Kathleen Tocco, Judge in the 39th District Court in Roseville, Michigan

In Roseville, the 39th District Court handles all misdemeanor cases and the initial stages of felony matters, including arraignment and preliminary examination.

The Honorable Kathleen Tocco

Judge Kathleen Tocco in Roseville is one of three district court judges in Roseville, Michigan. She and her judicial colleagues serve the communities of Roseville and Fraser. Judge Tocco is a friendly and highly professional judge by attorneys who frequently appear in her court. Judge Tocco demands the highest degree of preparedness from attorneys. She was elected in a hotly contested race in November 2018, beating four other candidates. Judge Tocco previously served as a Macomb County Commissioner while also practicing as an attorney in her private law firm.

Judge Tocco is no “rubber stamp” for the prosecution. She will entertain legal arguments from defense attorneys that are well-crafted and legally supported. She will fairly judge cases, which is all any defense attorney or defendant can ask from a judge. Judge Tocco has experience as a criminal defense attorney, which is always a good background for a judge, as they handle many criminal cases.

The 39th District Court is at the hub of Gratiot, Groesbeck, and I-696, which means the court has a very high number of traffic and criminal cases and is always busy.

Types of Criminal Cases Handled by Judge Kathleen Tocco in Roseville

District judges preside over a variety of civil infractions and criminal cases. Civil infractions are citations that carry a monetary fine but no jail. Misdemeanors are the next step up in seriousness, and they can result in financial penalties and potential jail time, from 30 days up to 1 year, depending on the charge. Judge Tocco can also place a misdemeanor defendant on probation for up to 2 years. She can order terms and conditions that make it difficult for any defendant to comply successfully.

District judges are also responsible for the initial stages of felony cases. Felonies are charges that can result in a prison sentence exceeding one year. When a felony case comes into district court, the criminal clerk schedules it for arraignment, and then the case may be set for a preliminary exam. Top criminal defense lawyers in Macomb County may be able to plea-bargain down a felony to a misdemeanor if that is in the client’s best interest. If no plea bargain occurs and the attorney cannot get the prosecution to dismiss the charges, the defendant either demands a preliminary exam or waives their right to a preliminary examination. Preliminary exams are like small trials, where the prosecutor must establish that the defendant probably committed a felony. If the prosecutor submits sufficient evidence, the judge will “bind over” the case to the county circuit court for final disposition. If the defense lawyer is successful, the judge will dismiss the felony charges. A defendant does not get a second chance at a preliminary examination, and they must hire the best lawyer possible to handle the case from the beginning.

Examples of misdemeanors under the jurisdiction of Judge Kathleen Tocco in Roseville:

Drunk Driving, 1st and 2nd Offense
Minor drug offenses
Domestic Violence
Retail Fraud (shoplifting) 2nd or 3rd Degree
Assault and Battery
Civil Infraction Causing Serious Injury or Death
DWLS
Reckless Discharge of a Firearm or Brandishing a Firearm
Any ordinance violations

Examples of felony cases requiring a preliminary exam:

Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Felonious Assault)
Drunk Driving 3rd Offense
Home Invasion
Major Drug Offenses
Carjacking
Homicide
Felonious Assault
Carrying a Concealed Weapon
Malicious Destruction of Property
Embezzlement
Larceny from a Person or Building

Successfully Handling Cases is Judge Tocco’s Court

Prosecutors may feel they have the edge in Judge Tocco’s courtroom; however, having a top, successful, and aggressive defense lawyer can level the playing field. The local and state prosecutors in Roseville know that when a member of the LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. Defense Team walks into the courtroom; we are there to fight like hell to protect and defend our clients. We will do whatever it takes to gain every possible advantage, help the client avoid jail, and seek dismissal in all cases.

The attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. regularly appear in the 39th District Court, and we have had great successes in the court. Judge Tocco appreciates the professionalism of the attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. are highly regarded for their expertise, preparedness, and passion while fighting to protect their client’s rights. If you have a felony or misdemeanor case pending before Judge Tocco, call us, and 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.