43rd District Court Judge Brian Hartwell in Hazel Park

Judge Brian Hartwell is now the judge in Hazel Park. His reputation is for being fair but firm. Here is what you need to know.

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 Hazel Park District Court serves over 16,000 residents and handles civil cases (lawsuits seeking less than $25,000), civil infractions, and criminal cases. Judge Brian Hartwell is the current district court judge.

Attorneys regularly appearing 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 well-prepared attorneys who 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. 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 or probation violation will result in jail. Judge Brian Hartwell in Hazel Park is unforgiving regarding bond violations, even 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 such situations.

Concern for and Devotion to the Community Judge Brian Hartwell Serves

Judge Brian C. Hartwell has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the Hazel Park community through various initiatives and roles. Before his judicial appointment, he served as the mayor of Madison Heights, where he founded a pro bono legal clinic at the Madison Heights Senior Center, assisting low-income seniors with their legal matters.

In Hazel Park, Judge Hartwell has been instrumental in enhancing the 43rd District Court’s services. He oversees the Hybrid Drug/DWI Treatment Court, a specialty program designed to address the root causes of criminal behavior by integrating treatment strategies and fostering personal accountability among participants.

Beyond his official duties, Judge Hartwell actively participates in community events. He has continued the “Rake with the Mayor” program, a volunteer initiative that assists residents with yard work, exemplifying his hands-on approach to community service.

Through these efforts, Judge Hartwell exemplifies a profound dedication to the well-being and improvement of the Hazel Park 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 with a possible jail term, typically ranging from 30 days to one year in jail and up to two (2) years of probation. The monetary fines for misdemeanors vary but generally between $200 and $1,000. District judges in misdemeanor cases set bonds and bail. Judge Brian Hartwell in Hazel Park often grants personal bonds at the request of retained criminal defense attorneys.

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 shown by the probable cause standard the defendant committed a felony. If so, the case is “bound over” to the Oakland County Circuit Court for further proceedings. 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.

Criminal Cases Before Judge Brian Hartwell

Judge Brian Hartwell presides over misdemeanor prosecutions from arraignment through trial and sentencing. He handles the arraignments, probable cause conferences, and preliminary examinations in felony cases. Here are a few examples of the criminal cases he frequently oversees:

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. Judge Brian Hartwell demands 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.