What Happens When Charged with a Crime at the 52-1 District Court in Oakland County, Michigan

What Happens When Charged with a Crime at the 52-1 District Court in Oakland County, Michigan

Being charged with a crime can be a daunting experience. Understanding what happens next, especially if your case is being handled by the 52-1 District Court in Oakland County, Michigan, can help alleviate some of the stress. This article will walk you through the process, the areas covered by this court, and introduce you to the three current judges presiding over cases.

Overview of the 52-1 District Court

The 52-1 District Court is located in Novi, Michigan, and serves several communities within Oakland County. This court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary examinations in felony cases, traffic violations, and civil matters where the amount in dispute is $25,000 or less.

Areas Covered by the 52-1 District Court

The 52-1 District Court serves the following townships and cities in Oakland County:

- **Novi**
- **South Lyon**
- **Lyon Township**
- **Milford**
- **Milford Township**
- **Highland Township**
- **Wixom**
- **Walled Lake**
- **Commerce Township**

The Judges of the 52-1 District Court

Three judges currently preside over the 52-1 District Court:
1. **Judge Robert Bondy** - Appointed to the bench in 2016, Judge Bondy has a background in private practice and public service, including time as a magistrate.
2. **Judge Travis Reeds** - Serving since 2019, Judge Reeds has experience as a prosecutor and in private practice, bringing a diverse legal background to his role.
3. **Judge David Law** - With extensive experience in civil litigation and as a former assistant attorney general, Judge Law has been serving on the bench since 2020.

The Process After Being Charged

When you are charged with a crime at the 52-1 District Court, several steps follow:

1. **Arraignment**: This is the first court appearance where the charges against you are read, and you enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). Bail conditions may also be set at this stage.

2. **Pre-Trial Conference**: If you plead not guilty, a pre-trial conference is scheduled. This is an opportunity for your attorney and the prosecutor to discuss the case, exchange evidence, and negotiate a possible plea deal.

3. **Preliminary Examination (for felonies)**: If you are charged with a felony, a preliminary examination may be held to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is bound over to the Circuit Court.

4. **Trial**: If your case is not resolved through a plea deal or dismissed, it will proceed to trial. During the trial, both the prosecution and defense present their evidence and arguments, and a judge or jury renders a verdict.

5. **Sentencing**: If you are found guilty or plead guilty, sentencing will follow. The judge will consider various factors, including the nature of the offense and your criminal history, before imposing a sentence.

Conclusion

Facing criminal charges at the 52-1 District Court in Oakland County, Michigan, involves a multi-step legal process. Understanding the roles of the court and its judges, along with the stages of a criminal case, can help you navigate this challenging experience. If you find yourself in this situation, it is crucial to seek legal representation to ensure your rights are protected throughout the proceedings.

For more information or legal assistance, consider reaching out to a local attorney familiar with the 52-1 District Court and its procedures.