In Wayne County, Michigan, criminal charges are aggressively prosecuted. If you’re facing charges, it’s important to understand the workings of the Wayne County courts and the importance of having a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney by your side. Keep reading to discover how the courts in Wayne County operate, the areas served by criminal defense lawyers at George Law, and why individuals charged with any crime here could greatly benefit from professional legal assistance.
Wayne County Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you’re accused of a misdemeanor or felony charge in Wayne County, Michigan, you’ll want to get legal help quickly. Contact the Wayne 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. Our experienced team is ready to support you and work towards the best possible outcome for your situation. Remember, early legal guidance can make a significant difference in your case.
Wayne County Circuit Court
The Third Judicial Circuit Court of Wayne County, Michigan, stands as an important component in the state’s legal system. It has jurisdiction over civil cases with claims over $25,000, all felony criminal cases, and family matters like divorce and child custody. The court comprises three divisions: Civil, Criminal, and Family, each handling different aspects of the law.
Wayne County Judges
- Chief Judge: Honorable Patricia Perez Fresard
- Chief Judge Pro Tem: Honorable Leslie Kim Smith
- Executive Court Administrator: Mr. E. Frank Hardester
Wayne County Court Contact Information
- Address: Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226
- Phone: 313-224-5261
Wayne County Michigan District Courts
The district courts in Wayne County handle civil cases with claims up to $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, traffic violations, and misdemeanor criminal cases. These courts are often the first point of contact for individuals facing legal proceedings.
16th District Court – City of Livonia
Address: 32765 Five Mile Rd., Livonia, MI 48154
Judges: Honorable Kathleen J. McCann, Chief Judge; Honorable Sean P. Kavanagh, District Judge
17th District Court – Township of Redford
Address: 15111 Beech-Daly Rd., Redford, MI 48239
Judges: Honorable Krista Licata Haroutunian, District Judge; Honorable Karen S. Khalil, Chief Judge
18th District Court – City of Westland
Address: 36675 Ford Rd., Westland, MI 48185
Judges: Honorable Sandra A. Ference Cicirelli, District Judge; Honorable Mark A. McConnell, Chief Judge
19th District Court – City of Dearborn
Address: 16077 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126
Judges: Honorable Sam A. Salamey, Chief Judge; Honorable Mark W. Somers, District Judge; Honorable L. Eugene Hunt, Jr., District Judge
20th District Court – City of Dearborn Heights
Address: 25637 Michigan Ave., Dearborn Heights, MI 48125
Judges: Honorable David Turfe, District Judge; Honorable Mark J. Plawecki, Chief Judge
21st District Court – City of Garden City
Address: 6000 N. Middlebelt Rd., Garden City, MI 48135
Judge: Honorable Richard L. Hammer, Jr., Chief Judge
22nd District Court – City of Inkster
Address: 26279 Michigan Ave., Inkster, MI 48141
Judge: Honorable Sabrina L. Johnson, Chief Judge
23rd District Court – City of Taylor
Address: 23365 Goddard, Taylor, MI 48180
Judges: Honorable Joseph D. Slaven, District Judge; Honorable Victoria Irene Shackelford, Chief Judge
24th District Court – Cities of Allen Park and Melvindale
Address: 6515 Roosevelt Rd., Allen Park, MI 48101
Judges: Honorable John T. Courtright, District Judge; Honorable Richard A. Page, Chief Judge
25th District Court – Cities of Ecorse, Lincoln Park, and River Rouge
Address: 1475 Cleophus, Lincoln Park, MI 48146
Judges: Honorable Gregory A. Clifton, Chief Judge; Honorable David J. Zelenak, District Judge
27th District Court – Cities of Wyandotte and Riverview
Address: 2015 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte, MI 48192
Judge: Honorable Elizabeth L. DiSanto, Chief Judge
28th District Court – City of Southgate
Address: 14720 Reaume Parkway, Southgate, MI 48195
Judge: Honorable Elisabeth Mimi Mullins, Chief Judge
29th District Court – City of Wayne
Address: 34808 Sims Ave., Wayne, MI 48184
Judge: Honorable Breeda K. O’Leary, Chief Judge
30th District Court – City of Highland Park
Address: 12050 Woodward Ave., Highland Park, MI 48203
Judge: Honorable Brigette Officer Holley, Chief Judge
31st District Court – City of Hamtramck
Address: 3401 Evaline Ave., Hamtramck, MI 48212
Judge: Honorable Alexis G. Krot, Chief Judge
32A District Court – City of Harper Woods
Address: 19617 Harper Ave., Harper Woods, MI 48225
Judge: Honorable Rebekah Ruth Coleman, Chief Judge
33rd District Court – Cities of Trenton, Gibraltar, Woodhaven, Rockwood, and Flat Rock, and Townships of Brownstown, and Grosse Ile
Address: 19000 Van Horn, Woodhaven, MI 48183
Judges: Honorable Michael K. McNally, Chief Judge; Honorable Jennifer Coleman Hesson, District Judge
34th District Court – Cities of Romulus and Belleville, and the Townships of Sumpter, Van Buren, and Huron
Address: 11129 Wayne Rd., Romulus, MI 48174
Judges: Honorable Tina Brooks Green, District Judge; Honorable Lisa Marie Robinson Martin, District Judge; Honorable Brian A. Oakley, Chief Judge
35th District Court – Cities of Northville and Plymouth and the Townships of Northville, Plymouth, and Canton
Address: 660 Plymouth Rd., Plymouth, MI 48170
Judges: Honorable Ronald W. Lowe, Chief Judge; Honorable James A. Plakas, District Judge; Honorable Michael J. Gerou, District Judge
36th District Court – City of Detroit
Address: 421 Madison St., Detroit, MI 48226
Chief Judge: Honorable William C. McConico (among multiple judges)
It’s best to check the specific district court website to get the most current information about the judges and court rules. Each district court typically operates from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Michigan Court of Appeals
The Michigan Court of Appeals reviews decisions made by lower courts, making sure they follow Michigan laws correctly. The Court of Appeals has the power to overturn a faulty decision from one of the lower courts. The First District Court of Appeals serves Wayne County, which includes Detroit, Michigan’s largest city.
