The 36^th District Court’s address is 421 Madison St, Detroit, MI 48226.

All felony and misdemeanor cases allegedly committed in Detroit originate in the 36^th District Court in Wayne County, Michigan.

What You Need to Know About the 36^th District Court

The 36^th District Court is located at 421 Madison St, Detroit, MI 48226, and its phone number is (313) 965-4158. The Court has jurisdiction over certain types of civil and criminal cases that occur within the city limits. It is one of several district courts in Michigan that serve as the initial point of contact for most legal matters.

The 36th District Court handles various cases, including traffic violations, misdemeanors, felonies, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, and civil cases up to a certain monetary limit. The court also operates specialized programs for drug offenses, mental health issues, and domestic violence cases.

If you have a legal issue that falls within the jurisdiction of the 36th District Court, you may need to appear before a judge or magistrate to resolve the matter. It is vital to consult with an attorney or seek legal advice before going to court to ensure your rights are protected, and you achieve the best possible outcome.

Misdemeanors in the 36^th District Court

The Court’s criminal division handles misdemeanors in the 36th District Court in Detroit. Misdemeanors are considered less serious offenses than felonies and typically carry penalties such as fines, community service, probation, or a short period of incarceration in a local jail.

If you face misdemeanor charges in Detroit, you will typically receive a court summons that directs you to appear in the 36th District Court for an arraignment or surrender at a local Detroit Police precinct. At the arraignment, the magistrate will inform you of the charges and request a plea. If you “stand mute” when asked to enter a plea, the judge or magistrate will enter a not guilty plea on your behalf.

If you plead guilty, the judge might sentence you immediately or set a later date. If you plead not guilty or stand mute, the case might resolve with a plea bargain, get dismissed, or proceed to trial. A judge or a jury hears misdemeanor trials in the 36th District Court.

It’s important to note that each misdemeanor case is unique, and the best strategy can depend on factors such as the nature of the offense, the defendant’s criminal history, and other circumstances surrounding the case. If you are facing misdemeanor charges, it is best to consult with a reputable, winning Detroit defense attorney who can advise you on your legal options and help you navigate the court process.

Detroit Felony Cases in the 36th District Court

The initial proceedings for felony cases in Detroit start in the 36th District Court, but will be transferred to the Wayne County Circuit Court if there is probable cause to believe the charged defendant committed a felony. The 36th District Court judges are responsible for the initial arraignment, probable cause conference (PCC), and preliminary examination (PE) for felony cases arising in Detroit. Obtaining a low or personal bond at felony arraignment is essential because defendants who remain on pretrial release during the pendency of a case tend to get better resolutions and lighter sentences.

If you are facing felony charges in Detroit, it’s essential to seek the advice of a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An experienced, skilled attorney can help you understand the charges against you, protect your legal rights, and navigate the court process.

Felony Probable Cause Conference and Preliminary Examination

In Michigan, a probable cause conference (PCC) is a court hearing occurring in felony cases after the arraignment and before the preliminary examination. The purpose of the PCC is to determine whether (1) there is sufficient evidence to support the charges, (2) if there are evidentiary disputes, (3) to discuss the possibility of a district court resolution (plea bargain), and (4) whether the case should proceed to the preliminary examination.

At the PCC, the prosecutor and defense attorney will discuss the evidence in the case and try to reach a plea agreement, if possible. The defendant may waive their right to a preliminary examination and proceed to trial or request a preliminary examination if they believe that the prosecution does not have enough evidence to support the charges.

If the defense and the government reach a plea agreement, the defendant will enter a guilty or no-contest plea, and the case will proceed to sentencing. If they do not reach an agreement, the matter will proceed to the preliminary examination, where the prosecution must present evidence to show that there is probable cause to believe that the defendant committed the crime. If the judge finds sufficient evidence of a felony, the case will proceed to trial.

The PCC and Preliminary Examination are essential steps in the felony court process in Michigan. They provide an opportunity for the parties to discuss the case and potentially reach a resolution before proceeding to trial. Having an experienced, retained criminal defense attorney present at the PCC and Preliminary Examination is imperative to protect your rights and help you navigate the court process in Detroit.

Getting a Personal or Low Bond at Arraignment in Detroit’s 36th District Court

If you face an arraignment at the 36th District Court, you must take the process seriously. Here are some tips to help you handle your arraignment and get a personal or low bond:

Be on time: Arrive at the court on time or a little early. Being late can result in additional charges or penalties.

Dress appropriately: Dress neatly and conservatively. Avoid wearing clothing that is too casual or revealing.

Bring any necessary documents: If you have any documents related to your case, such as bail money or legal papers, bring them to the arraignment.

Be respectful: Address the judge and court staff with respect and courtesy. Don’t interrupt or speak out of turn.

Listen carefully: Listen carefully to the charges against you and the conditions of your release. Ask questions if you do not understand something.

Consider hiring an attorney: If you are facing felony or misdemeanor charges or have concerns about the legal process, consider hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Enter a plea: Enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Your attorney can advise you on the best plea to enter.

Follow court orders: If the judge releases you on bond, follow all court orders and show up for all scheduled court appearances. Ensure you get and thoroughly review your bond order to avoid unintentional violations and the possibility of a bond violation.

Handling an arraignment at the 36th District Court can be stressful, but with preparation and the help of an experienced attorney, you can make the process as smooth and successful as possible.

Top Detroit Defense Attorney for the 36^th District Court

If you are facing criminal charges in Detroit, finding the right defense attorney can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Here are some qualities to look for when choosing a defense attorney:

Click a Topic Below to Learn More About Choosing an Attorney

Key Factors in Choosing an Attorney

Experience

Look for an attorney who has experience handling cases similar to yours. A criminal defense attorney with a track record of success in the Detroit court system can help you understand the local legal landscape and provide effective representation.

Communication

Choose an attorney who is responsive and communicates clearly with you. Your attorney should keep you updated on the progress of your case, answer your questions, and explain legal concepts in a way that is easy to understand.

Strategy

A good defense attorney will develop a customized strategy based on your unique circumstances and legal goals. They should be able to explain the pros and cons of different legal options and help you make informed decisions.

Reputation

Look for an attorney with a good reputation in the legal community. Check online reviews, request referrals from friends or family members, and research the attorney’s professional affiliations.

Cost

Consider the cost of legal representation and ensure you understand the attorney’s fee structure. Some attorneys charge hourly rates, while others work on a flat fee. Remember the old adage: “You get what you pay for!” A great and experienced 36th District Court defense attorney will charge a legal fee commensurate with their reputation, skill, and track record of success.

Confidence

Choose an attorney who exudes confidence and inspires trust. You want an attorney who will fight for your rights and vigorously defend your case.

Your best hope of avoiding a conviction, avoiding jail time, and ensuring the best possible outcome is to work with one of LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C.’s highly experienced and effective Wayne County criminal defense attorneys. The defense attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., have extensive experience and a winning track record in Detroit and all the courts in Wayne County. If there is no room for errors and false promises, and you want everything possible done to achieve the best outcome, call us for a free consultation. We will find a way to 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.

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Wayne County, Michigan Circuit and District Courts

Wayne County, Michigan, features Detroit, diverse communities, cultural attractions, economic opportunities, and historic automotive industry. We routinely handle misdemeanor probation violations in district courts throughout Wayne County. The Courts in Wayne County are: