52-1 Novi District Court Judge David Law

The Novi District Court is located at 48150 Grand River Ave, Novi, Michigan 48374. The court handles all misdemeanor criminal charges and the early stages of felony cases, including arraignments and preliminary examination.

The Honorable David Law

Judge David Law is one of three judges in the 52-1 District Court in Novi, Michigan. He was appointed by Governor Rick Snyder in 2015 and has since been re-elected by the district residents. He serves the communities of Commerce Township, Highland Township, Lyon Township, Milford Township, Novi, Novi Township, South Lyon, Village of Milford, Village of Wolverine Lake, Walled Lake, and Wixom.

If you are charged with a felony or misdemeanor before Judge Law in the Novi District Court, you will find information below that will be very helpful for you to consider.

Judge David Law’s Background – What You Need to Know!

Judge David Law received a Bachelor of Business degree from The University of Notre Dame in 1991 and a law degree from the Detroit College of Law in 1995. Judge Law’s legal career began as an attorney in 1995 at a private law firm where he practiced primarily in areas of civil litigation. In 1998, he became an Assistant Oakland County Prosecutor, where he remained until 2004. He was widely considered a zealous and aggressive prosecutor who was honest and treated others respectfully and fairly.

David Law then ran for Congress in Michigan and won. He represented the communities of Commerce Township and Wolverine Lake from 2005 through 2008. In 2009, Judge Law became an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Michigan. He prosecuted child abuse and neglect cases and stayed at that job until Governor Snyder appointed him to the bench.

Community Involvement

Judge David Law belongs to or is associated with many legal organizations and community-based groups, including the Michigan District Judges Association (MDJA), the legislative committees for the MDJA, and the Michigan Association of Treatment Court Professionals (MATCP). Judge Law was appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court on January 1, 2017, to serve as a member of the Committee on Model Criminal Jury Instructions for the state of Michigan. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Oakland County Bar Association, and president of the Oakland County District Judges’ Association. Judge Law serves on the board of directors for Novi Youth Assistance (NYA), Lakes Area Youth Assistance (LAYA), and is an advisory board member for the southwest Oakland County chapter of Families Against Narcotics (FAN).

A community-oriented judge who cares for his constituents and believes in giving back

On a personal note, Judge David Law belongs to the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #128 (Wixom), Multi-Lakes Conservation Association (Commerce Township), the Incorporated Society of Irish American Lawyers (ISIAL), Polish American Legal Society (PALS), and St. William Catholic Church (Walled Lake).

Most of the judges in Oakland County have a state-wide reputation for being tough on crime and ready to impose harsh penalties. Some of these judges, at times, appear more stern than necessary. However, anyone who regularly practices in Judge Law’s court knows he is tough but fair and routinely imposes an appropriate penalty under the law.

Most criminal defense attorneys agree that Novi District Court Judge David Law treats defense attorneys and defendants fairly and respectfully. Even if defense arguments or theories go against the prosecution, he will make tough legal decisions if the law and facts support that decision.

Types of criminal cases handled by Judge Law

As with all district court judges, Judge David Law handles all civil infractions (non-criminal matters which carry only a fine), misdemeanors (cases that carry up to a possible one year in jail), and felony preliminary examinations (probable cause hearings for cases that carry a penalty of more than one year in jail). Although he does not generally take guilty pleas on felony cases or handle felony trials, he does hold hearings. He decides whether the evidence against the defendant is sufficient to proceed to trial in the Oakland County Circuit Court.

Felony and Misdemeanor Cases Before Judge David Law

A few examples of misdemeanor cases for which a trial may be held are:

• Retail Fraud 2nd and 3rd Degree
• Operating While Intoxicated or Driving Under the Influence 1st and 2nd Offense
• Domestic Violence
• Driving While License Suspended or Revoked
• Misdemeanor Drug Offenses
• Assault and Battery

A few examples of felony cases for which a preliminary exam will be scheduled are:

• Felonious Assault
• Retail Fraud 1st Degree
• Home Invasion
• Armed and Unarmed Robbery
• Felony Drug Cases
• Felony Operating While Intoxicated 3rd Offense

Judge David Law and Violations of Probation

Given his history as a prosecutor and an assistant attorney general, it should not come as a surprise that Judge David Law takes court orders very seriously. When there is an allegation of probation violation, he will be fair and give the defendant a fair opportunity to provide a defense. He will routinely order a defendant to serve a sentence in the Oakland County Jail if there is a probation violation. This is not to say that he always orders jail. He will listen and consider a credible and persuasive argument for an alternative to jail time when presented by an experienced, respected attorney.

Regularly handling and winning cases in front of Judge David Law

The attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. regularly appear before Judge Law, and we have had excellent, successful experiences in his court. We have a mutually respectful relationship. Judge Law appreciates preparation and professionalism, and we know how to present a case to get the best results in his courtroom. If you have a misdemeanor or felony charge before Judge Law or a violation of probation, call the Novi criminal defense attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., 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.

We will find a way to help you.
We Are Not Afraid to Win!

Michigan Judges