48th District Court – Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

The Bloomfield Hills District Court serves West Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Sylvan Lake, Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor, and other central Oakland County jurisdictions.

District Court in Bloomfield Hills

The 48th District Court is located at 4280 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Its jurisdiction covers most of central Oakland County, Michigan. This court handles all traffic, misdemeanor, and felony offenses in the Townships of Bloomfield and West Bloomfield and the Cities of Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake Village, and Sylvan Lake. The district court is busy and handles thousands of cases a year. It has three judges and three magistrates.

To Search Cases on the Court’s Docket: 48th District Court Case Lookup

Misdemeanor offenses can range from drunk driving, OWI, DUI, retail fraud, certain traffic offenses such as driving on a suspended license, assault and battery, possession of drugs (like prescription medication), retail fraud, disorderly person, and more. Felony offenses can range from certain drug offenses, drunk driving 3rd offense, financial crimes like identity theft or using a stolen credit card, felonious assault and rape, and murder. Although this Court does not have any specialized programs such as a Sobriety Court, the judges will consider programs like Holmes Youthful Training Act (HYTA), 7411 (drug crimes), 769.4a (domestic violence), 771.1 (delayed sentence), and the Oakland County Prosecutor’s First Offenders Program.

Types of Cases Frequently Litigated in the 48th District Court

The 48th District Court handles both civil and criminal matters. Here are some examples:

Criminal Matters

1. Misdemeanors
   • Retail Fraud (Shoplifting): Common cases involving theft of goods from retail stores.
   • Domestic Violence: Incidents involving physical altercations or threats between family members or cohabitants.
   • Drunk Driving (OWI/DUI): Offenses related to operating a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs.
   • Assault and Battery: Cases where individuals are accused of physical attacks on others.
   • Drug Possession: Small-scale possession of controlled substances.
2. Felonies (Preliminary Examinations)
   • Burglary and Theft: Serious theft offenses, including breaking and entering.
   • Drug Trafficking: Cases involving the distribution or intent to distribute controlled substances.
   • Aggravated Assault: More severe assaults often involving weapons or significant injuries.
   • Fraud and Embezzlement: Financial crimes involving deceit and misappropriation of funds.

Civil Matters

1. Small Claims
   • Contract Disputes: Minor disputes involving breaches of contract up to a certain monetary limit.
   • Landlord-Tenant Issues: Cases involving disputes over rent, property damage, or eviction.
   • Personal Injury: Minor injury claims resulting from accidents or negligence.
2. General Civil
   • Debt Collection: Actions taken by creditors to collect debts owed by individuals or businesses.
   • Property Disputes: Cases involving boundary disputes, property damage, or ownership issues.
   • Consumer Protection: Cases involving disputes over goods or services purchased by consumers.

Civil Infractions

1. Traffic Violations
   • Speeding: Violations involving exceeding the posted speed limits.
   • Running a Red Light: Cases where individuals are cited for not stopping at traffic signals.
   • Reckless Driving: Offenses involving dangerous driving behaviors.
   • Driving Without a License: Cases where individuals are caught operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license.
2. Municipal Ordinances
   • Noise Violations: Complaints about excessive noise, often in residential areas.
   • Zoning Violations: Issues involving non-compliance with local zoning laws and regulations.
   • Animal Control: Cases involving local animal control law violations, such as leash laws or excessive pets.

Oakland County District Courts handle a diverse range of cases, addressing both minor and more serious legal issues. These courts play a crucial role in maintaining legal order and resolving disputes within the community.

Tough Judges in the 48th District Court in Bloomfield Hils

The judges in the 48th District Court have a reputation for being some of the toughest judges in Michigan. It is common for these judges to sentence first offenders to incarceration. A person who has violated probation will likely get jail time unless they have the best possible defense. Bond amounts are often high, with numerous terms and conditions. Because of this court’s harsh judges, you need highly experienced legal help to protect and fight for your rights.

Judge Marc Barron

He was elected to the Court in 2004. 48th District Court Judge Barron had been a career Oakland County Prosecutor with 12 years of service in District, Circuit, and Family Courts. In his seven years as Oakland County Assistant Prosecutor for Major Crimes, he handled only the most serious criminal cases, including murder, assault, criminal sexual conduct, and other felonies. Born and raised in Oakland County, Judge Barron attended Andover High School before earning his Bachelor of Science in Economics and Finance (with honors) from the University of Arizona. He continued his honors studies at American University and the Washington College of Law. He earned his Juris Doctorate Degree, then clerked at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., before returning home to Oakland County.

Judge Diane Dickow D’Agostini

She was elected as a 48th District Court District Judge in November 2000. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in journalism from Wayne State University and was published in several local magazines before going to law school. She graduated cum laude from the Detroit College of Law, presently Michigan State University College of Law, and furthered her legal studies at Oxford University in England. Before being elected a District Judge, Diane D’Agostini was an assistant prosecutor in Oakland County from 1991-2000. She prosecuted criminal cases in the Warrants Division, District Court Division, and Circuit Court Division and served as the Chief of the Parole Appeal Section. In this role, she successfully blocked the release of numerous violent prisoners, including individuals convicted of murder, child molestation, possession of child pornography (CSAM), and other dangerous crimes.

Judge Kimberly Small

Judge Small received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and Juris Doctorate from the Michigan State University College of Law. Judge Small frequently takes her courtroom out of the 48th District Court and into the local schools so that the students can see firsthand how the court works and the consequences of criminal behavior. Judge Small’s reputation for imposing jail sentences for first-time offenders on OWI and DUI cases is well known.

