24th District Court Criminal Defense

Navigating Justice in Wayne County: A Guide to the 24th District Court

If you're facing a legal matter in Allen Park or Melvindale, your case will almost certainly be heard at the 24th District Court. This court is a cornerstone of the local justice system, handling a wide array of cases that directly impact the community. For anyone accused of a crime, this court serves as the critical entry point into the legal system, where initial decisions about bond, charges, and legal representation are made, decisions that can profoundly influence the entire trajectory of a case.

The courthouse is conveniently located at 6515 Roosevelt Road, Allen Park, MI 48101. As a court of limited jurisdiction, it serves as the foundational level for virtually all legal disputes, both civil and criminal, that arise within these two cities.

The Role of the 24th District Court in Michigan's Legal System

Michigan's court system is structured in four tiers, not three. These tiers include:

1. District Courts: Local trial courts with limited jurisdiction (where most cases begin).
2. Circuit Courts: General jurisdiction trial courts (handling all felonies, larger civil cases, and appeals from District Courts).
3. Court of Appeals: Intermediate appellate court.
4. Supreme Court: The highest court in the state.

The 24th District Court is one of over 100 district courts across the state and operates within this foundational level. These courts are often called "the people's court" because they handle the largest volume of cases each year, making them the most direct interaction point for citizens with the justice system.

Cases that originate in the 24th District Court can, in some instances, be appealed. Misdemeanor convictions or adverse rulings in civil cases from the 24th District Court are appealed to the Wayne County Circuit Court. It's important to understand that while the Circuit Court hears appeals from District Court, it also has original jurisdiction over all felony cases, which means felony trials are conducted at the Circuit Court level after initial proceedings in the District Court.

Types of Cases Handled

The 24th District Court has jurisdiction over a variety of civil and criminal matters, making it a busy and diverse court. This includes:

• Criminal Offenses: This is a crucial area for defense. The court handles all misdemeanors, which are crimes with a potential maximum sentence of up to one year in jail and/or a fine. Common examples include:

  • Operating While Intoxicated (OWI/Drunk Driving): Including OWI, OWPD (Operating While Presence of Drugs), and Impaired Driving offenses.
  • Domestic Violence: Charges often leading to strict bond conditions, including No Contact Orders.
  • Assault and Battery: Including simple assault.
  • Retail Fraud (Shoplifting): Cases involving property theft.
  • Disorderly Conduct: Offenses involving public disturbance.

  For misdemeanors, the court handles arraignments (where charges are formally read and pleas are entered), bond hearings (determining release conditions), pre-trial conferences, and potentially bench trials (before a judge) or jury trials.

  The court also conducts the initial proceedings for felony cases. These "initial proceedings" are critically important stages where a skilled criminal defense attorney can significantly impact the case. They include:

  • Arraignment on the Warrant: Where a defendant is formally advised of felony charges and bond is set.
  • Probable Cause Conference: An opportunity for the defense to discuss the case with the prosecution and potentially resolve it before a preliminary examination.
  • Preliminary Examination: This is a mini-trial where the prosecution must present enough evidence to demonstrate 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 Wayne County Circuit Court for further proceedings. A strong defense at this stage can lead to dismissal or reduction of charges.

• Traffic and Ordinance Violations: Most traffic tickets (excluding serious felonies like Fleeing and Eluding, which start in District Court but are bound over) and violations of local city ordinances for Allen Park and Melvindale are resolved in this court. These can range from speeding tickets to civil infractions, but also include criminal traffic offenses like Driving While License Suspended (DWLS), which can carry significant penalties, including potential jail time, fines, and extended license suspensions.

• Civil Litigation: The court presides over general civil lawsuits where the amount in dispute is $25,000 or less. This also includes specialized cases like small claims cases (up to $7,000) and landlord-tenant disputes (including evictions and disputes over security deposits).

Specific to Allen Park and Melvindale

What makes the 24th District Court uniquely local is its exclusive jurisdiction over the cities of Allen Park and Melvindale. The court's operations are deeply intertwined with these communities. The judges and staff are highly familiar with local law enforcement, city attorneys, and the specific issues affecting residents of these two cities. This local familiarity can cut both ways in a criminal defense context, while it means local nuances are understood, it also means that the court might have a particular perspective on certain types of offenses prevalent in the area.

The 24th District Court is served by two elected judges who hear these local cases. As of the current term, the judges are often praised for their diligence and commitment to justice within their jurisdiction. For anyone facing charges, having a local criminal defense attorney who is familiar with the specific practices, procedures, and even the individual tendencies of the judges and prosecuting attorneys in the 24th District Court can be a distinct advantage. This familiarity can be critical in negotiating pleas, understanding bond conditions, and presenting a compelling defense.

For more detailed information, including court dockets, specific judge assignments, holiday schedules, and contact information, you can visit the official 24th District Court website. The website provides valuable resources for looking up case information, understanding court procedures, and accessing forms. When appearing in court, always dress respectfully, arrive early, and bring all relevant documents and identification.