68th District Court Criminal Defense

Navigating Justice in Flint: A Guide to the 67th District Court

If you are facing a legal issue in the City of Flint, your case will likely be handled at the 67th District Court. It is important to note that the former 68th District Court for the City of Flint merged with the 67th District Court for Genesee County on January 2, 2016. This consolidation aimed to streamline judicial operations across the county. What was once the 68th District Court is now known as the 5th Division of the 67th District Court (67-5), specifically designated to hear cases originating within the City of Flint. While this guide focuses on the 67-5 division, it's worth remembering that other divisions of the 67th District Court serve different cities and townships throughout Genesee County.

This guide provides essential, location-specific information to help you understand the court, its procedures, and its critical role in the local justice system.

Court Location and Key Legal Offices

The 67th District Court's 5th Division (67-5), serving the City of Flint, is centrally located in the McCree Courts and Human Services Building in downtown Flint.

• Courthouse Address: 630 S. Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48502
  • Note on Parking: Limited street parking is available, and several paid parking lots and structures are within walking distance. Visitors should anticipate security screening upon entry, similar to airport procedures.

This central location places it in close proximity to other critical legal facilities, including:

• 7th Judicial Circuit Genesee County Court House: 900 S. Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48502
• Genesee County Prosecutor's Office: The main administrative office is located at 900 S. Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48502. However, a specialized Criminal/Warrant Division is also conveniently located within the McCree Courts and Human Services Building (630 S. Saginaw St.) for direct interaction with the 67th District Court.
• Genesee County Probate Court: 900 S. Saginaw St., Flint, MI 48502
• Genesee County Bar Association: 315 E. Court St., Flint, MI 48502
• Genesee County Public Defender Office: Located at 630 S Saginaw St, Flint, MI 48502, within the same McCree Building, making it accessible for indigent defendants appearing in the 67th District Court's 5th Division.

Types of Cases Handled by the 67th District Court

As a court of limited jurisdiction, the 67th District Court is the starting point for nearly all criminal cases in Genesee County. It has exclusive authority over most traffic offenses, civil lawsuits where the disputed amount is $25,000 or less, landlord-tenant disputes, and other civil infractions. The District Court does not handle felony trials, divorce, child custody, or probate matters, which fall under the jurisdiction of the 7th Judicial Circuit Court or Genesee County Probate Court.

Cases frequently handled include:

• Traffic tickets and parking violations: This includes civil infractions such as speeding, defective equipment, and improper lane use, as well as misdemeanor traffic offenses like Driving While License Suspended (DWLS) or Operating While Intoxicated (OWI).
• Criminal misdemeanors: These are offenses punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a maximum fine, such as Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Domestic Violence, Retail Fraud (shoplifting), Minor in Possession (MIP) of alcohol, certain Assault & Battery charges, and various ordinance violations.
• Initial proceedings for felony cases: This is a critical role for the District Court, managing the early stages of more serious charges. These proceedings include:
  • Arraignments: The initial court appearance where charges are formally read, and bond (bail) is set.
  • Probable Cause Conferences: A meeting between the prosecutor and defense attorney to discuss the case, explore plea options, or set the preliminary examination.
  • Preliminary Examinations: A hearing where the prosecutor must present enough evidence to convince the judge there is "probable cause" that a felony crime occurred and that the defendant committed it. If probable cause is found, the case is "bound over" to the 7th Judicial Circuit Court for trial.

While the District Court manages the early stages of felony cases, these more serious charges are ultimately transferred to the 7th Judicial Circuit Court for trial, sentencing, and all subsequent proceedings.

Law Enforcement and the Prosecutor's Office

Cases heard in the 67th District Court’s Flint division (67-5) originate from citations and arrests made by several local law enforcement agencies operating within the City of Flint, including:

• Flint Police Department
• Genesee County Sheriff's Office
• Metro Police Authority of Genesee County (a multi-jurisdictional police force serving Mundy Township, Gaines Township, and the City of Swartz Creek, whose officers may make arrests within Flint)
• Michigan State Police
• University of Michigan-Flint Police Department (for incidents on campus property)

The Genesee County Prosecutor's Office is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases that violate state laws in this court. A specialized Criminal/Warrant Division of the prosecutor's office, dedicated to handling District Court matters, is conveniently located within the same McCree Courts and Human Services Building, facilitating close cooperation with the District Court judges and staff. For city ordinance violations, a city attorney may also be involved in prosecution.

Local Detention and Court Procedures

Individuals arrested in connection with a case in this court are typically held at the Genesee County Jail, located at 1002 South Saginaw Street, Flint, MI 48502. This medium-security facility is operated by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

The 67th District Court has specific procedures you should be aware of:

• Warrant Arraignments: If you have an outstanding warrant for a misdemeanor or felony (before bind-over), you can attend walk-in arraignments on weekdays (Monday through Friday) between 8:30 AM and 11:30 AM. It is highly recommended that anyone appearing for a warrant arraignment consult with a criminal defense attorney beforehand or arrive prepared to request court-appointed counsel if eligible. An attorney can advise on potential bond amounts, release conditions, and the charges themselves.
• Bond Hearings: Following an arrest, a bond hearing is usually one of the first court appearances. The judge will set conditions for your release from jail, which may include a cash bond, a personal recognizance bond, or a tether, along with other conditions such as no contact orders or restrictions on travel.
• Specialty Courts: The court system offers programs aimed at rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.
  • The 67th District Court runs a Sobriety Court through its Probation Department to address alcohol and drug-related offenses primarily for misdemeanor charges. Participants engage in intensive supervision, regular drug/alcohol testing, treatment, and frequent court appearances, often leading to reduced sentences or dismissed charges upon successful completion.
  • The broader Genesee County court system also includes an Adult Felony Recovery Court (sometimes known as Drug Court or Mental Health Court). It is important to note that this is a program of the 7th Judicial Circuit Court, not the 67th District Court, for non-violent felony offenders struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues.
• Probation Department: Beyond Sobriety Court, the 67th District Court's Probation Department conducts pre-sentence investigations for misdemeanor cases, monitors defendants on probation, and ensures compliance with court orders and conditions.
• Judges: The judges who preside over the 67th District Court are chosen by the public in nonpartisan elections and serve six-year terms. They are experienced legal professionals responsible for upholding justice and ensuring fair proceedings.
• Court-Appointed Counsel: If you are facing criminal charges and cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for court-appointed counsel through the Genesee County Public Defender Office or private attorneys assigned by the court. You should request this at your first court appearance (arraignment).

For official information, including court dockets, payment options, and contact details, please visit the official 67th District Court website: https://www.67thdc.com/. For specific information about the 5th Division (Flint), look for "Division 5" on the website.