MenuLocated in the southern portion of Oakland County, the 43rd District Court handles a variety of cases that vary from simple traffic infractions all the way to probation and criminal cases involving felonies and misdemeanors. Serving the south central portion of the county, this court system covers cases in Ferndale, Hazel Park and Madison Heights. With a separate division located in each individual city, the court system is set up to provide the best possible service to the communities under its jurisdiction.
Those who are arrested for drunk driving or any other criminal offense in Madison Heights will be under the jurisdiction of the Madison Heights division of the 43rd District Court system. Due to the unusually harsh sentencing given out by Oakland County courts for drunk driving offenses, it is absolutely critical that those facing these sorts of charges in the county reach out to an experienced Michigan DUI criminal attorney. An experienced attorney will have a solid working relationship with both judges and prosecutors within the court system and will work to ensure the best possible legal outcome for a case.
DUI & OWI Charges At Madison Heights 43rd District Court
As one of the three divisions of the 43rd District Court, the Madison Heights division is a vital part of the Oakland County justice system. However, as part of the Oakland County legal system, this court follows suit with the rest of the courts in delivering harsh sentencing for anyone convicted of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicating substance. This holds true even for first time offenders, which makes facing these charges an especially risky prospect for individuals who find themselves facing drunk driving charges within the jurisdiction of this court.
If you find yourself in the unpleasant situation of facing first offense OWI charges within the jurisdiction of the Madison Heights division of the 43rd District Court system, it is almost guaranteed that you will be charged to the fullest extent of the law. Because of this, it is absolutely vital that you seek out skilled legal counsel in order to protect your freedom and your future.
Court Jurisdiction
Due to the population density of the area covered by the 43rd District Court, the court’s jurisdiction covers only three cities within the southern Oakland County area. Below are a list of the communities specifically covered by this court system:
- Madison Height
- Ferndale
- Hazel Park
Something to be aware of with this court system is that it has a unique way of handling cases, with each of the three separate locations handling cases that occur within each of the cities they serve. Accordingly, the Madison Heights division of the court handles cases that originate within the boundaries of the City of Madison Heights.
Madison Heights District Court Location
The Madison Heights 43rd District Court is located in the City of Madison Heights, off 13 mile road just west of John R. Madison Heights is one of several smaller suburbs north of eight mile, covering just over seven miles. Bordered by Royal Oak to the west, Hazel Park to the south and Warren to the east, the court and the city it resides within are located in one of the busiest areas in the Metro-Detroit region. The specific address to the court as well as driving directions are located below:
43rd District Court – Madison Heights (D43)
Address: 200 W 13 Mile Rd
Madison Heights, MI 48071
Get Directions
Phone: 248-583-1800
Website: https://www.madison-heights.org/266/43rd-District-Court
43rd Madison Heights District Court Judges
Hon. Keith Hunt – Obtaining his law degree from Valparaiso University Law School in Indiana after graduating from Alma College in Michigan, Judge Hunt has extensive experience in Michigan’s legal system. Elected to the court in 1989, he is a fair judge who has a long history of both compassion and not being afraid to make difficult decisions.
Hon. Michael G. Mitchell – Serving on the 43rd District Court since April of 2021, Magistrate Mitchell has nearly a decade of experience in the legal field working as a private attorney. Graduating from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2011 with a 1st in class rank for Advanced Criminal Procedure, he is well versed in Michigan law and approaches cases with compassion and patience.
43rd District Court Resources
Traffic Fines – The Madison Heights District Court has information on different traffic fines in their jurisdiction and how to pay them. Checks must be payable to the 43rd District Court. No personal checks accepted if the driver’s license is suspended. You may pay online through CLEMIS the first 14 days. You will need your last name as it appears on the ticket and the ticket number. These fines range from $25 on the low end for driving without proof of insurance up to $250 on the high end for reckless driving.
Here are some additional key points about traffic fines through the 43rd District Court:
- A citation can be a civil infraction or a misdemeanor.
- When the violation is issued for a misdemeanor, the Court will automatically mail you an arraignment/appearance date
- The defendant must do one of the following within 14 calendar days after receiving a civil infraction: dmit responsibility without explanation, Admit responsibility with explanation, Deny responsibility for the civil infraction by contacting the Court
- To cancel a bench warrant, a cash bond must be posted or you must appear before the court any Wednesday at 8 a.m. The Magistrate may require that a cash bond be posted at that time. The court requests that you call the court a few days prior to ensure a magistrate is available.
Holidays & Court Closures – From time to time the court is closed outside of normal business hours. This includes holidays and various other closures. This is a comprehensive listing of the set closures throughout the year.
Hazel Park District Court – One of the sister divisions of the Madison Heights court, this court is part of the 43rd District Court system and handles cases with the City of Hazel Park. It is located off John R and 9 mile road.
Ferndale District Court – As a sister division of the Madison Heights court and part of the 43rd District Court system, this court covers cases that occur within the City of Ferndale. It is located just east of Woodward Ave. on the northside of 9 mile road.