72nd District Court – Port Huron and Marine City Criminal Defense Attorney
The Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in the 72nd District Court in Port Huron and Marine City are there to fight for you!
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72nd District Court – Aggressive, Experienced, and Respected Criminal Defense Attorneys
The 72nd District Court is located in the City of Port Huron, Michigan. It has jurisdiction over traffic violations, criminal, general civil, small claims, and landlord/tenant matters occurring in the City of Port Huron. The 72nd District Court also has a branch in Marine City, Michigan, that handles cases that arise there. For specific inquiries or to confirm details about court dates, hours, and the location of the 72nd District Court, it’s a good idea to contact the Court’s official website.
The judges and staff at the 72nd District Court try to provide fair and efficient justice to the community, focusing on resolving disputes and ensuring legal matters are handled according to the law. The judges and court staff work to maintain a professional environment and support the legal process for plaintiffs and defendants. The 72nd District Court is the court of first jurisdiction and handles criminal offenses occurring in the Cities of Port Huron and Marine City.
Understanding the legal terminology and court procedures and how they affect your rights during the process can be overwhelming. The experienced defense team at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. has aggressively defended its clients in the 72nd District Court for decades and has an outstanding track record of success.
72nd District Court Handles both Misdemeanors and Felonies
Misdemeanors:
The attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. are experienced in defending clients facing misdemeanor charges. By utilizing a highly effective team approach, our criminal defense lawyers can ensure clients get the best possible outcome and outstanding representation. The following are some of the misdemeanor offenses that are handled in the 72nd District Court:
- Drunk Driving (OWI)
- Driving with a suspended license (DWLS)
- Domestic Violence
- Disorderly Conduct
- Larceny
- Assault and Battery
- Malicious Destruction of Property
- Identity Theft
- Obstructing a police office
- Drug Possession
- Expungements
- Traffic Violations
- Theft and Shoplifting
- Harassment
- Minor in Possession (MIP)
Misdemeanors include all local and state charges with a maximum possible penalty of one year in the St. Clair County Jail or less. The maximum period of probation is two (2) years. The first hearing is the arraignment, where the judge reads the charges to the Defendant and sets a bond. After the arraignment, the Court will hold a pretrial conference to discuss possible resolutions between the prosecutor and the defense lawyer. If the matter is unresolved, the judge will schedule a trial date.
Felonies:
All felonies originating in the Cities of Port Huron or Marine City begin in the 72nd District Court. You must have the attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. on your side at the beginning of this process. If timing allows, it would be best to have LEWIS & DICKSTEIN. P.L.L.C. involved even before you are charged! 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!
If you are charged with a felony, it is essential to understand the process. The felony legal process includes an arraignment, a probable cause conference, and a preliminary examination.
Arraignment: The initial appearance is called an arraignment, where the Defendant will either self-surrender or be brought to court having been in police custody. It is vital to have an experienced criminal defense attorney at the arraignment who knows the process and the law. An experienced attorney will use the law to your advantage to prevent the Court from issuing a high bond that could require that the Defendant remain in custody pending the outcome of the case.
Probable Cause Conference: Within seven (7) days of the arraignment, the Court will schedule a probable cause conference (“PCC”). At the PCC, the defense lawyer and the prosecutor will discuss the need for a preliminary examination, discovery, and more. The most aggressive defense lawyers will fight for a dismissal of the charges right from the start!
Preliminary Examination: If the case is not dismissed or resolved at the PCC, it will proceed to a Preliminary Examination. At this exam, the prosecutor must present witnesses and evidence to support their contention that the Defendant committed a felony. Suppose the prosecutor introduces evidence of the Defendant’s guilt to the lesser proof of a probable cause standard. In that case, the judge will order the Defendant to stand trial and will transfer the case to the St. Clair County Circuit Court for further proceedings. The judge will dismiss charges if the prosecutor fails to meet their burden.
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Port Huron
Judge John D. Monaghan: Judge Monaghan serves on the bench in the 72nd District Court. Before joining the bench, he worked in private practice. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University in 1993 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 1996. He is known for his fairness and commitment to ensuring that all individuals have a chance for a fair trial and due process.
Judge Mona S. Armstrong: Judge Armstrong was appointed to the bench by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to fill a vacancy and serve a partial term when Judge Cynthia Platzer retired. Judge Armstrong led a successful campaign when she ran for election against the St. Clair County Friend of the Court Referee in November 2020 and retained her seat. Before joining the bench, she was the Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney at the St. Clair County Prosecutor’s Office, where she worked for 25 years.
Marine City
Judge Michael L. Hulewicz: Judge Hulewicz serves in the Marine City division of the 72nd District Court. He was elected in 2010 in the general election and re-elected in 2016 and 2022. He handles a range of cases, including criminal, civil, traffic, and family-related matters. His responsibilities also include presiding over misdemeanor cases, small claims, domestic violence cases, and hearing traffic infractions.
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Your Port Huron District Court Criminal Defense Firm
The attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. consistently achieve outstanding results in the 72nd District Court, and we believe we have a mutually respectful relationship with the judges. The judges appreciate our preparation and professionalism, and we believe we consistently exceed their expectations. If you have a misdemeanor or felony case in Port Huron District Court, call LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. We will take the time to talk with you, answer your questions, address your concerns, and work with you to develop a winning strategy.
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.