Joseph F. Boedeker, Judge in the 39th District Court in Roseville, Michigan

Judge Joseph Boedeker is considered tough but fair. He is a conservative jurist, but he will listen to both parties and rule based on the facts and law.

39th District Court Judge Joseph Boedeker

Judge Boedeker is one of three district court judges in Roseville, Michigan. He and his two judicial colleagues hear cases arising out of the cities of Roseville and Fraser. Judge Boedeker is a strict law and order judge with little patience for unprepared attorneys. Judge Joseph Boedeker in Roseville demands punctuality, professionalism, and preparedness from attorneys who appear in his court.

Judge Boedeker is known to be a thoughtful judge who understands complex legal theories, and therefore he will understand sophisticated criminal theories of a defense. When other judges may routinely disregard arguments made in support of the defendant, Judge Boedeker will take the time to listen and reasonably consider issues competently presented in his courtroom.

The 39th District Court is at the intersection of three major Macomb County arteries: Gratiot, Groesbeck, and I-696. The court has a high number of traffic cases, and felony and misdemeanor cases are also plentiful. Accordingly, Judge Joseph Boedeker in Roseville has extensive experience with criminal cases.

Judge Boedeker obtained his undergraduate college degree from Oakland University and his law degree from the Detroit College of Law in 1981.

What You Need to Know About the 39th District Court in Roseville

The 39th District Court in Roseville, Michigan, manages criminal cases starting with the arraignment, where defendants are formally charged and bond is set. The judge, often considering the defendant’s potential danger to the community or flight risk, determines bond amounts.

In misdemeanor cases, the court handles pretrials, motion hearings, and jury trials. Felony cases, however, begin with a probable cause conference followed by a preliminary examination, overseen by Judge Joseph Boedeker. During the probable cause conference, the court and attorneys discuss possible resolutions or agreements before proceeding to the preliminary examination, where the prosecutor must present sufficient evidence to justify the charges. If enough evidence is presented, the case will be bound over to the Macomb County Circuit Court for trial. A criminal defense lawyer’s job is to fight for the dismissal or reduction of charges at all stages of the proceedings.

Types of Criminal Cases Handled by Judge Boedeker

District judges preside over many types of civil infractions and criminal cases. Civil infractions are tickets that carry a monetary fine but no jail. Misdemeanors are the next step up in seriousness because a conviction can result in up to 1 year in jail and up to two years of probation. Probation can include drug and alcohol testing, therapy, weekly or monthly meetings with a probation officer, tether, curfew, employment requirements, education, therapy, and more. Because terms of probation in Roseville tend to be onerous and burdensome, many defendants are set up for failure right from the start. A great defense lawyer in Roseville will do what it takes to ensure this doesn’t happen to their client.

Judge Boedeker also handles the initial stages of felony cases. Felonies are crimes that carry the possibility of prison time (incarceration exceeding one year). District judges do not have the authority to sentence defendants in felony cases.

In the 39th District Court, a felony case may be set for a preliminary exam or plead down to a misdemeanor. If no plea bargain occurs, the defendant either demands a preliminary exam or waives their right to the preliminary exam. Preliminary exams are like mini-trials, where the prosecutor must establish a crime was committed and probable cause to believe the defendant committed it. The defense attorney’s job is to challenge the prosecution’s evidence to show the weaknesses in the government’s case. If the prosecutor meets its burden, the case is bound over to the circuit court for disposition. If the defense lawyer successfully attacks the government’s evidence, Judge Boedeker may dismiss the felony charges.

Examples of misdemeanors under the jurisdiction of the district court:

Drunk Driving, 1st and 2nd Offense
Minor drug offenses
Domestic Violence or Domestic Assault
Retail Fraud (shoplifting) 2nd or 3rd Degree
Assault and Battery
Violations of Probation (all misdemeanor cases)
Certain minor weapon charges
Reckless Driving
Driving While License Suspended
Reckless Driving
Resisting the Police
Disorderly Conduct
Civil Infraction Causing Serious Injury or Death

Examples of felony cases wherein preliminary examinations are held:

Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Felonious Assault)
Drunk Driving 3rd Offense
Home Invasion
Major Drug Offenses
Carjacking
Murder or other Homicide Charges
Embezzlement
Larceny or Felony Theft
Resisting and Obstructing the Police
Carrying a Concealed Weapon
Felony Firearm

Successfully Handling Cases is Judge Boedeker’s Court

LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. attorneys regularly appear in Roseville District Court, and we have an excellent relationship with the court and staff. Judge Boedeker appreciates our preparedness and professionalism, and we believe we consistently exceed Judge Boedeker’s expectations. When we appear on behalf of a client in Judge Boedeker’s court, he and his staff know that we are there to do whatever we can to protect and fight for our clients. We leave no stone unturned in our search for a favorable outcome.

If you have a case before Judge Joseph Boedeker in Roseville, call LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. for a free consultation. We are not afraid to win and 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.