Oakland County is one of the largest counties within the State of Michigan. This is a reason for the numerous Oakland County District Courts located within and throughout its borders and boundaries. It is essential to know which Oakland County District Court is handling the criminal matter you are facing, regardless of whether it is a misdemeanor or felony. Oakland County District Courts handle all misdemeanors within their jurisdiction or judicial coverage. Felonies will ultimately be disposed of at the Oakland County Circuit Court; however, each felony will begin in a respective Oakland County District Court.
Determining which Oakland County District Court an individual must attend for his or her criminal matter will depend on where the alleged crime or criminal act was committed. For example, an individual arrested in Auburn Hills, Mi, will likely have his or her case heard in 52-3 District Court in Rochester Hills, MI. If the matter is a felony, it will begin at the 52-3 Oakland County District Court, and then if probable cause is found, it will be moved over to the Oakland County Circuit Court. Whenever you are facing a criminal (misdemeanor or felony) charge, you need counsel who will stand by your side and make sure you and your rights are protected.
The Oakland County District Courts found within Oakland County handle misdemeanor crimes and matters from arraignment to sentencing.; however, felonies will be governed by the Oakland County Circuit Court (remember, there is a difference). Misdemeanors are crimes punishable by one year in the county jail and/or fines up to $1,000.00. If the case is a felony, on the other hand, then the Oakland County District Courts will determine the bond and oversee the preliminary exam (i.e. the probable cause hearing). If the case is bound over, satisfying the probable cause requirement, the Circuit Court will handle the matter and set it for a Circuit Court arraignment.
Because the Oakland County District Courts are so numerous and spread throughout Oakland County, it is essential to know which Oakland County District Court the individual criminal matter will be pending in. The location and city or municipality where the crime is committed will ultimately determine which Oakland County District Court will handle the case once it becomes formal.
43-1 District Court-Hazel Park
43 E. Nine Mile Rd.
Hazel Park, MI 48030
(248) 547-3034
43-2 District Court-Ferndale
305 E. Nine Mile Rd.
Ferndale, MI 48220
(248) 547-8700
43-3 District Court-Madison Heights
200 W. Thirteen Mile Rd.
Madison Heights, MI 48071
(248) 583-1800
43rd District Court has three locations found in Hazel Park, Ferndale, and Madison Heights, each handling matters occurring within its respective jurisdiction. The three presiding judges in the 43rd District Court are the Honorable Joseph Longo, Chief Judge, Charles G. Goedert, and Honorable Keith P. Hunt.
44th District Court
400 E. 11 Mile Road
Royal Oak, MI 48068
(248) 246-3600
The Honorable Derek W. Meinecke presides over the 44th District Court.
45th District Court
13600 Oak Park Blvd.
Oak Park, MI 48237
(248) 691-7433
The Honorable Michelle Friedman Appel, Chief Judge and Honorable David M. Gubow preside over the court.
45A District Court
3338 Coolidge
Berkley, MI 48072
(248) 658-3400
The Honorable James L. Wittenberg, Chief Judge presides over the court.
46th District Court
26000 Evergreen Rd.
Southfield, MI 48076
(248) 796-5800
The following are the judges within the court Honorable William J. Richards, Chief Judge, Honorable Shelia R. Johnson, and Honorable Debra Nance.
47th District Court
31605 W. Eleven Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48336
(248) 871-2900
Honorable Marla E. Parker, Chief Judge and Honorable James Brady can be found within the court.
48th District Court
4280 Telegraph Rd.
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
(248) 647-1141
The judges presiding over the court are Honorable Kimberly Small, Chief Judge, Honorable Marc Barron, and Honorable Diane D’Agostini.
50th District Court
70 N. Saginaw
Pontiac, MI 48342
(248) 758-3800
Honorable Cynthia Thomas Walker, Chief Judge, Honorable Ronda Fowlkes Gross, Honorable Michael C. Martinez, and Honorable Preston G. Thomas.
51st District Court
5100 Civic Center Drive
Waterford, MI 48329
(248) 674-4655
The following judge sit within the court: Honorable Richard D. Kuhn, Jr., Chief Judge and Honorable Jodi R. Debbrecht Switalski.
52-1 District Court – Novi
48150 Grand River Ave.
Novi, MI 48374
(248) 305-6080
The following are found within the court: Honorable Julie A. Nicholson, Chief Judge, Honorable Robert Bondy, Honorable Travis M. Reed, and T. David Law.
52-2 District Court – Clarkston
5850 Lorac
Clarkston, MI 48346
(248) 625-4888
Three judges occupy the bench in Clarkston: Honorable Julie A. Nicholson, Chief Judge, Honorable Joseph G. Fabrizio, and Honorable Kelley R. Kostin.
52-3 District Court – Rochester Hills
700 Barclay Circle
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
(248) 853-5553
The following judge sits within the court Honorable Julie A. Nicholson, Chief Judge, Honorable Lisa L. Asadoorian, and Honorable Nancy Tolwin Carniak.
52-4 District Court – Troy
520 W. Big Beaver Road
Troy, MI 48084
(248) 528-0400
Three judges occupy the court: Honorable Julie A. Nicholson, Chief Judge, Honorable Maureen M. McGinnis, and Honorable Kirsten Nielsen Hartig.