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20th District Court Criminal Defense

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    Navigating the 20th District Court in Dearborn Heights, Michigan

    If you are facing a legal matter in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, your case will likely be heard at the 20th District Court. Understanding the court's role, location, and procedures is the first step toward navigating your case with confidence. As a criminal defense attorney in Michigan, I've created this guide to provide clear and practical information about the 20th District Court.

    Court Location and Jurisdiction

    The 20th District Court is located at 25637 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125. This court serves the city of Dearborn Heights exclusively, meaning it handles legal matters that arise within the city's geographical boundaries. While the incident must occur within Dearborn Heights, the parties involved do not need to be residents of the city.

    The primary law enforcement agency that brings cases to this courthouse is the Dearborn Heights Police Department. However, it is also common for the Michigan State Police (especially Metro South Post No. 22, which covers Wayne County), the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, or regional task forces (e.g., drug enforcement units) to investigate and initiate cases that fall within the 20th District Court's jurisdiction.

    For state-level matters, the 20th District Court conveniently hosts an out-county office for the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. This office is a critical agency in the local legal landscape, as its assistant prosecutors are responsible for prosecuting all state misdemeanor offenses and felony cases that originate in Dearborn Heights.

    Types of Cases Handled at the 20th District Court

    The 20th District Court has jurisdiction over a wide range of legal issues, from minor infractions to the initial stages of serious felony cases. Here’s a breakdown of the types of cases it handles:

    • Misdemeanor Criminal Offenses: These are less serious crimes punishable by up to one year in jail and/or significant fines. Common misdemeanor cases heard here include:
      • Domestic Violence (MCL 750.81): Assault or assault and battery against a family or household member.
      • Assault and Battery (MCL 750.81): Unlawful physical force or unwanted contact.
      • Retail Fraud (Shoplifting) (MCL 750.356c): Misdemeanor levels include 2nd and 3rd degree, based on value.
      • Operating While Intoxicated (OWI/DUI) (MCL 257.625): Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including OWI, OWI with a High BAC ("Super Drunk"), and Operating While Visibly Impaired (OWVI).
      • Drug Offenses: Typically, misdemeanor possession of marijuana (under 2.5 ounces), possession of drug paraphernalia, or use of controlled substances. Felony drug offenses are heard at the preliminary stages here.
      • Disorderly Conduct (MCL 750.167): Acts that disturb the public peace, such as public intoxication or engaging in tumultuous behavior.
      • Minor in Possession (MIP) of Alcohol (MCL 436.1703).
      • Driving While License Suspended (DWLS) (MCL 257.904) and Reckless Driving (MCL 257.626).
    • Felony Cases (Initial Stages): For more serious crimes classified as felonies (punishable by more than one year in state prison), the 20th District Court conducts the preliminary proceedings. These critical stages include:
      • Arraignment on Warrant (AOW): The first court appearance where the defendant is formally informed of the charges, advised of their constitutional rights (including the right to an attorney and the right to remain silent), and a plea of not guilty is typically entered. The judge also sets the initial bond conditions.
      • Probable Cause Conference (PCC): An informal hearing where the prosecution and defense can discuss the case, exchange discovery, and explore potential resolutions or prepare for the preliminary examination.
      • Preliminary Examination (PX or "Prelim"): A critical evidentiary hearing where the prosecutor must present enough evidence to convince the judge that a crime was committed and there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed it. This is not a trial to determine guilt, but rather whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed with felony charges. If the judge finds sufficient probable cause, the case is "bound over," or transferred, to the Wayne County Circuit Court for trial or further proceedings.
    • Traffic and Civil Infractions: The court processes all traffic tickets (e.g., speeding, improper lane use) and other civil infractions (non-criminal violations, such as certain parking tickets or blight violations) issued within Dearborn Heights. These usually result in fines and points on a driving record, but not jail time.
    • City Ordinance Violations: Cases involving violations of local Dearborn Heights ordinances are handled here. These are typically prosecuted by the Dearborn Heights City Attorney, rather than the Wayne County Prosecutor, and carry penalties defined by city code, which are usually less severe than state misdemeanors. Examples include noise violations, public nuisance, or certain blight infractions.
    • Civil Lawsuits: The court presides over civil disputes where the amount in controversy is $25,000 or less. This includes landlord-tenant disputes, land contract issues, and small claims cases (up to $7,000, without attorneys allowed).
    • Other Services: The court can also perform civil wedding ceremonies. For certain minor civil disputes, parties may use the Michigan Supreme Court's "MI-Resolve" online platform to seek a resolution outside of formal court proceedings.

    How the 20th District Court Fits into Michigan's Court System

    In Michigan, district courts are the trial courts of limited jurisdiction. They are the initial entry point for most citizens into the state's judicial system. The 20th District Court is where all criminal cases (misdemeanors and felonies) begin, misdemeanors are fully resolved, and the preliminary phases of felony cases are handled before they proceed to the higher-level Wayne County Circuit Court. This hierarchical structure ensures a systematic approach to justice, with appeals typically moving from District Court to Circuit Court, then to the Michigan Court of Appeals, and finally, potentially, to the Michigan Supreme Court.

    Key Court Personnel and Procedures

    The 20th District Court is presided over by two elected judges: the Honorable Mark J. Plawecki and the Honorable David D. Turfe. They are assisted by an appointed Magistrate, who plays a crucial role in the court's operations. The Magistrate handles informal hearings for civil infractions, conducts arraignments for ordinance and often state misdemeanor cases, presides over small claims matters, and is authorized to sign arrest and search warrants, as well as set initial bonds for individuals arrested without a warrant.

    When a person is arrested and charged with a crime, one of the first and most critical steps is the arraignment. At this hearing, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and their rights. A plea (typically "not guilty") is entered, and the judge will set a bond to ensure the defendant returns for all future court dates. Bond is a critical stage, and having an experienced criminal defense attorney present can significantly impact the outcome, potentially leading to a lower bond amount or fewer restrictive conditions. Common types of bond include:

    • Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: The defendant is released on their written promise to appear in court, with no money required upfront. However, specific conditions (e.g., no alcohol/drug use, no contact with the victim, GPS tether, random drug testing) are often imposed.
    • 10% Cash Bond: The defendant pays 10% of the total bond amount to the court. This 10% is returned to them (less any court fees/fines) if they comply with all court orders and appear for every scheduled hearing.
    • Cash/Surety Bond: The full amount of the bond must be paid to the court, either by the defendant or through a bail bondsman (who typically charges a non-refundable percentage of the bond amount as their fee).
    • No Bond: In extremely serious cases, or if a defendant is deemed an extreme flight risk or danger to the community, the judge may deny bond altogether.

    Defendants in cases originating from this court are typically held at Wayne County's detention facilities, including Wayne County Jail Division 1 and Division 2 (also known as the "Andrew C. Baird Detention Facility" and "Old Jail") in Detroit, or the Wayne County Criminal Justice Center (CJC), which is the primary intake and processing facility.

    The 20th District Court also maintains a Probation Department. This department is responsible for supervising individuals sentenced to probation for misdemeanor offenses. Their duties include monitoring compliance with court orders, conducting drug and alcohol screening, and preparing pre-sentence investigation reports that assist the judges in sentencing.

    For more detailed information, including court dockets, judicial schedules, and contact information for the civil, traffic/criminal, and probation departments, you can visit the official court website: https://www.dearbornheightsmi.gov/162/20th-District-Court.