18th District Court Criminal Defense

Navigating the 18th District Court in Westland, Michigan

If you are facing a criminal charge, traffic ticket, or civil dispute arising in the city of Westland, your case will be heard at the 18th District Court. Understanding the court's jurisdiction, procedures, and key personnel is the first step in building a strong defense. Crucially, engaging an experienced criminal defense attorney as early as possible can significantly impact the outcome of your case. This guide provides essential, hyper-local information about this specific courthouse.

The 18th District Court is located at 36675 Ford Rd., Westland, MI 48185. The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

How the 18th District Court Fits into Michigan's Judicial System

In Michigan, district courts are the trial courts of limited jurisdiction. They are the starting point for all criminal cases, from traffic infractions to felony charges. The 18th District Court has jurisdiction over all misdemeanor offenses and city ordinance violations that occur within the city of Westland.

For more serious offenses, classified as felonies, the court's role is to handle the initial stages of the case. This includes the arraignment, where the charges are formally read, rights are explained, and bond conditions are set. Following this, the court conducts the preliminary examination, a critical hearing where a judge determines if there is sufficient probable cause to believe a crime was committed and that the defendant committed it, thereby allowing the case to proceed to the higher court. If the case is "bound over," it is transferred to the Wayne County Circuit Court in Detroit for further proceedings, including the Arraignment on the Information and, if necessary, trial.

The 18th District Court also handles a variety of civil matters, including general civil lawsuits with claims up to $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, land contract issues, and small claims cases.

Types of Criminal Cases Handled at the 18th District Court

The court presides over a wide range of criminal charges and civil infractions. Unlike criminal charges which can result in jail time, a criminal record, and significant fines, civil infractions typically involve monetary fines and, for traffic violations, points on your driving record. The Westland Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency bringing cases to this court and is known for its aggressive DUI task force.

Common criminal charges include:

• Drunk Driving (DUI/OWI) – Operating While Intoxicated offenses, which can carry severe penalties including jail, heavy fines, license sanctions, and ignition interlock device requirements.
• Domestic Violence
• Assault and Battery
• Retail Fraud (Shoplifting)
• Drug Offenses – ranging from possession to delivery charges, which can be misdemeanors or felonies depending on the substance and quantity.
• Disorderly Conduct
• Traffic Violations – including both civil infractions (like speeding) and criminal misdemeanors (like Driving While License Suspended (DWLS) or Reckless Driving).

Prosecutors, Jail, and Court Procedures

Who Prosecutes the Case?

Depending on the charge, one of two prosecutorial bodies will handle your case. Understanding which prosecutor's office is handling your case is vital, as their policies and plea bargaining approaches can differ significantly:

• City of Westland: For city ordinance violations and many drunk driving cases, the prosecuting attorney is from the law firm Fausone Bohn LLP, which serves as the city's legal counsel. These cases are often charged under a local ordinance that mirrors state law, and in some instances, may offer different avenues for resolution.
• Wayne County Prosecutor's Office: For state law misdemeanors and all felony preliminary examinations, your case will be prosecuted by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, led by Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy.

Where are Defendants Held?

If an individual is arrested in Westland and held in custody, they are typically first processed at the Westland Police Department, which has temporary holding cells. For extended custody, they are then transferred to the Wayne County Jail in Detroit.

Bond procedures:

• A judge at the 18th District Court will determine bond conditions and amounts, usually at your arraignment. Bond can include personal recognizance, 10% cash, or surety bonds.
• If a bond is set, it can be paid 24/7 directly at the Wayne County Jail.
• However, during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM), cash bonds and fines for cases handled by the 18th District Court after an arraignment or court appearance may also be paid directly at the 18th District Court.
• It is important to note that the 18th District Court does not accept credit cards for bond payments, restitution, or escrow. Cash or certified funds (money order, cashier's check) are typically required.

Unique Court Programs and Procedures

The 18th District Court has several specific programs and procedures:

• Specialty Courts: The court operates a Sobriety Court program designed for individuals whose criminal offenses are linked to substance abuse. Participation in this program can lead to intensive treatment, regular court appearances, and potentially reduced penalties or even dismissal of charges upon successful completion. Additionally, Judge Sandra Ference Cicirelli presides over a Teen Court program, which offers a peer-led diversion opportunity for first-time juvenile offenders, focusing on restorative justice and accountability.
• Warrants: If you have an outstanding criminal warrant, it is highly advisable to consult with an attorney before attempting to address it. Appearing at the courthouse in person carries the risk of immediate arrest. However, if you choose to appear, the court generally sets aside time on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday between 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM for warrant resolution. During these times, a court-appointed attorney is typically available for indigent criminal defendants. While you may email the court for information regarding a warrant, physically appearing or having an attorney intervene is generally required for active resolution of a criminal arrest warrant, which often involves an arraignment and bond setting. An attorney can sometimes facilitate quashing or recalling a warrant without you needing to be taken into custody.
• Online Services: The court offers an online case inquiry system to look up public court dockets. It also supports electronic filing through MiFILE, a system for attorneys and parties to submit legal documents electronically.

For official information, forms, and announcements directly from the court, please visit the official 18th District Court website.