63rd District Court Criminal Defense

Navigating the 63rd District Court in Kent County

If you are facing a legal issue in Kent County, understanding the specific court that will handle your case is a critical first step. For many residents, that court is the 63rd District Court. Located at 1950 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 44525, this court is a central hub for a wide range of legal matters originating in the surrounding townships and cities that fall within its specific jurisdiction. This includes, but is not limited to, the City of East Grand Rapids, Ada Township, Algoma Township, Bowne Township, Caledonia Township, Cascade Township, Gaines Township, Grand Rapids Township, Lowell Township, and Vergennes Township.

Its location places it strategically within the broader legal landscape of Grand Rapids. Other key facilities are located nearby, including the main Kent County Courthouse at 180 Ottawa Ave NW, which houses the 17th Circuit Court and the Kent County Probate Court, and the Kent County Correctional Facility at 703 Ball Avenue NE, where individuals awaiting trial or serving misdemeanor sentences may be held.

What Types of Cases Does the 63rd District Court Handle?

As a trial court of limited jurisdiction, the 63rd District Court is the starting point for nearly all criminal cases in its territory and handles specific civil, landlord-tenant, and traffic matters.

• Criminal Charges: The court presides over all adult misdemeanor offenses where the potential penalty is up to one year of imprisonment in the county jail and/or a fine. Common examples include charges of drunk driving (OWI), retail fraud (shoplifting), domestic violence, minor in possession of alcohol, and various assault and battery offenses.

  For more serious felony charges, the 63rd District Court conducts the initial phases. These include the arraignment on the warrant/complaint (where a "not guilty" plea is almost always entered for a felony, and bond is set), followed by a probable cause conference, and then the preliminary examination. The preliminary examination is a critical hearing where the prosecutor must present enough evidence to convince the court that there is probable cause to believe a crime was committed and that the defendant committed it, thus justifying "binding over" the case to the 17th Circuit Court for trial. Having experienced legal counsel during these initial felony stages is crucial, as decisions made here can significantly impact the entire case.

• Traffic Tickets and Civil Infractions: The court handles all traffic violations and other civil infractions (such as municipal ordinance violations). Many of these cases, such as a routine speeding ticket, are initially addressed through an informal hearing with a court magistrate. It is important to understand that while attorneys are not prohibited from attending informal hearings, the informal process is designed for individuals to speak directly with the magistrate. If you wish to have an attorney formally represent you or challenge the ticket in a more adversarial setting, you or your attorney would typically request a formal hearing before a judge or magistrate, where the police officer who issued the ticket must appear.

• Civil Lawsuits: The court's jurisdiction includes general civil cases where the amount in dispute is $25,000 or less. It also manages Small Claims matters for disputes up to $6,500, which are typically handled without attorneys for either party. Furthermore, the court has jurisdiction over Landlord-Tenant disputes (e.g., non-payment of rent, eviction proceedings, property damage claims) and land contract forfeitures, which often involve complex legal issues and strict timelines.

How the Court Fits into the Kent County Legal System

In Michigan, District Courts are the local courts that handle the initial stages of all legal proceedings. Every felony case in Kent County begins in a District Court like the 63rd. After the preliminary examination, if the case is "bound over" (meaning the judge finds sufficient probable cause), it moves to the 17th Circuit Court for further proceedings, including additional pretrial hearings, plea negotiations, and potentially a jury trial.

The Kent County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, led by Christopher Becker, represents the state or county in the criminal cases brought before the court. These cases are filed in the 63rd District Court by various local law enforcement agencies operating within its judicial district, including the Kent County Sheriff's Department, Michigan State Police, and various township police departments (e.g., Ada Township Police, Gaines Township Police, Cascade Township Police).

One key procedural detail for misdemeanor charges is that an attorney can often waive the defendant's appearance at the initial arraignment by filing a written appearance and plea on their behalf. In this instance, the attorney can enter a "not guilty" plea for you, and the court will schedule the first pretrial conference, saving you a trip to court and allowing immediate legal representation. However, the court always retains the discretion to require a defendant's presence, particularly in serious misdemeanor cases or where specific conditions of bond may be discussed.

For more detailed information, including court dockets, contact information, specific procedural rules, and a map of its jurisdiction, you can visit the official 63rd District Court website.