67th District Court Criminal Defense

Navigating the 67th District Court in Genesee County: A Comprehensive Guide for Defendants

If you are facing criminal charges, dealing with a traffic ticket, or involved in a civil dispute in Genesee County, your case will almost certainly begin in the 67th District Court. Understanding the court's role, locations, and procedures is a critical first step in navigating the local legal system. Given the complexities involved, especially in criminal matters, consulting with an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney from the outset is highly recommended to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome.

The official website for the court, which provides valuable information and resources, can be found at: https://www.67thdc.com/.

Court Locations and Divisions

Unlike a single central courthouse, the 67th District Court operates as a single court district with judges assigned to multiple locations. These locations are divided into several divisions that serve specific municipalities within Genesee County. It is crucial to identify the correct division and location for your case, as appearing at the wrong one can lead to delays or even a warrant for failure to appear. The court has divisions serving Flint, Flushing, Davison, Burton, Mt. Morris, Fenton, and Grand Blanc.

• First Division (Flushing): Serves Flushing, Montrose, Thetford, and Vienna Townships, and the cities of Flushing, Clio, and Montrose.
• Second Division A (Davison): Serves Davison, Forest, Richfield, and Atlas Townships, and the cities of Davison and the villages of Goodrich and Otisville.
• Second Division B (Burton): This location exclusively serves the City of Burton.
• Third Division (Mt. Morris): Handles cases for Mt. Morris Township, Genesee Township, and the City of Mt. Morris.
• Fourth Division A (Fenton): Serves Fenton, Argentine, Gaines, and Clayton Townships, the cities of Fenton, Linden, and Swartz Creek, and the villages of Gaines and Lennon.
• Fourth Division B (Grand Blanc): This division covers Grand Blanc and Mundy Townships and the City of Grand Blanc.
• Central Court (Flint): The downtown Flint location, situated in the McCree Building, serves the entire City of Flint.

The Role of the 67th District Court in Michigan's Legal System

In Michigan, the court system is multi-tiered. The 67th District Court, often referred to as "the people's court," is the initial entry point for most citizens who interact with the justice system. It has limited jurisdiction, meaning it handles specific types of cases as defined by state law.

The 67th District Court's authority primarily covers:

• Criminal Misdemeanors: This includes all criminal cases where the maximum possible penalty is one year or less in jail, and/or a fine. Common examples in District Court include Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Domestic Violence (misdemeanor), Retail Fraud (2nd or 3rd degree), Driving While License Suspended (DWLS), and various assault charges.
• Felony Preliminary Hearings: The 67th District Court handles the initial stages of all felony cases. This includes the Arraignment on the Warrant, where the defendant is formally advised of the charges and bond is set; the Probable Cause Conference, a procedural hearing to discuss the case with the prosecution; and most critically, the Preliminary Examination. The Preliminary Exam is a crucial hearing where the prosecutor must present enough evidence to show probable cause that a crime was committed and that the defendant committed it. If probable cause is found, the case is "bound over" to the 7th Judicial Circuit Court for trial. This stage is critical for defense strategy, as an experienced attorney can challenge evidence and witness testimony.
• Traffic and Civil Infractions: This encompasses most traffic violations (e.g., speeding tickets, disregarding a stop sign), which are non-criminal civil infractions. It also includes other non-criminal ordinance violations. It's important to distinguish these from misdemeanor traffic offenses (like OWI or DWLS) which carry potential jail time and appear on your criminal record.
• Civil Disputes: The court has jurisdiction over lawsuits with claims up to $25,000.
• Landlord-Tenant Issues: This includes disputes between landlords and tenants, as well as eviction proceedings.

Cases involving more serious felonies (punishable by more than one year in prison), civil claims exceeding $25,000, and all family law matters (such as divorce, child custody, and support) are handled by the 7th Judicial Circuit Court. This is the trial court of general jurisdiction in Genesee County, located in the Genesee County Courthouse at 110 St. Joseph Street in Flint. The Circuit Court also handles appeals from the 67th District Court.

Key Local Justice System Partners

When dealing with a case in the 67th District Court, you will interact with or be affected by several other local agencies:

• Prosecuting Attorney: All criminal cases are prosecuted by the Genesee County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, currently led by Prosecutor David Leyton. This office reviews police reports, decides what criminal charges to formally file (a process known as "charging"), and engages in plea bargaining with defense attorneys to resolve cases.
• Law Enforcement: Cases originate from various police agencies operating within the court's jurisdiction. This includes the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, the Michigan State Police Flint Post, and numerous municipal departments such as the Flint Police Department, Metro Police Authority of Genesee County (serving Mundy and Grand Blanc Townships), Burton Police Department, Grand Blanc Township Police Department, Fenton Police Department, Davison Police Department, and others.
• Jail and Detention: If an arrest is made, the individual is typically held at the Genesee County Jail, located at 1002 South Saginaw Street in Flint. The jail is managed by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office. Weekend and holiday arraignments are conducted remotely, and schedules are usually displayed in the jail lobby. If a loved one is arrested and detained, it is crucial to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. They can help determine bond conditions and advocate for their client's rights during this critical initial period. While in jail, individuals generally have access to phones (for collect calls) and limited visitation; specific rules should be verified directly with the jail.

Specific Procedures and Programs in Genesee County

The 67th District Court has several specific practices and programs that are important for defendants and their families to know:

• Warrants: If you have an outstanding warrant from the 67th District Court, it is strongly advised to contact a criminal defense attorney before attempting to address it. While the court does have specific walk-in hours for addressing outstanding warrants (typically from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, depending on the division), walking in without counsel means you could be immediately arrested, and bond could be set high. An attorney can often arrange for a "walk-through" or a motion to recall the warrant, potentially allowing you to appear before a judge on a specific date without immediate arrest, and argue for a favorable bond.
• Bonds: The court is responsible for setting and accepting bail bonds in criminal matters. The purpose of a bond is to ensure the defendant's appearance in court for future proceedings. Types of bonds can include:
  • Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: Release on your own promise to appear, often with conditions.
  • 10% Cash Bond: You pay 10% of the total bond amount to the court, which is typically refunded if all court appearances are made.
  • Full Cash Bond: You pay the entire bond amount in cash.
  • Surety Bond: You pay a non-refundable fee (usually 10%) to a bail bond company, which then guarantees the full amount to the court.
  A judge considers factors like flight risk, community ties, and public safety when setting bond.
• Remote Hearings: The 67th District Court actively utilizes technology, offering remote proceedings via Zoom for certain matters. These commonly include initial arraignments, bond reviews, and some probable cause conferences. However, not all hearings are remote, and it is essential to confirm the format (in-person or virtual) for your specific court date by checking the court's website, your court notice, or by contacting your attorney or the court clerk.
• Sobriety Court: For individuals facing repeat or serious alcohol-related offenses, the 67th District Court operates a specialized Sobriety Court program. This program is an alternative to traditional incarceration, offering an intensive, treatment-focused approach aimed at rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. Participants undergo frequent drug and alcohol testing, attend regular court hearings, engage in counseling, and are closely monitored. Successful completion of Sobriety Court can lead to dismissal of charges, reduced penalties, or other favorable outcomes, but it requires significant commitment and compliance.

Understanding these hyper-local details and the legal landscape is the first critical step toward effectively addressing your legal matter in the 67th District Court. However, navigating this system without experienced legal representation can be daunting and fraught with peril. An attorney specializing in Michigan criminal defense can provide invaluable guidance, protect your rights, and advocate on your behalf every step of the way.