Michigan Supreme Court
The Michigan Supreme Court is the highest legal authority in the state, overseeing the entire Michigan legal system. It’s responsible for making final decisions on important legal matters, interpreting Michigan laws, and ensuring justice. The Court is currently led by Chief Justice Clement.
Wayne County Clerk of Court
In Michigan, the Clerk of Court plays a major role in the judicial system. Responsible for managing the court’s records, the Clerk handles case filings, court documents, and often court fees. In Wayne County, this role is held by Cathy M. Garrett.
- Address: Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226
- Phone: 313-224-5530
Wayne County Prosecutor
The Wayne County Prosecutor represents the state in criminal cases, responsible for deciding which cases to prosecute, presenting evidence in court, and ensuring that justice is served in a fair and legal manner. The current Wayne County Prosecutor is Kym L. Worthy.
- Address: 1441 St Antoine, Detroit, MI 48226
- Phone: (313) 224-5777
Sheriff in Wayne County, Michigan
The Sheriff, as the chief law enforcement officer in Wayne County, oversees various important law enforcement activities. These include managing the county jail, providing court security, and executing warrants. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office engages in significant community outreach and law enforcement, especially in areas without local police departments. The current Sheriff of Wayne County is Raphael Washington.
- Address: 4747 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201
- Phone: 313-833-0864
Police in Wayne County, Michigan
Police departments across Wayne County, Michigan, hold the responsibility of maintaining public order, enforcing laws, and providing emergency services within their jurisdictions. Their duties encompass crime prevention, criminal investigation, and ensuring community safety.
- Allen Park Police Department
- Belleville Police Department
- Brownstown Township Police Department
- Canadian Pacific Railway Police Department
- Detroit Police Department
- Ecorse Police Department
- Ferndale Police Department
- Flat Rock Police Department (partially in Monroe County)
- Garden City Police Department
- Gibraltar Police Department
- Grosse Ile Township Police Department
- Grosse Pointe Police Department
- Grosse Pointe Farms Police Department
- Grosse Pointe Park Police Department
- Grosse Pointe Shores Police Department (partially in Macomb County)
- Grosse Pointe Woods Police Department
- Hamtramck Police Department
- Harper Woods Police Department
- Highland Park Police Department
- Inkster Police Department
- Lincoln Park Police Department
- Livonia Police Department
- Melvindale Police Department
- Northville Police Department (partially in Oakland County)
- Plymouth Police Department
- River Rouge Police Department
- Riverview Police Department
- Rockwood Police Department
- Romulus Police Department
- Southgate Police Department
- Taylor Police Department
- Trenton Police Department
- Wayne Police Department
- Westland Police Department
- Woodhaven Police Department
- Wyandotte Police Department
Role of a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Wayne County
If you’re charged with a misdemeanor or felony in Wayne County, Michigan, a criminal defense lawyer can help. Namely, they will protect your rights, explain the legal process in terms you can understand, and work to achieve the best possible outcome. They’ll scrutinize the evidence against you, negotiate with prosecutors, and represent you confidently in court. An experienced defense attorney can sometimes get charges reduced or even dismissed, depending on your case’s specifics.
Areas George Law Serves in Wayne County, Michigan
- Allen Park
- Belleville
- Brownstown Township
- Canton Township
- Dearborn
- Dearborn Heights
- Detroit (county seat)
- Ecorse
- Flat Rock (partially in Monroe County)
- Garden City
- Gibraltar
- Grosse Ile Township
- Grosse Pointe
- Grosse Pointe Farms
- Grosse Pointe Park
- Grosse Pointe Shores (partially in Macomb County)
- Grosse Pointe Woods
- Hamtramck
- Harper Woods
- Highland Park
- Huron Township
- Inkster
- Lincoln Park
- Livonia
- Melvindale
- Northville (partially in Oakland County)
- Plymouth
- Redford Township
- River Rouge
- Riverview
- Rockwood
- Romulus
- Southgate
- Taylor
- Trenton
- Wayne
- Westland
- Woodhaven
- Wyandotte
Adjacent Counties
- Macomb County (northeast)
- Monroe County (south)
- Oakland County (northwest)
- Washtenaw County (west)
About Wayne County, Michigan
Wayne County, Michigan, where Detroit is located, holds unique appeal due to its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant urban life. With its historical ties to the automotive industry, Wayne County boasts a fascinating industrial heritage, marked by iconic car manufacturers like Ford. The county’s cultural diversity is a standout feature, reflected in its diverse neighborhoods and culinary offerings. Wayne County’s urban environment offers a wide range of entertainment options, from sports events at Comerica Park and Ford Field to world-class museums such as the Detroit Institute of Arts. Nature lovers can explore beautiful parks like Belle Isle Park.
Wayne County Criminal Defense Attorneys at George Law
If you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges in Wayne County, don’t hesitate to reach out. The Wayne County criminal defense lawyers at George Law are here to help. Give us a call at (248) 247-7459 or contact us online for a consultation. We’ll discuss your rights, your legal options, and how we can support you through this challenging time.