Romulus District Court: Complete Guide to the 34th District Court

If you face felony or misdemeanor charges in the 34th District Court in Romulus, Michigan, there are things you need to know.

Introduction to the Romulus District Court

The Romulus District Court, officially designated as the 34th District Court, is a critical component of Michigan’s judicial system serving Western Wayne County. The Court handles thousands of cases annually, ranging from misdemeanors to preliminary felony proceedings, civil disputes, and traffic violations, making it one of the busiest district courts in the state.

Romulus District Court Location and Jurisdiction

The 34th District Court is located at 11129 Wayne Road, Romulus, Michigan 48174. This Court’s jurisdiction covers a significant portion of Western Wayne County, including the Cities of Romulus, Belleville, Sumpter Township, Van Buren Township, Huron Township, and notably, the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which generates a substantial portion of the Court’s caseload.

The Court’s office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and court staff checks a designated drop box at the entrance every business day.

Romulus District Court Judges and Court Administration

As of March 2025, the Romulus District Court has three judges who preside over the various cases within its jurisdiction:

• Judge Brian A. Oakley – Judge Oakley has been serving on the bench since at least 2010 and has been re-elected without opposition in subsequent terms. He is a former defense attorney with extensive experience in the Romulus area and is known for his fair and thorough approach to court proceedings.

• Judge Lisa Martin – Judge Martin assumed office on January 1, 2021, with her current term ending on January 1, 2027. She presides over cases in Zoom Courtroom 4 as part of the Court’s virtual proceedings setup, which helps modernize the Court’s operations.

• Judge Teresa Patton – Judge Patton serves in Zoom Courtroom 3 and is part of the Romulus District Court’s leadership in adopting technology to improve access to justice, having extensive experience with the communities served by the Court.

The Romulus District Court also employs magistrates, who provide additional judicial resources by assisting with informal hearings on civil infractions, arraignments, and small claims hearings.

Types of Cases at the Romulus District Court

The District Court handles a variety of cases, reflecting its broad jurisdiction. For misdemeanors, the Court handles all hearings, including bench and jury trials. For felony matters, the Court oversees arraignments, probable cause conferences, and preliminary examinations. If there is sufficient evidence for a felony case to proceed to trial, the judge transfers the case to the Wayne County Circuit Court in Detroit, Michigan.

Criminal Cases

The Court processes all criminal misdemeanors from beginning to end and felony cases through the preliminary examination stage. Common criminal cases in the Romulus District Court include:

• Detroit Metro Airport Cases – Given its jurisdiction over the airport, the Romulus District Court hears unique cases related to the Detroit Metro Airport, including security checkpoint violations, prohibited items, and other airport-specific offenses that often involve travelers unfamiliar with local laws.

• Operating While Intoxicated (OWI/DUI) – The Romulus District Court handles numerous drunk driving and impaired driving cases, such as OWI, OWVI, and OWI High BAC, with varying outcomes depending on circumstances and defense quality.

• Domestic Violence – Domestic violence charges are sensitive cases that require an experienced, aggressive defense. These matters often involve protective orders.

• Drug Offenses – From simple possession to more serious trafficking charges.

• Retail Fraud (Shoplifting) – Common misdemeanor cases, such as Retail Fraud, can sometimes be resolved with diversion programs to avoid a criminal conviction and jail time.

• Weapons Charges – The Wayne County Prosecutor charges many weapons crimes in Romulus, including firearm charges stemming from Detroit Metro Airport security checkpoints where even honest mistakes can lead to serious legal consequences.

Civil Cases

The 34th District Court also has jurisdiction over:

• Civil cases with claims up to $25,000
• Landlord-tenant disputes
• Small claims cases
• Civil municipal infractions
• Traffic violations, including both civil infractions and criminal traffic offenses

Special Programs at the Romulus District Court

The 34th District Court offers several specialized programs to address specific needs:

• Sobriety Court – A comprehensive program for non-violent offenders struggling with substance abuse issues. The Sobriety Court Program typically lasts 24 months but can be completed faster based on progress and compliance and includes phases of treatment, monitoring, and support.

• Weekend Arraignments – The Court handles weekend arraignments for all of Wayne County, meaning defendants are arraigned here even if their case will ultimately be transferred to another jurisdiction, providing an essential service to the entire county.

What to Expect When Appearing at the Romulus District Court

When appearing at the 34th District Court, visitors should be aware of the following:

• Security Screening – All individuals entering the courthouse are subject to security screening.

• Cell Phone Policy – Cell phones are generally not allowed in the Romulus District Court unless you are a police officer or an attorney with a valid Michigan Bar Card, so plan accordingly.

• Court Process – Criminal cases at the Romulus District Court typically follow a standard process of arraignment, pre-trial, possible motions or evidentiary hearings, and either trial or sentencing, with most cases resolving before the trial stage.

• Prosecutors – Unlike some district courts, the Romulus District Court has multiple prosecutors, as each township or city within its jurisdiction may have its own prosecutor in addition to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.

• Virtual Options – The Court has embraced technology with Zoom courtrooms for many proceedings, allowing for more flexible appearances in some cases.

Legal Representation in Romulus

Facing felon or misdemeanor criminal charges at the 34th District Court can be intimidating and complex. The Court’s procedures, multiple prosecutors, and unique caseload (particularly from Detroit Metro Airport) create challenges that require experienced legal guidance. Having skilled legal representation, like the highly professional and effective defense lawyers with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C., can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

About LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C.

LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. is a premier criminal defense firm with decades of experience successfully defending clients in the Romulus District Court. Our attorneys are intimately familiar with the 34th District Court’s procedures and judges’ tendencies and have established professional relationships with prosecutors and court staff.

Our experience in the Romulus District Court allows us to:

• Navigate the unique challenges of skillfully defending cases arising from Detroit Metro Airport or anywhere within the Court’s jurisdiction.
• Effectively negotiate with the various state and local prosecutors who operate in the 34th District Court.
• Develop strategic defense plans tailored to each judge’s approach.
• Seek alternatives to incarceration in the Wayne County Jail, including specialized programs when appropriate.
• Aggressively defend your rights at every stage of the proceedings.

If you face criminal charges in the Romulus District Court, do not leave your future to chance. The stakes are too high, and the right representation can make all the difference. Call us today for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and 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!