43rd District Court Judge Brian Hartwell in Hazel Park

Judge Charles Goedert was the 43rd District Court Judge. He was a harsh, confrontational judge. Judge Brian Hartwell is now the judge in Hazel Park. His reputation is for being fair but firm.

Judge Brian C. Hartwell in the 43rd District Court in Hazel Park

The 43rd District Court is located on the second floor of Hazel Park City Hall, 43 E. Nine Mile Rd., Hazel Park, Michigan 48030. The District Court in Hazel Park serves over 16,000 residents and handles civil cases (lawsuits seeking less than $25,000), civil infractions, and criminal cases. Judge Brian Hartwell in Hazel Park is the current district court judge.

Attorneys who regularly appear in Hazel Park know they must be well-prepared, on time, and adhere to the law. While Judge Brian Hartwell in Hazel Park has little patience for unprepared or ill-informed attorneys, he greatly appreciates attorneys who are well prepared and have an earnest passion for the practice of law and a genuine and palpable concern for the case they are handling. An attorney who cares enough to thoroughly research a case and develop a compelling, legitimate legal argument has a fair shot at getting a thoughtful and favorable ruling for their client. Attorneys were publicly disparaged by Judge Goedert when unprepared in Hazel Park, and their clients suffered the consequences. There is no excuse for a lawyer to be anything less than their absolute best when protecting and defending a client in court.

Hazel Park District Court Bond Violations

One thing experienced 43rd District Court defense attorneys know is that the judges who have served in that court are typically very stern regarding violations of bond, probation violations, and sentencing in drinking and driving cases. Even first offenders stand a fair chance of a jail term for a drinking and driving conviction. There is a high probability that a bond violation or a probation violation will result in jail. Judge Brian Hartwell in Hazel Park is unforgiving regarding bond violations, even on minor and technical violations. When judges have difficult and harsh personalities, court hearings can be particularly challenging for defendants. An accused person must have the most experienced, fearless, and astute defense lawyer possible in situations such as this.

Concern for and Devotion to the Community He Serves

The cash-strapped City of Hazel Park could not afford to move into a larger, updated building when advised to do so by the State Court Administrative Office. Judge Goedert stepped up and decided to take matters into his own hands. He flew to Fort Smith, Virginia, to purchase used church pews to be used as seats in the 43rd District court’s renovation. He rented a U-Haul truck, drove the pews back to Hazel Park (730 miles), and then volunteered his time (up to 40 hours per week) in the evenings after the court was closed to refinish the pews in a workshop he had set up in an old schoolhouse. Magistrate James Paterson, Judge Goedert, and some members of the Hazel Park Public Works Department refinished the mahogany church pews and installed them in the courtroom. Like the previous judge, Judge Brian Hartwell in Hazel Park is also civic-minded and known for his generosity to the community.

Types of criminal cases handled by the judge in the 43rd District Court in Hazel Park

District court judges handle various types of criminal cases. These cases include civil infractions, misdemeanors, and felony preliminary exams. Civil infractions are ticketed offenses resulting in a fine but not jail time as a penalty. A misdemeanor is a criminal charge that carries a possible jail term, typically ranging from 30 days to 1 year in jail and up to 2 years of probation. Monetary fines for misdemeanors vary but are generally between $200 to $1,000. District judges in misdemeanor cases set bonds and bail. Often, Judge Brian Hartwell in Hazel Park grants personal bonds at the request of retained criminal defense attorneys. Court-appointed attorneys are not appointed for bond hearings at the start of a misdemeanor case.

Felony cases are scheduled for arraignments and preliminary exams in the district court. A district judge is first responsible for deciding the amount of the defendant’s bond. At a later hearing, called a preliminary examination, they will have to rule on whether the prosecutor has proven a crime was committed and probable cause to believe the defendant committed it. If so, the case is “bound over” for further proceedings in the county circuit court. Judge Brian Hartwell in Hazel Park does not have jurisdiction over sentencing for any case carrying a penalty of over one year. If a felony case is plea-bargained down to a misdemeanor, then the case may be sentenced by the district judge in the district court. The probable cause hearing in a felony case is commonly referred to as a preliminary examination, and it is a critical stage in the criminal proceedings.

Examples of misdemeanors in the 43rd District Court

Retail Fraud 1st or 2nd Degree (shoplifting)
Operating While Intoxicated or Driving Under the Influence 1st and 2nd Offense (OWI)
Domestic Violence
Driving While License Suspended or Revoked
Misdemeanor Drug Offenses
Assault and Battery
Embezzlement

Examples of cases that may be scheduled for preliminary exam

Felonious Assault
Retail Fraud 1st Degree
Home Invasion
Armed or Unarmed Robbery
Criminal Sexual Conduct
Felony Drug Offenses
Larceny
Weapons Charges

Getting the Best Results with any Judge in the 43rd District Court

The attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. regularly appear in the 43rd District Court, and we believe we have a mutually respectful relationship with the judge and the court staff. Judges demand preparation, professionalism, and legally-sound arguments. They have zero tolerance for less than first-class lawyering, and we deliver first-class representation every time. If you want a highly effective, respected attorney who will give you the best chances of success, the defense team at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. is your best bet. If you have a misdemeanor or felony case before Judge Hartwell in the 43rd District Court in Hazel Park, call us for a free consultation, 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.