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In Oakland County, Michigan, misdemeanor and felony charges are taken very seriously, with a strong emphasis on thorough investigation and prosecution. If you’re facing criminal charges, you’ll want to better understand the role of the courts in Oakland County and why having an Oakland County criminal defense attorney by your side is so important.
Oakland County Criminal Defense Attorney
If you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges in Oakland County, Michigan, it’s time to take action and protect your rights. Don’t hesitate to contact Oakland County criminal defense lawyers at George Law. You can reach us by calling (248) 247-7459 or contacting us online for a consultation about your rights and legal options.
Oakland County Circuit Court
In Oakland County, the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court addresses civil cases with claims exceeding $25,000, all felony criminal cases, family matters (like divorce, child custody, and adoption), and appeals from lower courts or administrative agencies.
The court is presided over by a team of judges, each elected for a six-year term, responsible for ensuring fair and just proceedings. The judges include:
- Honorable Jeffrey S. Matis (Chief Judge)
- Honorable Shalina D. Kumar
- Honorable Mary Ellen Brennan
- Honorable Daniel P. O’Brien
- Honorable Martha D. Anderson
- Honorable Lisa Langton
- Honorable Nanci J. Grant
- Honorable Karen D. McDonald
- Honorable Michael D. Warren
- Honorable Phyllis C. McMillen
- Honorable Hala Jarbou
- Honorable Edward Sosnick
- Honorable Denise Langford Morris
- Honorable Rae Lee Chabot
- Honorable Wendy Potts
- Honorable Leo Bowman
The court’s hours of operation are from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The court is located at 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341-0404, and can be reached at 248-858-0344.
Oakland County District Courts
Michigan’s district courts handle various cases, including most traffic violations, civil cases with claims up to $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, misdemeanor criminal cases (crimes with a maximum of one year in jail), small claims, and preliminary examinations in felony cases.
43rd District Court – Ferndale Division
Address: 305 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, MI 48220
Judge: Joseph Longo
43rd District Court – Hazel Park Division
Address: 111 E. Nine Mile Road, Hazel Park, MI 48030
Judge: Charles Goedert
43rd District Court – Madison Heights Division
Address: 200 W. Thirteen Mile Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071
Judge: Keith Hunt
44th District Court – Royal Oak
Address: 400 E Eleven Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Judges: Derek Meinecke, Andrew W. Kowalkowski
45th District Court – Oak Park
Address: 13600 Oak Park Blvd., Oak Park, MI 48237
Judges: Michelle Friedman Appel, David M. Gubow
46th District Court – Southfield
Address: 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI 48076
Judges: Debra Nance, Shelia R. Johnson, William J. Richards
47th District Court – Farmington Hills
Address: 31605 W. Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336
Judges: Marla E. Parker, James B. Brady
48th District Court – Bloomfield Hills
Address: 4280 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Judges: Diane D’Agostini, Kimberly Small, Marc Barron
50th District Court – Pontiac
Address: 70 N. Saginaw Street, Pontiac, MI 48342
Judges: Ronda Fowlkes Gross, Cynthia Thomas Walker, Preston G. Thomas
51st District Court – Waterford
Address: 5100 Civic Center Drive, Waterford, MI 48329
Judge: Richard D. Kuhn Jr.
52nd District Court – Division 1 (Novi)
Address: 48150 Grand River Avenue, Novi, MI 48374
Judges: Robert Bondy, Travis Reeds
52nd District Court – Division 2 (Clarkston)
Address: 5850 Lorac Drive, Clarkston, MI 48346
Judge: Kelley Kostin
52nd District Court – Division 3 (Rochester Hills)
Address: 700 Barclay Circle, Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Judges: Lisa L. Asadoorian, Julie A. Nicholson, Nancy T. Carniak
52nd District Court – Division 4 (Troy)
Address: 520 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48084
Judges: Kirsten Nielsen Hartig, Maureen M. McGinnis
This list of judges is based on the most current information available and may change due to elections or appointments. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, contact the respective district court directly.
Royal Oak District Court (44th District Court)
Located in Royal Oak, Michigan, the 44th District Court serves the communities of Royal Oak and Berkley. Like the other district courts, the 44th District Court handles all misdemeanor criminal cases and the preliminary stages of felony cases. The 44th District Court is supported by a court administrator, who is responsible for the important non-judicial functions of the court. This includes personnel and fiscal management, scheduling, case management, record management, jury utilization, and other administrative duties.
- Address: 400 E 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067
- Phone: 248-246-3600
- Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Michigan Court of Appeals
The Michigan Court of Appeals hears challenges of decisions made by lower courts in Michigan. This court doesn’t decide if you’re guilty or not. Instead, it looks at whether the law was applied correctly in your case. There are four districts in the Court of Appeals, each serving different parts of Michigan. The Second District covers Oakland, Macomb, and Genesee Counties. If you believe a legal mistake was made in your trial or hearing, this is the court where your lawyer can raise those concerns.
