Ann Arbor District Court

The 15th District Court in Ann Arbor: What You Need to Know to Get the Best Possible Result

15th District Court in Ann Arbor, Michigan

The 15th District Court in Ann Arbor handles various criminal matters, including misdemeanors and civil infractions. It’s vital for those facing charges in this court to understand the proceedings and have strong legal representation. LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. is a highly respected criminal defense firm with a proven track record of defending clients in the 15th District Court.

The Court has jurisdiction over civil, criminal, and traffic matters arising within the city limits. It handles a wide range of cases, from minor infractions to more serious misdemeanor offenses and the initial stages of felony prosecutions. The judges in this court are known for their efficiency and fair handling of cases, though they take criminal charges seriously. Having an experienced defense attorney who knows the ins and outs of this court can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Types of Cases Handled in the 15th District Court

The 15th District Court handles various types of criminal cases, including:

Misdemeanors: These include offenses such as domestic violence, retail fraud, operating while intoxicated (OWI), and assault. The Ann Arbor District Court will preside over the misdemeanor arraignment, pretrials, motions, evidentiary hearings, trial, and sentencing.

Traffic Offenses: Speeding, careless driving, and other civil infractions.

Probation Violations: If you’ve been convicted of a crime and violated the terms of your probation, this court will handle those proceedings.

Felony Arraignment, Probable Cause Conference, and Preliminary Examination – If you face felony charges arising in Ann Arbor, the district court will conduct the preliminary stages of the prosecution to determine if there is probable cause to believe you committed a felony.

Each type of case comes with its own set of procedures and potential consequences, which makes legal representation by LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. essential.

The Judges of the 15th District Court

The judges presiding over the 15th District Court are well-versed in the law and are generally known to uphold justice. This said, they tend to favor the prosecutor unless faced with compelling and persuasive defense arguments. When defending a case in this court, it’s crucial to have an attorney who understands the judges’ preferences and tendencies. The Ann Arbor criminal defense attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., have an in-depth understanding of the court’s inner workings and maintain a respected reputation among the court’s judges and staff.

Stages of a Criminal Case in the 15th District Court

The criminal process for misdemeanors in the 15th District Court typically follows these stages:

Arraignment: The defendant appears before a judge, is formally charged, and enters a plea. The judge determines the amount of bail or bond the defendant must post to be released from custody.

Pre-Trial Hearings: Motions are filed, evidence is reviewed, and negotiations may take place.

Evidentiary Hearings and Motions: The defense attorney or prosecutor might file motions requesting pretrial rules from the judge. The judge might also have the parties conduct an evidentiary hearing to elicit testimony or introduce evidence to resolve pretrial issues in the case.

Trial or Plea Agreement: The case proceeds to trial if a plea agreement isn’t reached.

Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence, which could include fines, probation, or jail time.

The process for felony charges generally follows these steps:

Arraignment: The defendant appears before a judge, is formally charged, and enters a plea. The judge determines the amount of bail or bond the defendant must post to be released from custody.

Probable Cause Conference (PCC): The parties appear for a PCC to discuss issues with evidence, witnesses, or potential plea bargains.

Preliminary Examination: This is a hearing where the prosecutor must prove probable cause to believe the defendant committed the charged felony. If they fail to prove the case by the probable cause standard, the judge must dismiss the case.

Probation Violations in the 15th District Court

If you’re already on probation and accused of violating the terms, you’ll face additional penalties, which could include an extended probation period, increased fines, or even jail time. The attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. specialize in defending against probation violations and will fight to minimize the consequences. Here are some of the techniques used by our team:

Challenge Evidence: Our team scrutinizes the prosecution’s evidence to ensure it’s reliable and properly obtained, challenging any inconsistencies or procedural violations.

Argue Lack of Willfulness: We argue that the violation was unintentional or due to circumstances beyond the client’s control, such as miscommunication or unavoidable hardships.

Present Mitigating Circumstances: We provide evidence of personal hardships or legitimate reasons (e.g., medical issues, family emergencies) to explain the violation.

Demonstrate Compliance Efforts: Our defense attorneys emphasize our client’s efforts to comply with probation terms, showing good faith through completed requirements like attending court-mandated programs, paying fines, abstaining from drugs or alcohol, maintaining employment, etc.

Negotiate Reduced Penalties: They work to negotiate with the prosecution or judge for leniency, such as reinstating probation or reducing penalties in exchange for compliance or treatment options.

Why Choose LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. for Your Defense in the Ann Arbor District Court?

The attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have extensive experience in the 15th District Court, and we are known for providing aggressive, strategic defense for our clients. Our firm is:

Highly Experienced: Decades of combined legal experience handling complex criminal cases.

Relentless Advocates: We fight tirelessly to protect our clients’ rights and seek the best possible outcome.

Respected by Judges and Prosecutors: Our reputation in the courtroom gives our clients a significant advantage.

Track Record of Success: Our team maintains an unparalleled track record of success defending clients against felony and misdemeanor charges in Washtenaw County.

Testimonials from Our Clients

The Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County criminal defense attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have earned hundreds of 5-star reviews from clients. Here is a small sampling of our client’s testimonials:

Testimonials from LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C.’s Clients

“I was facing serious charges in Ann Arbor, and LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. helped me avoid a conviction. Their attorneys were professional, knowledgeable, and aggressive in my defense.” – Sam D.

“LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. got my probation violation dismissed, and I was able to move forward with my life. They truly care about their clients.” – Lisa W.

“George Brown with Lewis & DICKSTEIN won a dismissal of my domestic violence charges. He and his team were very responsive, kept me informed, and never gave up fighting for the best outcome.” – Dave E.

Conclusion: Your Best Defense in the 15th District Court

When facing charges in the 15th District Court, it’s critical to have a top-tier defense team on your side. LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. has a long history of successful outcomes, and we are committed to relentlessly pursuing the best result for every client we represent. If you’re facing charges or a probation violation, contact us for a free consultation today to discuss your case.

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.