43^rd District Court – Ferndale Criminal Defense Attorney

Ferndale Criminal Defense Attorneys – Protecting the Rights of Those Accused! When You Need the Best – WE ARE THERE FOR YOU!

The Team of Criminal Defense Attorneys in the 43rd District Court in Ferndale That Are Always on Your Side

The 43rd District Court is located in the City of Ferndale, Michigan. It has jurisdiction over criminal misdemeanors, civil disputes below the statutory amount, traffic violations, landlord/tenant matters, and other civil infractions occurring in the City of Ferndale. The 43^rd District Court also has separate branches in the City of Madison Heights and the City of Hazel Park that handle cases that arise in those cities. For specific inquiries or to confirm details about court dates and deadlines in Ferndale, it’s a good idea to contact the court directly or visit their official website.

43^rd District Court
305 E. 9 Mile Road
Ferndale, MI 48220
(248) 547-8700

The 43^rd District Court in Ferndale is the court of first jurisdiction and handles criminal offenses occurring in the City of Ferndale. The legal process can be overwhelming. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have aggressively defended their clients in the 43^rd District Court in Ferndale and have an outstanding track record of success.

43^rd District Court Handles both Misdemeanor and Felony Criminal Matters:

Misdemeanors:

The Ferndale criminal defense attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. are experienced in defending against any misdemeanor charge on behalf of their clients. The following are some of the misdemeanor offenses we’ve successfully defended in the 43^rd District Court:

Felonies in the 43rd District Court – Ferndale:

All felonies in the City of Ferndale begin in the 43^rd District Court. It is essential that you have the attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., on your side at the beginning of this process, if possible. If timing allows, it would be best to retain LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. before you are charged on a pre-charge basis! The knowledgeable and aggressive attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. may be able to stop a criminal charge before the process even begins!

The felony legal process for felony cases in the Ferndale District Court includes an arraignment, a probable cause conference, and a preliminary examination.

Arraignment:

An arraignment is the first appearance for a defendant charged with a misdemeanor or felony. Arraignment is the formal legal process after a person has been charged with a crime. During this hearing, the magistrate or judge will inform the defendant of the charges against him and advise him of his constitutional rights. The judge will set a bond and a date for the probable cause hearing. It is vital to have a qualified defense lawyer present for the arraignment to ensure the judge orders a low or personal bond and the defendant is not detained and held in jail.

Probable Cause Conference:

The Probable Case Conference (“PCC”) is the first opportunity for the experienced criminal defense attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. to begin negotiations with the City Attorney or Prosecutor. At the PCC, plea agreements are discussed, bail or bond issues are addressed, the defense lawyer can request that the prosecutor dismiss charges, and the case is scheduled for a preliminary examination if necessary.

Preliminary Examination:

The purpose of the preliminary examination is to “test” the case and confirm that the evidence supports the allegations contained in the complaint against a defendant. This hearing takes place in the district court, and the judge presiding over the matter decides whether there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to the circuit court. Your attorney may suggest you waive your preliminary examination. You must clearly understand your rights and responsibilities before deciding if it is in your best interest to conduct the examination or waive it.

District Court Judge Joseph Longo

Judge Joseph Longo was elected to the 43^rd District Court in 1998. He is the chief judge of the district’s three (3) courts – Ferndale District Court, Madison Heights District Court, and Hazel Park District Court. Most who appear before him say that Judge Longo is a fair judge who listens to legal arguments and makes decisions based on the law. Judge Longo also runs the sobriety court, which is an intensive treatment program for people convicted of drinking and driving. The program consists of a 12-step program, daily blood and alcohol tests, and unannounced screenings. Judge Longo believes treatment is more likely to reduce repeat offenses than jail time.

Criminal Defense Attorneys for the Ferndale District Court

The criminal legal process will require the best criminal representation! LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. has provided successful criminal representation for its clients in the 43^rd District Court and knows how the system works. If you believe you will be charged or have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, do not wait! Call us for a free consultation to get the experienced attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. on your side!

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.
We Are Not Afraid to Win!

A little about Ferndale, Michigan

The City of Ferndale is located in Oakland County, Michigan. It is a suburb of Detroit on the Woodward Corridor bordering Detroit to the South, Oak Park to the West, Hazel Park to the East, and Pleasant Ridge to the North. Ferndale has award-winning schools and innovative shopping, dining, and downtown districts. It’s a modern and supportive community with safe streets. Ferndale is a mix of local businesses, restaurants, and shops that contribute to its local economy and create a strong sense of community. Ferndale offers a pleasant environment with a mix of historic charm and modern amenities, making living in the Detroit metro area desirable.