82nd District Court Criminal Defense

Navigating the 82nd District Court in Roscommon and Ogemaw Counties

If you are facing criminal charges, a traffic ticket, or a civil dispute in Roscommon or Ogemaw Counties, your case will almost certainly begin in the 82nd District Court. Understanding the specific role, jurisdiction, and procedures of this court is a critical first step in navigating the local justice system effectively, especially when your freedom, driving privileges, or financial well-being are at stake.

Court Locations, Key Personnel, and Local Law Enforcement

The 82nd District Court serves both Roscommon and Ogemaw Counties, with a dedicated courthouse in each location. The Honorable Richard B. Trumble presides as the District Judge for the 82nd District Court, overseeing cases from both counties.

• Roscommon County: The court is located in the Roscommon County Building & Courthouse at 500 Lake Street, Roscommon, MI 48653. This building also houses the 34th Circuit Court and the Roscommon County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
• Ogemaw County: The courthouse is situated in the Ogemaw County Building at 806 W. Houghton Ave., West Branch, MI 48661, which it also shares with the 34th Circuit Court and the Ogemaw County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

Cases heard in these courts often originate from investigations conducted by various local and state police agencies. Understanding which agency initiated your case can be important for obtaining police reports and understanding the initial investigation.

• Roscommon County Law Enforcement: The primary agencies include the Roscommon County Sheriff's Department (111 S. Second St., Roscommon, MI 48653), the Michigan State Police Houghton Lake Post, the Houghton Lake Police Department, and the Roscommon Village Police Department.
• Ogemaw County Law Enforcement: Cases are frequently initiated by the Ogemaw County Sheriff's Office (912 W. Houghton Ave., West Branch, MI 48661), the Michigan State Police West Branch Post, and the West Branch City Police Department.

The prosecution of these cases is handled by the respective county's prosecuting attorney.

• The Roscommon County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is located at 500 Lake St., Roscommon, MI 48653.
• The Ogemaw County Prosecuting Attorney's Office can be found at 806 W. Houghton Ave., West Branch, MI 48661.

For individuals who are detained pending trial or serving short sentences, Roscommon County utilizes the Roscommon County Jail at 111 South Second Street, Roscommon, MI 48653. Ogemaw County uses the Ogemaw County Jail & Corrections facility at 912 W. Houghton Avenue, West Branch, MI 48661. These facilities primarily house individuals awaiting court proceedings or serving misdemeanor sentences (up to one year). Those sentenced to longer periods for felony convictions are typically transferred to state correctional facilities.

Jurisdiction: Types of Cases Handled

The 82nd District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction, meaning it handles specific types of legal matters as defined by Michigan law. As the court with which most citizens interact, it is often referred to as "the people's court." Its responsibilities are broad and integral to the daily administration of justice in the community.

Criminal Cases

In the criminal arena, the court presides over all misdemeanor cases from the initial arraignment (where charges are formally presented and bond conditions are set) through pre-trial conferences, plea negotiations, trials (both bench and jury), and finally, sentencing. Misdemeanors are offenses for which the maximum penalty does not exceed one year in jail.

For more serious felony charges (offenses punishable by more than one year in state prison), the 82nd District Court conducts the preliminary stages, which are critical for a criminal defense. These stages include:

• Arraignment on the Warrant: The initial hearing where the defendant is informed of the felony charges and bond is set.
• Preliminary Examination: A crucial hearing where a judge determines if there is sufficient probable cause to believe that a crime was committed and that the defendant committed it. If probable cause is found, the case is "bound over" to the 34th Circuit Court for further proceedings. This is not a determination of guilt, but rather whether there is enough evidence to proceed.

Traffic and Other Violations

A significant portion of the court's docket involves traffic infractions and other violations. It's important to distinguish between civil infractions and criminal misdemeanors within this category, as the penalties and legal implications vary significantly. This includes:

• Civil Infractions: Speeding tickets, failure to yield, seatbelt violations, and other non-criminal traffic offenses. These typically result in fines, costs, and points on your driving record, but no jail time.
• Criminal Traffic Misdemeanors: More serious offenses like Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Driving While License Suspended (DWLS), reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident. These carry potential jail time, significant fines, license sanctions, and a criminal record.
• Violations related to boating, fishing, and hunting.
• Offenses involving snowmobiles and other outdoor recreational vehicles.
• Citations for state park and land use violations.
• Animal control violations.

Civil Matters

The court also resolves a variety of civil disputes, including:

• Small claims cases: Disputes involving amounts up to $7,000, often handled without attorneys.
• General civil litigation: Cases where the amount in controversy is up to $25,000.
• Landlord-tenant disputes and land contract issues: Actions related to evictions, unpaid rent, and property possession.
• Civil municipal infractions: Violations of local ordinances that are not deemed criminal, such as zoning violations or blight citations.

Unique Court Procedures and Important Information

The 82nd District Court, like all Michigan courts, operates under specific rules and procedures that are important for anyone with a case before it to know.

• "Weapons-Free" Policy: Both the Roscommon County Courthouse and the Ogemaw County Building are designated as "weapons-free" facilities. This policy strictly prohibits any weapons in the building, even for individuals with a concealed weapons permit. This is mandated by Michigan law (MCL 750.234d) for all courthouses statewide, and strict compliance is required.
• Remote Appearances: For those unable to appear in person, the court may permit remote appearances via video conference (e.g., Zoom), especially for initial proceedings like arraignments or pre-trial conferences. However, a formal "Request to Appear Remotely Form" must typically be filled out and submitted at least three business days before the scheduled hearing. Approval is discretionary and subject to the judge's decision, often depending on the nature of the hearing. If approved, it is critical to ensure you have reliable technology and can appear from a private, professional, and quiet setting.
• Probation Department: The court operates a dedicated Probation Department, staffed by probation officers, to supervise individuals sentenced to probation. Probation involves specific conditions (e.g., regular reporting, drug/alcohol testing, counseling, community service, no new offenses) that must be strictly followed. Violations of probation can lead to serious consequences, including jail time.
• Court Clerk: The court clerk's office handles filings, scheduling, and general inquiries. It's the primary administrative point of contact for procedural questions.
• Legal Counsel: Given the complexities of the legal system, especially in criminal and serious traffic matters, securing experienced legal counsel is highly advisable. An attorney can navigate procedures, protect your rights, negotiate with the prosecuting attorney, and present your best defense.

For comprehensive information, including forms, specific contact details, and current administrative orders, please visit the official court website, which primarily operates through the Roscommon County portal for both counties: https://www.roscommoncounty.net/154/82nd-District-Court.