37^th District Court in Warren

If you face charges in the 37^th District Court, you will need attorneys with extensive experience and a track record of success. We are here to help you!

The 37^th District Court in Warren, Michigan

The 37^th District Court is located at 8300 Common Rd. in Warren, Michigan. This Court’s jurisdiction is in the southwestern part of Macomb County. The 37th District Court handles the arraignment, setting of bail, and preliminary examinations of all criminal felony cases and all criminal misdemeanor violations of state statutes where the penalty does not exceed one year in jail. The Court also handles all city ordinance, traffic, and parking violations. The judges have a reputation for being tough but fair.

The Warren District Court handles misdemeanor offenses from the start through sentencing. The crimes heard in the 37^th district court range from drunk driving, retail fraud (shoplifting), drug possession, assault and battery, disorderly person, domestic violence, and some traffic offenses such as driving while license suspended, to name a few. Felony offenses start with an arraignment and probable cause determination (preliminary examination and probable cause conference). If the felony cases are not dismissed or plead to misdemeanors, the judge transfers them to the Macomb County Circuit Court for trial.

Common Prosecutions in Warren Michigan

In addition to bond and probation violations, the 37^th District Court routinely presides over the following felony and misdemeanor charges:

Domestic Violence
OWI (Operating While Intoxicated)
Retail Fraud (Shoplifting)
Assault Charges (Aggravated Assault, Assault and Battery, etc.)
Carrying a Concealed Weapon
Reckless Discharge of a Firearm
Felonious Assault
Felony Firearm/Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Drug Charges (Possession, Delivery, Trafficking, Manufacture, etc.)
Assault with Intent to Do Great Bodily Harm
Homicide
Aggravated Assault
Trespassing and Disorderly Conduct
Larceny and Robbery
White-Collar Crimes, and More

The Judges of the Warren District Court

Honorable Judge John M. Chmura

Judge Michael Chmura joined the 37^th District Court bench in 1996. In October of 2008, the Michigan Supreme Court appointed him chief judge. Judge Chmura attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts from James Madison College, a liberal arts institution. He attended the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison, earning his law degree in 1988.

Before being appointed to the bench, Judge Chmura began his professional career by working as a staff attorney for Hyatt Legal Services. In 1991, he established his private legal practice. Soon after, Attorney General Frank Kelley appointed him as the Macomb County Public Administrator, and he began specializing in probate law. Judge Chmura is now married to his wife, Ann Marie, and they have two children, Johnathan and Andrew.

Honorable Judge Suzanne L. Faunce

Judge Suzanne Faunce was elected to the 37^th District Court bench in 2014. She graduated from Western Michigan University and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Before her position as a Judge, she served as an assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Macomb County for sixteen years. She was Chief of Sex Crimes for six years and Chief of the Senior Victims Unit for five. Judge Faunce is a native of Warren, Michigan. She is the daughter of retired Warren Judge Sherman P. Faunce and the sister of current Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Faunce. Judge Faunce is now married to her husband, Ben Liston, who retired as a Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Macomb County.

Honorable Judge Michael C. Chupa

Judge Michael C. Chupa was appointed District Judge for Warren and Center Line on December 18, 2013, and was unanimously elected to continue in that position in November 2014. Judge Michael C. Chupa is a graduate of Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He then received his Juris Doctorate from Detroit College of Law.

Before taking the bench, Judge Chupa founded his law firm, Chupa and Associates. He and his sister, Jennifer Chupa, worked together for many years serving clients in Warren, Michigan. Judge Chupa’s experience has specialized in criminal defense and complex real estate transactions. Judge Chupa began his career on June 3, 1991, by prosecuting cases on behalf of the city of Warren in the same courtroom he now presides in. Judge Chupa is married and lives with his wife and their three children.

Honorable Steven M. Bieda

Steven M. Bieda was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the 37th District Court in February 2023. A lifelong Warren resident and highly educated professional, Bieda holds multiple degrees, including a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and a Master’s in Tax Law from Wayne State University. Before joining the bench, he served as Chairperson and administrative law judge with the Michigan Tax Tribunal (2019–2023) and held various roles in public service, including Director of Labor Relations for Warren and Senior Policy Analyst for the Michigan House of Representatives.

Bieda’s legislative career includes three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives and two terms in the Michigan Senate, where he sponsored over 50 laws, including compensation for the wrongfully convicted and anti-dog fighting legislation. His community service spans numerous organizations, including the Lion’s Club and Michigan History Foundation, where he initiated historic preservation projects. Nationally, he contributed to U.S. Mint designs and spearheaded significant commemorative initiatives.

Currently, Bieda serves on the Animal Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan and represents the Michigan District Court Judges Association in legislative matters. His extensive legal, legislative, and community experience underscores his dedication to public service and justice.

Macomb County, Michigan Circuit and District Courts

Macomb County, Michigan, offers diverse attractions, vibrant communities, and a rich history. We routinely handle misdemeanor probation violations in district courts throughout Macomb County. The Courts in Macomb County are:

42-1 Romeo District Court
42-1 New Baltimore District Court
Clinton Township 41B District Court
Shelby Township 41-A District Court
Sterling Heights 41A District Court
Warren 37th District Court
38th District Court – Eastpointe
39A District Court – Roseville
39B District Court – Fraser
40th District Court – St. Clair Shores
Grosse Pointe Woods

Top Warren Criminal Defense Lawyers for Felony and Misdemeanor Charges

If you are facing any criminal offense in the 37^th District Court in Warren, Michigan, you need the help of an attorney who practices in Macomb County regularly. The attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have successfully defended hundreds of clients in the 37^th District Court over the past several decades. We have excellent working relationships with the judges, court staff, and prosecutors. Our attorneys come prepared, ready, and driven to win for our clients.

LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. takes seriously its obligation to represent clients to the highest standard possible. Our attorney’s passion is to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the best possible resolution in each case. We will do whatever it takes to achieve the best possible outcome! Our highest priority is to seek the dismissal of all charges, when possible. The attorneys have won jury trials, motions, and evidentiary hearings in the 37^th District Court. If you face criminal charges in Warren, Michigan, and need the best legal help available, call LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. for a free consultation.

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.