Search 48th District Court Cases

You can search the 48th District Court cases online, but the court records aren’t as complete as the court’s onsite records. Nonpublic cases, such as drug charges under 333.7411, criminal charges disposed of under HYTA, and domestic violence cases under MCL 769.4a, are not accessible through an online search of cases.

Hearings in the 48th District Court

There are several types of hearings in the 48th District Court in Bloomfield Hills in criminal cases. Here is what you need to know about the most common types of hearings:

• Arraignment – In felony and misdemeanor cases, the first hearing date is the arraignment. At the arraignment, the judge or magistrate advises the defendant of the charges, accepts a plea (usually not guilty), and sets a bond or bail. The importance of the arraignment hearing cannot be underestimated because the outcome can determine whether the defendant is permitted to be free on bond or remain in custody until the case’s conclusion.

• Pretrial Conference – In misdemeanor cases, the hearing that follows the arraignment is the pretrial conference. At the pretrial, the lawyers will generally discuss the case and advise the assigned judge of the case’s progress. There are four possible outcomes at a pretrial: (1) dismissal of the charges on the prosecution’s motion, (2) a plea (under a plea bargain or not), (3) the case can be scheduled for a bench or jury trial, or the judge can adjourn the pretrial and schedule another pretrial at a later time if the parties are working on resolving issues such as evidentiary disagreements, plea negotiations, motions, etc.

• Plea Hearing – A plea hearing is similar to a pretrial conference. The judge will schedule a hearing for the defendant to enter a plea if the defense and prosecution work out a plea agreement. The plea hearing frequently occurs during the pretrial conference; however, judges in the 48th District Court will schedule a special plea hearing under certain circumstances.

• Sentencing – In misdemeanor cases, a sentencing hearing follows a guilty or no-contest plea or a trial conviction. At the sentencing, the judge will order the defendant to pay fines/costs, serve a term of probation, or serve a maximum of one year in the Oakland County Jail for severe misdemeanor charges. Under Michigan law, judges are required to consider the following when deciding on a defendant’s sentence: punishment, deterrence, rehabilitation, and protection of the community.

• Probable Cause Conference – In felony cases, the Probable Cause Conference (PCC) follows the arraignment. At the PCC, the lawyers can discuss with the judge any challenges that must be resolved before the case can proceed, such as evidentiary disputes, motions, and procedural disagreements. Sometimes, the defense or prosecution might need additional time to prepare and will ask for an adjournment. The primary purpose of a PCC is for the parties to decide between waiving their respective rights to an exam or scheduling a preliminary examination.

• Preliminary Examination – Defendants charged with felonies in Michigan are entitled to waive or hold a preliminary examination. If the defendant elects to hold the exam, the prosecutor must admit evidence, usually through live testimony, proving the defendant is guilty. If they establish probable cause to believe the defendant committed a felony, the case is sent or “bound over” to the Oakland County Circuit Court in Pontiac, Michigan, for further proceedings. If there is insufficient evidence, the judge will dismiss the felony charge.

• Motions and Evidentiary Hearings – If there is a dispute about a case, other than each party’s respective view of the underlying facts, they can file written motions and request rulings by the judge. For example, the criminal defense attorney can file a Motion to Suppress if the police illegally searched the defendant or unlawfully coerced their confession. Suppose the prosecution and defense dispute the facts related to the motion. In that case, the 48th District Court judge will conduct an evidentiary hearing so the defense and prosecution can admit testimony and exhibits supporting their theory of the case.

Experienced & Aggressive Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you’ve been charged with a crime in the 48th District Court in Bloomfield Hills, contact LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. today, and we will take the time to talk with you, answer your questions, and address each of your concerns. We have the experience and track record in Bloomfield Hills to defend you successfully. We are NOT afraid to win!

Why choose the Top-Rated Bloomfield Hills Defense Lawyers with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. for a case in Bloomfield Hills? We use a unique team approach with an unparalleled track record of success to protect and defend clients charged with felony and misdemeanor offenses. Money doesn’t grow on trees, and if you trust us with your defense, you can rest assured that we will take your investment in our experienced and effective team seriously. Our attorneys will do everything possible 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.

We will find a way to help you.
We Are Not Afraid to Win!

Interesting Facts About Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Bloomfield Hills is an American suburb located in Oakland County, Michigan. The city has approximately 3,900 inhabitants and is renowned for its beautiful homes, prestigious institutions, and exclusive country clubs. The city was incorporated in 1932 and dates back to the 1800s.

Bloomfield Hills was historically a predominantly agricultural community, with orchards, farms, and horse estates dotting the landscape. Early in the 20th century, however, the area began to transform into an affluent residential community with the construction of significant residences and estates. Bloomfield Hills became known as a haven for the wealthy and famous because many prominent families constructed homes there, such as the Ford and Dodge families.

Bloomfield Hills is a beautiful community with expansive estates and impressive residences. Cranbrook Schools, founded in 1904 and renowned for its excellent academic and arts programs, is among the city’s numerous prestigious private schools. The city is also home to many prestigious country clubs, including the Bloomfield Hills Country Club and the Oakland Hills Country Club, which have hosted numerous major golf tournaments.

Overall, Bloomfield Hills is a beautiful community that has maintained its exclusivity over the years. While the city has developed and changed, it has retained its allure and remains desirable.