98th District Court Criminal Defense

Navigating the 98th District Court in Gogebic and Ontonagon Counties

If you're facing a criminal charge, dealing with a traffic ticket, or involved in a local civil dispute in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, your case will likely begin in the 98th District Court. This court serves the residents of both Gogebic and Ontonagon counties, playing a crucial role in the local justice system. Understanding the court's function and where to go is the first step in navigating your legal matter. Given the complexities of the legal system, especially with criminal allegations, it is highly advisable to seek experienced legal counsel as early as possible to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome.

The 98th District Court has two locations, one in each county it serves:

• Gogebic County: The court is located in the historic Gogebic County Courthouse at 200 N. Moore St., Bessemer, MI 49911.
• Ontonagon County: The court is situated in the Ontonagon County Courthouse at 725 Greenland Road, Ontonagon, MI 49953.

For specific information and resources, you can visit the official Gogebic County 98th District Court website.

Types of Cases Handled by the 98th District Court

As part of Michigan's judicial system, district courts are often called "the people's court" because they handle a wide array of cases that impact citizens' daily lives. The 98th District Court has limited jurisdiction and is the starting point for all adult criminal cases.

The types of cases heard in this court include:

• Misdemeanor Criminal Charges: These are offenses where the maximum penalty is one year or less in jail, along with potential fines, probation, community service, and other conditions. This includes common charges like drunk driving (Operating While Intoxicated - OWI), domestic violence, and retail fraud (theft). The court will handle all aspects of these cases, from the initial arraignment (where charges are read and bond is set) to potential plea negotiations, trials, and sentencing. Even misdemeanors can carry serious consequences, including impacts on employment, professional licensing, and driving privileges.
• Felony Preliminary Examinations: For more serious crimes classified as felonies (punishable by more than a year in prison), the 98th District Court conducts the initial phases. This includes the arraignment and a critical preliminary examination. During this adversarial hearing, an examining magistrate determines if there is enough probable cause to believe that a crime was committed and that the defendant committed it. The prosecution presents evidence, and the defense has the opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and present arguments. If probable cause is found, the case is "bound over" to the 32nd Circuit Court for further proceedings, including trial.
• Traffic Tickets and Violations: The court processes everything from minor civil infractions, such as speeding tickets, which typically result in fines and points on a driver's license but no jail time, to more serious traffic-related misdemeanors. Misdemeanor traffic offenses, like reckless driving or Operating While Intoxicated, can carry potential jail sentences, significant fines, extensive points, and mandatory driver's license suspensions or revocations.
• Civil Lawsuits: The court presides over general civil cases where the amount in dispute is up to $25,000.
• Landlord-Tenant Disputes: Issues between landlords and tenants, such as evictions (summary proceedings to recover possession of premises) and disputes over security deposits, are handled in this court.
• Small Claims: A division of the district court, the small claims division, hears cases for money damages up to a specific limit, currently $7,000, in a less formal setting where parties typically represent themselves without attorneys.

The 98th District Court's Place in the Michigan Court System

Michigan's trial courts consist of district courts, circuit courts, and probate courts. The 98th District Court is the first tier of the trial court system, serving as the primary point of contact for most citizens interacting with the judicial system.

Cases that are beyond the district court's jurisdiction, such as felony trials, civil cases with claims over $25,000, and family law matters (like divorce, child custody, and child support), are handled by the 32nd Circuit Court, which also serves Gogebic and Ontonagon counties. Appeals from final judgments or convictions in the 98th District Court are typically filed in the 32nd Circuit Court.

A Court Specific to the Western Upper Peninsula

The 98th District Court is uniquely shaped by the communities it serves. Its jurisdiction covers the entirety of two large, rural counties in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula. The cases heard often reflect the specific character and challenges of the region, including issues related to outdoor recreation, natural resources, and local economies.

The Gogebic County Courthouse in Bessemer is a landmark in itself, a historic structure built from red sandstone quarried nearby in the late 19th century. This stands in contrast to the more modern Ontonagon County Courthouse, which was constructed in the late 1970s. This blend of historical and contemporary facilities reflects the enduring and evolving nature of justice in these communities. The court's operations and the types of local ordinance cases it hears are directly tied to the towns and townships within Gogebic and Ontonagon counties, often including violations related to recreational vehicles (ORVs), conservation laws, local nuisance ordinances, and zoning issues.