85th District Court Criminal Defense

Navigating the 85th District Court in Benzie and Manistee Counties

If you are facing criminal charges, a traffic ticket, or a civil dispute in Benzie or Manistee County, your case will likely be handled by the 85th District Court. Understanding the court's locations, jurisdiction, and role within the Michigan judicial system is a critical first step in addressing your legal matter. It is highly advisable to seek legal counsel immediately upon learning of charges against you, as early intervention can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Court Locations and Local Law Enforcement

The 85th District Court maintains two primary locations to serve both counties effectively:

• For Benzie County cases: The court is located on the upper level of the Benzie County Government Center at 448 Court Place, Beulah, MI 49617. This central location is particularly convenient as it also houses the 19th Judicial Circuit Court for Benzie County, the Benzie County Clerk's Office, the Benzie County Prosecutor's Office, and the Benzie County Sheriff's Office. This proximity means that many of the key entities involved in your case, from the arresting police agency to the prosecuting attorney, are located within the same complex. Individuals awaiting trial for matters handled by the District Court in Benzie County are generally held at the Benzie County Jail, which is operated by the Sheriff's Office Corrections Division, also located in the Government Center.
• For Manistee County cases: The court's Manistee division is located at 415 Third Street, Manistee, MI 49660. This location similarly provides access to local legal resources, including the Manistee County Prosecutor's Office and the Manistee County Sheriff's Office. Individuals facing charges in Manistee County are typically held at the Manistee County Jail.

Cases heard in the 85th District Court typically originate from a variety of local and state law enforcement agencies. These include the Benzie County Sheriff's Office, the Manistee County Sheriff's Office, various local police departments (such as the Frankfort Police Department, Honor Police Department, Beulah Police Department, Manistee City Police Department, Bear Lake Police Department, and Onekama Police Department), and the Michigan State Police posts that patrol the Benzie and Manistee County areas.

Types of Cases Handled by the 85th District Court

The 85th District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction, meaning it handles specific types of cases as outlined by Michigan law. The primary matters addressed by this court include:

• Misdemeanor Criminal Offenses: These are considered less serious crimes under Michigan law, typically punishable by up to one year in the county jail, fines of up to $1,000 (or more for specific offenses like OWI), probation, community service, restitution, and other penalties. While often considered "minor," a misdemeanor conviction can still result in a criminal record, impact employment and housing opportunities, affect professional licenses, and carry significant long-term consequences (e.g., driver's license sanctions for certain offenses, loss of firearm rights for domestic violence convictions).
• Traffic and Municipal Civil Infractions: This category includes speeding tickets, parking violations, seatbelt infractions, and other non-criminal violations of Michigan traffic laws and local ordinances. Unlike misdemeanor offenses, civil infractions do not carry potential jail time and do not result in a criminal record; however, they can result in civil fines, costs, and points being assessed against your driving record, which can lead to increased insurance premiums or, with enough points, driver's license suspension.
• General Civil Lawsuits: The court presides over civil disputes where the amount in controversy is $25,000 or less. These cases involve disputes between parties seeking monetary damages or other non-criminal remedies.
• Landlord-Tenant Disputes and Small Claims: The court provides a forum for resolving issues between landlords and tenants, including eviction proceedings and disputes over property or rent. It also handles small claims hearings, which allow individuals to resolve civil disputes without attorneys for claims involving $7,000 or less.

The 85th District Court is presided over by the Honorable John D. Mead and the Honorable Thomas C. Emmet. The court also performs civil weddings. For misdemeanor offenses, probation services are handled by the court's probation officers, with James Monette serving as a probation officer for the Benzie County division. Probation often involves specific conditions, such as regular reporting, drug and alcohol testing, counseling, and community service.

You can find more information on the court's functions and personnel, as well as specific contact details for each county's division, on its official websites:

• Benzie County: https://www.benzieco.gov/government/85th_district_court.php
• Manistee County: https://www.manisteecounty.gov/220/District-Court

The 85th District Court's Role in the Michigan Court System

Michigan's judicial system is structured as a "One Court of Justice," with different levels of courts handling specific types of cases. The District Court is the trial court where most legal proceedings, particularly criminal cases, begin.

While the 85th District Court handles the initial phases of all criminal cases, it only has the authority to conduct trials for misdemeanors. For felony cases, more serious crimes punishable by more than a year in state prison, the District Court's role is to conduct initial proceedings, which include:

• Arraignment: This is the defendant's first appearance before a judge, where they are informed of the charges against them, advised of their constitutional rights (including the right to an attorney and the right to remain silent), and a plea of guilty, not guilty, or stand mute is entered. Bail conditions are typically set at this stage.
• Preliminary Examination: For felony cases, this is a hearing where the prosecutor must present enough evidence to demonstrate that a crime was likely committed and that there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed it. If probable cause is found, the case is then "bound over" to the Circuit Court for further proceedings.

If a case involves a felony, it will be transferred to the 19th Judicial Circuit Court after these preliminary proceedings in the District Court. The 19th Judicial Circuit Court serves both Benzie and Manistee Counties and has jurisdiction over all felony criminal cases, as well as civil lawsuits involving disputes for more than $25,000.

The 85th District Court typically operates its administrative offices Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding major holidays. However, specific court sessions, hearings, and trial times will vary. It is essential to confirm the exact schedule for your case directly with the court or your legal counsel.