70th District Court Criminal Defense

Your Guide to Navigating the 70th District Court in Saginaw, Michigan

If you are facing a criminal charge, a traffic ticket, or a civil dispute in Saginaw County, your case will likely begin at the 70th District Court. Understanding this court's role, location, and procedures is the first step in addressing your legal matter. This guide provides a clear overview of what you need to know about the courthouse specific to Saginaw. Given the complexities of the legal system, it is strongly recommended that you consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately upon learning of any charges or legal issues, especially for criminal matters, to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome.

Court Location and Key Legal Partners

The 70th District Court is conveniently located on the 3rd floor of the Saginaw County Governmental Center at 111 S. Michigan, Saginaw, Michigan 48602.

This central location houses several key components of the local justice system. The same building is home to the 10th Circuit Court (4th floor), which handles more serious felony cases, juvenile matters, domestic relations cases (like divorce and custody), business disputes, and appeals from the District Court. You will also find the Saginaw County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office at this address. The prosecutor's office, led by Chief Prosecutor John McColgan, is responsible for reviewing police reports, deciding whether to file criminal charges on behalf of the state, negotiating plea agreements, and prosecuting cases in both District and Circuit Courts.

Just a short distance away is the Saginaw County Sheriff’s Office (administrative offices at 311 S. Harrison Street) and the Saginaw County Jail (located at 208 S. Harrison Street). This proximity means that law enforcement, prosecution, and the initial court system are all within the same downtown Saginaw area, streamlining certain logistical aspects of the justice process.

Types of Cases Handled by the 70th District Court

The 70th District Court has jurisdiction over a wide variety of cases originating within Saginaw County.

• Criminal Charges:
  • Misdemeanors: The court handles all aspects of misdemeanor cases from start to finish. These are offenses punishable by up to one year in jail and/or fines up to $1,000 (unless a specific statute dictates a higher fine, such as for certain OWI offenses). Common charges include Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), driving with a suspended license, domestic violence, retail fraud (under $1,000), and minor in possession.
  • Felonies: For more serious felony charges (offenses punishable by more than one year in state prison), the 70th District Court presides over the initial stages. This includes the first arraignment and the preliminary examination. The preliminary examination is a critical hearing where the prosecution must present enough evidence to demonstrate to the judge that probable cause exists to believe a crime was committed and that the defendant committed it. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is transferred, or "bound over," to the 10th Circuit Court for trial, further proceedings, and potential sentencing. This is a crucial opportunity for the defense to challenge the prosecution's evidence and often impacts plea negotiations.
• Traffic Offenses:
  • Civil Infractions: The court processes common traffic tickets like speeding, parking violations, or failure to stop. You have the option of an informal hearing before a Magistrate or a formal hearing before a District Court Judge. An informal hearing is generally less formal, does not involve a prosecuting attorney, and the Magistrate can reduce fines but generally cannot dismiss the ticket. A formal hearing is more akin to a trial, involves a prosecuting attorney, and stricter rules of evidence apply, with the possibility of dismissal or conviction by the judge. Choosing between these options can have strategic implications, and legal advice is often beneficial.
  • Traffic Misdemeanors: More serious traffic offenses, such as Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), driving while license suspended (DWLS) second or subsequent offenses, or reckless driving, are treated as criminal misdemeanors within this court. These carry potential jail time, significant fines, and points on your driving record, and often have serious collateral consequences for your license and insurance.
• Civil and Small Claims Cases:
  • The court's civil division presides over lawsuits where the amount in dispute is $25,000 or less.
  • The small claims division offers a simplified process for disputes up to $7,000, where individuals can represent themselves without an attorney. However, it's important to understand that even in small claims, legal principles and procedural rules apply, and having an attorney review your case or advise you can be highly beneficial, especially if the opposing party has legal representation.
  • The court also manages landlord-tenant disputes, including evictions and land contract forfeitures.

The Saginaw County Justice System in Action

Cases heard in the 70th District Court typically begin with an investigation by local law enforcement. The primary agencies bringing cases to the court include the Saginaw County Sheriff's Office, the Saginaw Township Police Department, the City of Saginaw Police Department, the Michigan State Police (MSP) Tri-City Post, and other municipal police departments within Saginaw County such as Frankenmuth, Chesaning, and Carrollton Police Departments.

Once a police report is submitted, the Saginaw County Prosecuting Attorney's Office reviews it to determine if criminal charges will be filed. This is known as the "charging decision." If you are charged, you will be required to appear in the 70th District Court.

If a defendant is held in custody pending trial, they are typically housed at the Saginaw County Jail. Juvenile defendants, whose cases fall under the 10th Circuit Court - Family Division, are held separately at the Saginaw County Juvenile Detention facility. If a felony case results in a state prison sentence (after conviction in the 10th Circuit Court), the individual may be sent to the nearby Saginaw Correctional Facility (SRF) in Freeland or another Michigan Department of Corrections facility.

Important Court Procedures and Information

• Court Hours: The court operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Note that filings and payments are not accepted after 4:45 p.m.
• Arraignments: An arraignment is your first appearance before a judge after being charged, where the charges are formally read, you are advised of your rights, and you typically enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or stand mute). Walk-in arraignments for those who are not in custody are available from Tuesday to Friday during specific morning and afternoon hours. For defendants in custody, arraignments are usually conducted by video at 9:00 a.m. It is crucial to have an attorney present at your arraignment, as decisions made at this stage can significantly impact your case.
• Bond: If you plead not guilty to a criminal charge, the judge will set bond to ensure your return for future court dates and to protect the community. Bond is not solely about money, it's a set of conditions. Types of bond include Personal Recognizance (PR) bond (no money required, just a promise to appear and abide by conditions), a 10% cash bond (where you pay 10% of the bond amount), or a surety bond (involving a bail bond agent). Judges also routinely impose bond conditions such as no contact orders, alcohol/drug testing, electronic monitoring, or travel restrictions. Bond can be paid 24/7 at a kiosk in the Sheriff’s Office lobby. An attorney can argue for a lower bond or less restrictive conditions.
• Specialty Courts: Saginaw County offers alternative sentencing and rehabilitation through specialized programs designed to address underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior. These include "Recovery Court" (for individuals with substance abuse issues) and the "STAR Program" (often for veterans or individuals with mental health needs). These programs involve intensive supervision, mandatory treatment, and regular court appearances, aiming to reduce recidivism and foster long-term recovery for eligible individuals.

For official information, including docket schedules, specific departmental hours, and contact details, please visit the 70th District Court's official website.