52-4 District Court – Reflect, Grow & Defend in Troy & Clawson DUI Cases

If you’re facing a DUI/OWI in Troy or Clawson, your case will be heard in the 52-4 District Court. This court handles both misdemeanor and preliminary felony cases within these communities.
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You are a good person—hardworking, respectful of the law, devoted to your family—who now finds yourself in an unexpected and stressful situation. This charge does not define who you are. Instead, it can be an opportunity to step back, reflect, and understand how and why you ended up here, and how we can put your best foot forward moving ahead.

Jurisdiction & Judges (2025)

• Location: 520 W Big Beaver Rd, Troy, MI 48084
• Covers: Cities of Troy and Clawson
• Presiding Judges:
  • Hon. Kirsten Nielsen Hartig
  • Hon. Maureen M. McGinnis

A Moment of Self-Reflection

• The goal now is to truly understand what led to this moment. One of the tools we use is the Wheel of Life. This helps you evaluate key areas of your life and see how balance—or imbalance—may have contributed to your current situation.

Wheel of Life – 8 Key Areas

On a scale of 1–10, rate where you are today in each area:

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

 

• When you look at these scores, ask yourself:
• Which areas are strong and supportive right now?
• Which areas may be under stress or neglected?
• Could strain in certain areas have influenced your decision-making the night of the incident?

​Understanding the “Why” – Criminology Insights

We also explore proven criminological perspectives to help you better understand your actions:

• Rational Choice Theory – Did you weigh the risks in the moment and underestimate them?
• Behavioral Economics – Did convenience or immediate needs outweigh consideration of the long-term consequences?
• Self-Control Theory – Did alcohol impair your usual ability to make sound decisions?
• Neutralization Theory – Did you rationalize your actions with thoughts like “It’s only a few miles” or “I’ve driven in worse shape before”?
• General Strain Theory – Was this decision influenced by emotional, financial, or work-related stress?

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By combining the Wheel of Life with these insights, we can identify root causes, address them, and present a compelling narrative to the court.

Our Approach in the 52-4 District Court

​Judges in this court value honesty, accountability, and effort. When you take the time to self-assess, engage in proactive programs, and demonstrate meaningful changes before your case concludes, you show the court that you are more than a charge—you are a person committed to growth.
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Together, we will:

1. Review your Wheel of Life scores and discuss what they reveal.
2. Connect those insights to your current charge.
3. Create a proactive plan that includes education, counseling, and community service if appropriate.
4. Present your full story to the court—showing who you are, what you’ve learned, and where you’re headed.