Judge Matthew Sabaugh, Macomb County Circuit Court

The Honorable Matthew Sabaugh was appointed to the 16th Circuit Court in Macomb County in 2022. He has established himself as a thoughtful, intelligent jurist who strives to follow the law and rule compassionately.

Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Matthew Sabaugh

Judge Matthew Sabaugh in the Macomb County Circuit Court is one of several circuit court judges in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. A circuit court with an extremely busy docket might make a judge develop an irritable, overworked demeanor, but not so with Judge Sabaugh. Judge Sabaugh is well-known to be one of the friendliest, most respectful, and most compassionate judges in Macomb County. He can be tough; however, he will not hesitate to impose a punishment appropriate for those he finds to have violated the law.

Attorneys who regularly appear before Judge Sabaugh know they will receive fair and unbiased treatment from Judge Sabaugh. Judge Sabaugh’s rulings in criminal cases are consistently based upon an accurate interpretation of the law, yet infused with a sense of compassion rarely found in many other courts. In other words, the defense gets a fair shot in Judge Sabough’s court, and he is not just another “rubber stamp” for the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.

Professional Background and Community Involvement of Judge Matthew Sabaugh

After obtaining a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 1993, Judge Sabaugh received his law degree from Detroit College of Law in 1999, taking classes at night while working full-time during the day as a legislative assistant for the 28th Michigan House District. After serving as an assistant Macomb County Prosecutor for eight years, Governor Granholm appointed him to the 37th District Court in 2008. He has since pursued endeavors to increase efficiency and help disadvantaged civil litigants and criminal defendants. When Matthew Sabaugh was in the Warren District Court, he was the presiding judge of the Warren-Centerline Treatment Court, which has as its goal ending drug and alcohol-related criminal activity by focusing on treatment and rehabilitation and reducing repeat offending.

Judge Sabaugh is a member of the Executive Committee of the Traffic Safety Association of Macomb County, the Warren Kiwanis Club, the Detroit NAACP, the Macomb Homeless Coalition, and the Detroit Zoological Society, to name a few of his involvements. Other community-oriented activities include the “High School Mock Trial Competition” and the “Court in School” programs, where real cases are held in schools and seen by students. He has received numerous awards and citations of appreciation for many of his efforts.

Types of Cases Handled by Judge Sabaugh

Judge Matthew Sabaugh presides over cases in the Macomb County Circuit Court, which handles a broad range of legal matters due to its status as a trial-level court of general jurisdiction. The types of cases that come before Judge Sabaugh include the following:

1. Criminal Cases

Judge Sabaugh oversees felony cases, which are more serious criminal offenses that can result in significant prison sentences, probation, and fines. In these cases, Judge Sabaugh may preside over arraignments, pretrial motions, plea hearings, jury trials, sentencing, and probation violation hearings.

2. Civil Litigation

As part of the Macomb County Circuit Court’s jurisdiction over civil matters, Judge Sabaugh hears cases where the monetary value in controversy exceeds $25,000. Common civil litigation cases include:

• Contract disputes
• Personal injury claims, such as car accidents and slip-and-fall cases
• Medical malpractice lawsuits
• Business litigation, including partnership disputes and commercial contract breaches
• Real estate disputes, such as property boundary issues or zoning appeals

3. Family Law Matters

Although most family law matters are handled in Michigan’s Family Division, Judge Sabaugh may preside over certain cases involving:

• Appeals from family court decisions
• Complex divorce and child custody matters tied to business or real estate disputes
• Enforcement of family court orders

4. Probate and Appeals

Some cases brought before Judge Sabaugh may involve appeals from the Probate Court or administrative agencies, particularly in disputes over wills, trusts, or guardianship matters with broader legal implications.

5. Specialized Court Matters

Judge Sabaugh may also hear cases assigned to specialized dockets within the Macomb County Circuit Court, such as cases involving mental health courts, drug courts, or veterans’ treatment courts. These matters often aim to rehabilitate individuals while ensuring public safety and compliance with the law.

Felony Cases in the Macomb County Circuit Court

Judge Matthew Sabaugh of the Macomb County Circuit Court presides over felony cases. These cases are typically bound over to his court from a district court after a preliminary examination or when the defendant waives that hearing. In the circuit court, Judge Sabaugh handles critical aspects of felony cases, including arraignments, pretrial hearings, motions, plea agreements, trials, sentencing, and probation violations.

Judge Sabaugh ensures defendants receive a fair trial while upholding the rule of law. In pretrial proceedings, he rules on motions that can significantly impact a case’s outcome, such as motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. If a case proceeds to trial, Judge Sabaugh oversees the trial process, where the prosecution and defense present evidence, witnesses testify, and the jury determines whether the prosecution has proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Felony convictions can lead to severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, probation, and steep fines. However, skilled Macomb County defense attorneys have opportunities to negotiate plea bargains in the circuit court, potentially reducing a felony to a misdemeanor or securing a more favorable sentencing recommendation.

An experienced, tenacious defense lawyer can critically evaluate the prosecution’s case, challenge weak evidence, and argue persuasively on behalf of the defendant. A robust and credible defense can lead to a reduced charge, dismissal, or a lenient sentence. Whether through negotiations or a jury trial, the best outcomes for felony defendants are achieved when they have a reputable, zealous defense team advocating for them before Judge Sabaugh.

Examples of common felony cases in Macomb County:

Successfully Representing Clients in Judge Sabaugh’s Court

The attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. regularly appear before Judge Sabaugh and the other judges in the Macomb County Court, and we have achieved a well-known level of success fighting to protect and defend our clients. We have decades of experience successfully defending felony and misdemeanor charges in Macomb County.

Judge Sabaugh’s professional standards are high. Our zealous advocacy for our clients and Judge Matthew Sabaugh’s compassionate approach to criminal cases consistently lead to favorable results for our clients. When a fight is needed, the Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., will leave no stone unturned in our battle to achieve the best possible result for our clients. Dismissal of all charges is always our top priority if possible. If you have a felony case before Judge Sabaugh, call LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. for a free consultation. We will find a way 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.
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Michigan Judges