48th District Court – Reflect, Grow & Defend in Bloomfield Hills and Surrounding Areas

If you are facing a DUI/OWI in Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake Village, or nearby communities, your case will be heard in the 48th District Court. This court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings for felonies, and traffic offenses within its jurisdiction.

You are a good person—hardworking, family-oriented, respectful of the law—who now finds yourself in an unexpected and stressful situation. This charge does not define you. Instead, it can be a turning point to reflect on how you arrived here and to take proactive steps toward your future.

Jurisdiction & Judges (2025)

Location: 4280 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Covers:

• Cities: Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake Village, Sylvan Lake
• Townships: Bloomfield, West Bloomfield

Presiding Judges:

• Hon. Diane D’Agostini
• Hon. Marc Barron
• Hon. Kimberly Small

A Moment of Self-Reflection

To fully understand this moment, it helps to step back and evaluate all areas of your life. One tool we use is the Wheel of Life. On a scale of 1–10, rate where you are right now in each of these eight areas:

1. Career & Work
2. Family & Relationships
3. Health & Well-Being
4. Finances
5. Personal Growth & Learning
6. Social & Community Life
7. Physical Environment & Stability
8. Recreation & Fulfillment

Ask yourself:

• Which areas are strong and stable?
• Which areas have been neglected or are under stress?
• Could challenges in certain areas have influenced your decision-making the night of the incident?

Understanding the “Why” – Criminology Insights

​We also use criminology principles to help you understand your actions in context:

• Rational Choice Theory – Did you believe you could manage the risk in the moment?
• Behavioral Economics – Did immediate convenience seem more important than long-term consequences?
• Self-Control Theory – Did alcohol reduce your ability to make sound choices?
• Neutralization Theory – Did you rationalize with thoughts like “It’s only a short drive” or “I feel fine”?
• General Strain Theory – Were you coping with stress from work, relationships, or finances?

By connecting your Wheel of Life scores with these perspectives, we can uncover the deeper “why” behind your situation.

Our Approach in the 48th District Court

​Judges in this court are known for holding defendants accountable but also respecting those who demonstrate responsibility and proactive change. We will:

1. Review your Wheel of Life scores.
2. Identify connections between life stresses and the events leading to your charge.
3. Build a proactive plan that may include alcohol education, counseling, or community service.
4. Present your story to the court in a way that reflects accountability, personal growth, and your true character.