Maureen McGinnis, Judge in the 52-4 District Court in Troy, Michigan

The Honorable Maureen McGinnis was elected to the bench in 2014. She has established herself as a thoughtful, intelligent jurist who strives to follow the law and rule compassionately.

Troy District Court Judge Maureen McGinnis

Judge Maureen McGinnis is one of two judges in the 52-4 District Court in Troy, Michigan. She was elected to the bench in 2014 and was named Presiding Judge at the 52-4 District Court in 2016. Judge McGinnis has jurisdiction over any felony or misdemeanor cases that arise in Troy and Clawson.

Judge McGinnis received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado and her law degree from Michigan State University College of Law. While in college and law school, Judge McGinnis held several intern positions, including on a U.S. Senate campaign, the Boulder District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Washington D.C. After graduation, Judge McGinnis joined a law firm with her father in 2003, where she and her father specialized in family law and criminal law. Like her father, she quickly became one of the most highly respected family law lawyers in Oakland County.

Judge McGinnis is Involved in the Troy Community

Judge McGinnis has been active in local and state organizations when she is not holding court. She is an Oakland County Bar Association member and served on the State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners from 2016 to 2018. In 2009, Judge McGinnis was elected to the Troy City Council and served as Mayor Pro Tem during her term of service.

Judge McGinnis has devoted her personal time to many charitable and service-related organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity for Oakland County and the free legal service organization Family Legal Assistance Project. She has mentored youth by serving as a member of the Mentors Plus program run by Oakland County Youth Assistance.

Types of Criminal Cases Handled by Judge McGinnis

The Troy District Court judges have jurisdiction over all misdemeanor cases and the initial hearings in all felony cases. Misdemeanor cases may be punishable by up to 1 year in jail and up to 2 years of probation. In these cases, Judge McGinnis may have the option to dismiss misdemeanor charges under some circumstances, like following a Motion to Suppress Evidence. In other cases, she can either accept a plea or preside over a jury or bench trial.

Judge McGinnis is one of Oakland County’s most thoughtful judges. She will evaluate and potentially grant many motions that other judges frequently deny without contemplation or review. If a motion is well-drafted, realistic, legally and factually supported, and requests reasonable relief, a defendant rest assured that she will likely grant relief. Examples include:

Motion for Early Discharge from Probation
Motion for Out-of-State Travel
Motion to Modify Terms and Conditions of Probation
Motion to Modify a No-Contact Order

Felony Cases in the 52-4 District Court in Troy, Michigan

In felony cases, a defendant and the prosecutor are entitled to have a preliminary examination. The purpose of a preliminary examination is for the government to prove that there is probable cause to believe a defendant committed the alleged felony offense or offenses. If the evidence is inadequate, Judge McGinnis will dismiss the case. She will order that the case be bound to the Oakland County Circuit Court for trial if there is sufficient evidence. A felony charge is one where the possible sentence exceeds one year and may result in a prison sentence.

Some Examples of Misdemeanor and Felony Charges in Troy, Michigan, include:

Retail Fraud / Shoplifting
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI)
Domestic Violence
Driving While License Suspended or Revoked
Drug Offenses – Possession, Sales, Distribution, Trafficking
Assault and Battery
Felonious Assault
Burglary
Home Invasion
Armed and Unarmed Robbery
Embezzlement
Larceny
Child Pornography
Internet Crimes
Conspiracy
Weapons Charges
Sex Offenses

Probation Violations with Judge McGinnis

It is widely known that Judge Maureen McGinnis in Troy is thoughtful and prefers to focus on rehabilitation, as opposed to strict punishment, at sentencing. This being said, Judge McGinnis will not hesitate to impose jail time for a defendant who fails to comply with the terms and conditions of probation. Our Troy criminal defense lawyers have a strong track record of minimizing the consequences of a probation violation at the 52-4 District Court. Or highest priority, when possible, is to get our client’s probation violation dismissed. The most common allegations include the following:

new criminal charges or an arrest,
positive or diluted alcohol or drug screen,
failure to report to probation,
failure to complete community service,
outstanding fines, costs, or restitution, and
violations of no-contact orders.

If you face probation violation allegations, it is best to call us right away. We can take steps to help you avoid a violation and keep you out of jail. Even when other lawyers believe a harsh penalty is unavoidable, we can frequently find a way to prevent incarceration and other potential consequences.

Successfully Representing Clients Before Judge McGinnis

The attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. regularly appear before Judge McGinnis, and we routinely achieve extraordinary results in the Troy District Court. We have a mutually respectful relationship, and she understands that our lawyers will always be prepared and do whatever is necessary to achieve the best possible outcome. Judge McGinnis expects preparation and professionalism, and we ensure that we provide our clients with the highest possible level of service. If you have a case before Judge McGinnis and would like a free consultation and case evaluation, call 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.