The Michigan District Courts are the Starting Points for Most Felony Cases
Southeast Michigan District Courts
“The leading rule for the lawyer, as for the man of every calling, is diligence”
What are District Courts in Michigan?
Not to be confused with the Federal District Court, Michigan state district courts are the courts which handle misdemeanor cases in the various cities and towns throughout Michigan. A felony case almost always begins in a district court and understanding how they work and the felony strategies that start there is of utmost importance to any Michigan felony case.
Felonies in the Michigan District Courts
For the most part, any time a felony is charged in Michigan, the case will start out in the district court where the crime is alleged to have occurred. The purpose of it being in the district court is that the case cannot proceed to circuit court until a district court judge has determined that there is probable cause to believe a crime happened and probable cause to believe the defendant committed the felony crime. If a district court judge makes this finding, usually after a preliminary examination, then the case is moved, or “bound over,” to the circuit court.
Strategies in the District Court
A great felony criminal lawyer knows that the time that a felony case is in the district court affords a prime opportunity to get leverage on the prosecutor. First, a preliminary examination is conducted where many of the prosecutor’s witnesses will be testifying. This is a free bite of the apple to ask these witnesses, under oath, all sorts of questions that will help the case. Specifically, you want to ask questions that will help down the road for motions. Also, questions should be asked about issues that will be present at trial. We use this chance to lay the foundation for our defenses in circuit court. We have also won many felony cases this way.
Knowing what District Court you are In
Every Michigan district court, and even the judges within the courts, are all different. Because of this, criminal defense strategies have to be tailor made in each case to ensure the best possible strategic outcome once the case is bound over to circuit court. We have tried hundreds of jury trials in the district courts throughout Michigan and handled countless preliminary examinations there are well. Knowing the proclivities of your court will make a major positive difference in your case. If you have a southeast Michigan felony case, give us a call today.
Oakland County District Courts
Wayne County District Courts
27th District Court
28th District Court
30th District Court
31st District Court
32A District Court
33rd District Court
34th District Court
35th District Court
36th District Court
Livingston County District Courts
53rd District Court
Washtenaw County District Courts
14A District Court
14B District Court
15th District Court
Genesee County District Courts
67th District Court
Southeast Michigan Courts
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