33rd District Court in Woodhaven Criminal Defense Attorneys

The 33rd District Court is located in Woodhaven, Michigan. This court is known as a law-and-order court, and if you have a case there, you need the services of a seriously experienced defense attorney.

33rd District Court in Woodhaven -What You Need to Know

The 33rd District Court in Woodhaven, Michigan, serves as the trial court for several Downriver communities, including Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Rockwood, Trenton, Woodhaven, and Brownstown Township. This court primarily handles misdemeanor cases, traffic offenses, civil infractions, and preliminary examinations for felony cases before they are bound over to the circuit court. Additionally, the court hears small claims cases, landlord-tenant disputes, and civil lawsuits where the disputed amount does not exceed $25,000. Given its jurisdiction, the 33rd District Court plays a critical role in processing criminal charges such as operating while intoxicated (OWI), domestic violence, retail fraud, assault and battery, and drug possession. With a reputation for strict enforcement of traffic and criminal laws, anyone facing charges in this court should seek experienced legal representation to protect their rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

Types of Cases Heard in the 33rd District Court in Woodhaven

The 33rd District Court in Woodhaven hears criminal cases and civil infraction matters in addition to its civil docket. Civil infractions are ticket cases that carry fines but cannot result in a jail sentence. The most common civil infractions are traffic tickets. Misdemeanor cases carry potential jail time of up to one year, fines and costs, and up to two years of probation. Misdemeanor hearings include arraignment, pretrials, motions, evidentiary hearings, sentencing, and bench and jury trials.

The three Woodhaven District Court judges also handle the preliminary hearings in felony cases, such as arraignment, probable cause conference (PCC), and preliminary examination. A felony is a criminal case punishable by one year or more in prison. A district judge may see a misdemeanor through to the end, including sentencing and probation supervision, dismissal, or acquittal at trial.

The first hearing in all felony and misdemeanor cases is an arraignment. Arraignments are court hearings where the defendant enters their initial plea, and the judge sets the defendant’s bond and schedules further court dates. Generally, a defendant should “stand mute” when asked how they plead. Once the defendant stands mute, the judge entered a “not guilty” plea on their behalf.

Bond and Bond Violations

At the arraignment hearing, the judge or magistrate sets the defendant’s bond. Unless the defendant can post bond, they remain in custody while the case is litigated through the court system. A defendant posts the bond by paying the amount of money stated in the bond to the 33rd District Court or at the jail. Bond amounts are individualized based on the charges and the facts and circumstances of the defendant. The primary purpose of a bond is to ensure that the defendant will appear at court dates and they are not a danger to the community. Bonds can be “personal,” which means no money is deposited with the court because the defendant promises to appear and comply with their bond conditions.

What if the court accuses the defendant of violating their bond conditions? Bonds often require a defendant to remain crime-free, not use drugs or alcohol, maintain work or school, abide by curfews, and not have contact with the victim or witnesses. Sometimes, mistakes happen, and a defendant might inadvertently or impulsively make a bad decision and violate their bond. Conversely, courts sometimes make mistakes, and defendants are falsely accused of violating their bond conditions. If the judge rules that the defendant violated their bond, they can order the bond revoked and remand the defendant into custody. If someone faces a bond violation accusation, it is imperative they work with a skilled, reputable defense lawyer to avoid potentially severe consequences.

Probation Violations in the 33rd District Court in Woodhaven

The district court judges in Woodhaven’s 33rd District Court place defendants on probation in nearly 90% of cases that result in a misdemeanor conviction. Misdemeanor probation can be for as long as two (2) years. Typical probation conditions include the following:

A defendant facing a probation violation has the right to fight the allegation at a hearing or admit to it with an explanation. The possible penalty for a probation violation is the maximum possible jail sentence on the original offense. The best odds of avoiding a probation violation and jail is with a lawyer who is familiar with the Woodhaven District Court and has a track record of winning, such as the attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C.

Reputable, Effective Felony Defense Attorney

It is essential that a defendant has a reputable, effective defense attorney at all hearings in the 33rd District Court if you face a felony charge arising in Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Rockwood, Trenton, Woodhaven, or Brownstown Township. First, having a respected, retained attorney with you will show the judge you take your case seriously and that you intend to protect and defend yourself. Second, a top-tier defense lawyer gives you the best odds of beating your case or minimizing the consequences. Felony district court hearings include the following:

• Probable Cause Conference (PCC) – The PCC is the first time the prosecutor and defense attorney have a chance to meet, discuss the case, and decide as to potential plea bargains and whether the defendant or the prosecutor will demand a Preliminary Exam hearing in the 33rd District Court in Woodhaven.

• Preliminary Examination – A preliminary exam is like a one-sided mini-trial. The prosecution has the burden of proof to show probable cause to believe the defendant is guilty of the crime charged. District judges at the 33rd District Court in Woodhaven are responsible for making this decision. Both the prosecutor and the defendant have the right to demand the exam. The defendant may waive the exam for strategic reasons. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is “bound over” or sent to the Wayne County Circuit Court for further proceedings. If probable cause is not found, the felony charge will be dismissed.

Types of Misdemeanor Cases

The Woodhaven District Court handles thousands of misdemeanor prosecutions each year. The most common misdemeanor offenses in that court include the following:

Types of Felony Cases

Highly Successful Defense Attorneys for the 33rd District Court in Woodhaven

The criminal defense attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have had great success in the 33rd District Court in Woodhaven. As with all courts in Michigan, we have a mutually respectful relationship with the judges and court staff in the 33rd District Court because they appreciate our professionalism and knowledge of the law. When we walk into court with our clients, the judge knows the client takes their freedom seriously and has obtained the best representation possible. Our objective is always to get charges dismissed and have the case thrown out of court, if possible.

If you have a case in the 33rd District Court in Woodhaven or are under investigation for a matter there, give us a call for a free consultation, and we will explain how we can help you.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.

We will find a way to help you.
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