Michigan Supreme Court
The Michigan Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Clement, is the highest court in the state. It doesn’t hear every case; it usually picks cases that have a big impact or where the law is unclear. They make the final decision on legal questions and their rulings affect the whole state. The Supreme Court is not just about correcting mistakes from lower courts. It also guides how laws are understood and applied in Michigan, ensuring fairness and consistency in the legal system.
Oakland County Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Court in Oakland County, Michigan, plays a major role in the administration of the county’s judicial system. This official is responsible for managing court records, which include legal documents like lawsuits, judgments, and liens. The Clerk ensures that these records are maintained and accessible for public review.
- Address: 1200 N Telegraph Rd, Department 404, Pontiac, MI 48341-0404
- Phone: 248-858-0344
- Business Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Current Clerk of Courts: Lisa Brown
Oakland County Prosecutor
In Oakland County, the Prosecutor represents the government in criminal proceedings. This involves charging individuals accused of crimes, gathering evidence, presenting the case in court, and trying to prove the defendant’s guilt. The current Oakland County Prosecutor is Karen D. McDonald.
- Address: Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Oakland County, Michigan, 1200 N. Telegraph Rd West Wing – Building 14E, Pontiac, MI 48341
- Phone: 248-858-0656
Sheriff in Oakland County, Michigan
The Sheriff is a key figure in county-level law enforcement. In Oakland County, the Sheriff’s responsibilities encompass managing the county jail, providing court security, and patrolling areas without local police departments. The Sheriff’s Office is also involved in responding to emergencies, conducting criminal investigations, and overseeing civil process services. The current Sheriff of Oakland County is Michael J. Bouchard.
- Address: 1201 N. Telegraph Rd, Pontiac, MI 48341, USA
- Phone: 248-858-5000
Police in Oakland County, Michigan
Police departments in Oakland County are responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing laws, and preventing, detecting, and investigating criminal activities. They work closely with the community to enhance public safety and often participate in community programs. Police officers are typically the first responders in emergency situations, providing important services including traffic control, accident response, and emergency aid.
- Auburn Hills Police Department
- Berkley Police Department
- Birmingham Police Department
- Bloomfield Hills Police Department
- Bloomfield Township Police Department
- Clawson Police Department
- Farmington Police Department
- Farmington Hills Police Department
- Ferndale Police Department
- Hazel Park Police Department
- Holly Police Department
- Madison Heights Police Department
- Milford Police Department
- Novi Police Department
- Oak Park Police Department
- Oakland County Sheriff’s Office
- Oakland Township Police Substation
- Orion Township Police Substation
- Oxford Township Police Substation
- Pontiac Police Substation
- Rochester Hills Police Substation
- Rochester Police Department
- Royal Oak Police Department
- Southfield Police Department
- Sylvan Lake Police Department
- Troy Police Department
- Walled Lake Police Department
- Waterford Township Police Department
- West Bloomfield Township Police Department
- Wixom Police Department
- Wolverine Lake Police Department
How Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Someone Facing Charges in Oakland County, Michigan
Common misdemeanors include lower-left theft offenses and DUI, while felonies might involve more serious crimes like aggravated assault or drug trafficking. When you’re charged with a misdemeanor or felony in Oakland County, a criminal defense lawyer is your key ally. They defend you in court, ensuring your rights are protected. Your lawyer will work tirelessly to build a strong defense, negotiate with prosecutors, and strive for the best possible outcome. They know the legal system and will guide you through it, providing clear explanations and support.
Areas We Serve in Oakland County, Michigan
- Addison Township
- Auburn Hills
- Berkley
- Beverly Hills (village)
- Bingham Farms (village)
- Birmingham
- Bloomfield Hills
- Bloomfield Township
- Brandon Township
- Clarkston (city)
- Clawson
- Commerce Township
- Farmington
- Farmington Hills
- Fenton (partially in Genesee County)
- Ferndale
- Franklin (village)
- Hazel Park
- Highland Township
- Holly (village)
- Huntington Woods
- Independence Township
- Keego Harbor
- Lake Angelus
- Lake Orion (village)
- Lathrup Village
- Leonard (village)
- Lyon Township
- Madison Heights
- Milford (village)
- Milford Township
- Northville (partially in Wayne County)
- Novi
- Oak Park
- Oakland Township
- Orchard Lake Village
- Orion Township
- Ortonville (village)
- Oxford (village)
- Oxford Township
- Pleasant Ridge
- Pontiac
- Rochester
- Rochester Hills
- Royal Oak
- Royal Oak Township
- South Lyon
- Southfield
- Southfield Township
- Springfield Township
- Sylvan Lake
- Troy
- Walled Lake
- Waterford Township
- West Bloomfield Township
- White Lake Township
- Wixom
- Wolverine Lake (village)
Specialized Criminal Defense Lawyers in Oakland County, Michigan
If you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges in Oakland County, Michigan, don’t wait to get help. Reach out to Oakland County criminal defense lawyers at George Law by calling (248) 247-7459 or contacting us online for a consultation about your rights and legal options. We’re here to assist you every step of the way and ensure your side of the story is heard.