing to obtain a dissolution of marriage. The process involves filing a petition for dissolution, serving the other spouse, and resolving issues such as property division, spousal maintenance, child custody, and child support either by agreement or through a court hearing. The timeline can range from a few months for uncontested divorces to significantly longer if the parties are unable to reach agreement on major issues.

What legal steps should Murray County farmers take to protect their land and business?

Farmers in Murray County should consider working with an attorney to ensure that farm leases are clearly documented in writing, that succession and estate plans are in place to transfer land and assets to the next generation in a tax-efficient manner, and that any business entities such as LLCs or partnerships are properly structured and maintained. Agricultural operations also face specific liability risks related to livestock, equipment, and environmental regulations, and having sound legal protections in place can help shield personal assets from business-related claims.

How does the small claims or conciliation court process work in Murray County?

Conciliation court in Murray County handles civil disputes involving amounts up to $15,000 and is designed to be a simplified, accessible process where parties can represent themselves without an attorney. To file a claim, you submit the appropriate forms and filing fee to the Murray County Court Administrator's office, after which a hearing date is scheduled and the other party is notified. The judge or referee hears both sides and issues a decision, and if the losing party does not pay voluntarily, the winning party may need to take additional steps to enforce the judgment.

What are my rights if I am arrested or charged with a crime in Murray County?

If you are arrested in Murray County, you have the right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present during questioning — it is generally advisable to exercise both of these rights immediately and avoid making statements to law enforcement before speaking with a lawyer. Depending on the severity of the charge, you may be held for a bail hearing before the Murray County District Court or released on your own recognizance. An attorney can review the charges against you, evaluate the evidence, advise you on potential defenses, and represent you through the court process to help achieve the best possible outcome.

Neighbouring Counties

Murray County is bordered by Lyon County to the north, Redwood County to the northeast, Cottonwood County to the east, Nobles County to the south, Rock County to the southwest, and Pipestone County to the west.