15th District Court Criminal Defense

Navigating the 15th District Court in Washtenaw County

Located in the heart of Ann Arbor, the 15th District Court is a critical entry point into the Washtenaw County justice system. If you are facing a criminal charge, a traffic violation, or a civil dispute within the City of Ann Arbor, your case will almost certainly begin here. Understanding the court's role, location, and specific procedures is essential for anyone navigating the legal process.

Court Location and Regional Legal Infrastructure

The 15th District Court is situated in the Ann Arbor Justice Center at 301 E. Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. This central location places it in close proximity to other key legal facilities. The Washtenaw County Circuit Court, which handles felony trials and civil cases exceeding the District Court's monetary limits, is also housed within the broader Washtenaw County Trial Court complex in Ann Arbor, creating a concentrated legal hub.

Integral to this system is the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office, whose deputies provide security for the courthouse, ensuring a safe environment for all participants. For individuals held before trial, the Washtenaw County Jail is located nearby at 2201 Hogback Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105.

Jurisdiction: Types of Cases Handled

As a district court, the 15th District Court's jurisdiction is limited to the initial stages of felony cases and the full adjudication of less severe offenses. It serves as the primary venue for cases originating within the City of Ann Arbor.

Criminal Charges:

• Misdemeanors: The court handles all criminal and traffic misdemeanors that are punishable by up to one year in jail and/or substantial fines. These include offenses like OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) first offense, retail fraud, assault and battery, and various driving offenses.
• Ordinance Violations: This includes violations of Ann Arbor City Ordinances and University of Michigan Regents Ordinance Violations, such as noise complaints, public intoxication, or parking infractions on campus.
• Felony Proceedings: The court conducts the first stages of felony cases, including probable cause conferences and preliminary examinations. During a preliminary examination, the prosecutor must present enough evidence to establish probable cause that a felony was committed and that the defendant committed it. If probable cause is found, the case is "bound over" to the Washtenaw County Circuit Court for further proceedings, which may include plea negotiations, motions, and ultimately, trial or sentencing.
• Warrants: The court is responsible for reviewing and issuing arrest and search warrants. This critical function ensures that law enforcement actions are supported by probable cause and adhere to constitutional protections.

Traffic and Civil Cases:

• Traffic Tickets: The court processes all traffic and state civil infractions, ranging from speeding tickets to more serious moving violations.
• Civil Disputes: It has jurisdiction over general civil cases where the amount in dispute is $25,000 or less.
• Small Claims: The court hears small claims cases for disputes up to $7,000, offering a simplified process for individuals to resolve minor financial disagreements without needing an attorney.
• Landlord-Tenant Disputes: All landlord-tenant issues, including possession actions (evictions) and disputes over rent or property damage, are handled here. This also includes land contract forfeitures.

For more information, you can visit the official 15th Judicial District Court website.

What Makes the 15th District Court Specific to Washtenaw?

Several unique practices and programs distinguish the 15th District Court and the broader Washtenaw County justice system, reflecting a progressive approach to criminal justice.

Progressive Bail Policies

The Washtenaw County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, led by Prosecutor Eli Savit, has implemented a significant policy to generally no longer seek cash bail for most misdemeanor and non-violent felony charges. This groundbreaking initiative aims to create a more equitable system where a person's freedom before trial is not determined by their financial status. Instead of requesting a monetary bond, prosecutors typically focus on requesting non-monetary conditions, such as regular check-ins with pre-trial services, electronic tethering, curfews, no-contact orders, or random drug and alcohol testing (DART), to ensure public safety and court appearances. While the prosecutor's office adheres to this policy, it's important to note that judges retain the discretion to set cash bail in individual cases, especially for more serious offenses or where flight risk is high.

Specialty Courts

The court features specialty dockets designed to address the root causes of criminal behavior, focusing on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism:

• Mental Health and Veterans Treatment Courts: Presided over by Judge Karen Quinlan Valvo, these dockets provide judicially supervised, community-based treatment for eligible defendants whose criminal activity is linked to mental health challenges or post-traumatic stress/service-related issues. The goal is to connect individuals with essential services rather than traditional incarceration.
• Sobriety Court: Overseen by Judge S. Kerene Moore, this specialized court helps break the cycle of addiction for individuals whose criminal activity stems from substance abuse, particularly repeat drunk driving offenders. Participants engage in intensive treatment, regular drug/alcohol testing, and judicial oversight to achieve long-term sobriety.

Pre-Trial Services and Diversion Programs

The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division offers comprehensive pre-trial services. These programs assess defendants' risk of flight and danger to the community and provide recommendations to judges regarding appropriate bond conditions that can serve as alternatives to incarceration. These conditions may include varying levels of supervision, such as electronic tethering, house arrest, and random drug and alcohol testing (DART).

Furthermore, Washtenaw County provides a Pre-Plea Diversion Program for certain misdemeanor cases, typically involving first-time offenders or less serious charges. This program allows eligible individuals to access rehabilitative services and adhere to specific conditions (e.g., counseling, community service). Successful completion of this program, which is largely at the prosecutor's discretion, can lead to the dismissal of charges, preventing the long-term consequences of a criminal conviction. A free Ann Arbor Expungement Program, often facilitated by local legal aid organizations like Legal Services of South Central Michigan in collaboration with the court, is also available to help eligible individuals clear past felony and misdemeanor convictions, opening doors to better employment and housing opportunities.

Courtroom Procedures and Logistics

• E-filing: Electronic filing for all general civil, landlord-tenant, and small claims cases is mandatory for attorneys practicing in the 15th District Court. It remains an option for individuals representing themselves (pro se litigants).
• Virtual Hearings: Some hearings may be conducted virtually via Zoom, particularly for initial arraignments, status conferences, and certain motion hearings. A request for a virtual appearance must typically be emailed to the assigned judge's staff at least 24 hours in advance for approval. More substantive proceedings, such as trials, preliminary examinations, or evidentiary hearings, are generally conducted in person.
• Security: All visitors must pass through a security screening process upon entering the Ann Arbor Justice Center, including walking through metal detectors. Prohibited items include all weapons, as well as outside food and beverages, to maintain a safe and orderly court environment.
• Accommodations: The court is committed to accessibility and provides ADA accommodations (for individuals with disabilities) and foreign language interpreters upon prior request. It is crucial to make such requests well in advance to ensure appropriate services are available for your hearing.