The Employee Recognition   Program

Newsletters
  2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
General Information FAQ's

1. If I was interested in suing someone for money that they owe me, what should I do?

The first issue you must resolve is how much you wish to sue for. The most one can sue for in Small Claims court is $3,000. In the general civil area, the amount is $25,000.

2. If I want to sue in small Claims, what should I do?

To sue someone in Small Claims court at the 35th District Court, you need the name and address of the person(s) or company(s) you wish to sue. The defendant must live or work in the Canton, Northville, or Plymouth communities or the incident from which the suit arose must have occurred in those communities. Once you have this information you may start your suit at the court.

3. Is it necessary for me to come to the court to pay a traffic ticket?

No. You can mail it in (check or money order) or you can call our 24 hour payment line at  (877) 853-1062. To make your payment over the internet click here. The court accept VISA, Mastercard, and cash, as well as checks and money orders.

4. What is the difference between a judge and a magistrate?

A judge is elected and has the ultimate authority in the court.  A magistrate, on the other hand, is appointed by the Chief Judge of the court and has only those powers granted to him by the Chief Judge.

5. What types of sanctions can a person convicted of drunk driving expect?

At the 35th District Court, a person is not convicted of drunk driving. If a defendant pleads guilty, or is found guilty after trial of Operating Under the Influence of Liquor (OUIL), or Operating While Impaired (OWI), he can expected to pay fines and costs, be placed on probation for a period of time (with oversight fees of $30 per month), be required to attend alcohol education classes, attend a Victim's Impact Panel, and perform several days of either work detail or community services. In some cases jail time may be ordered. The sanctions, or punishment, listed above should not be construed as all-inclusive.

6. If I receive a traffic citation, when do have to come to court?

If the offense requires a court date, the arresting officer will either write the date to appear on the front of the citation or, if you were required to post bond, on your bond receipt. If the officer wrote "within 20 days" and the offense is a civil infraction, you must either pay within the 20 days or request a court date within that time period.

7. What happens if I wait too long?

A default judgment is entered against you. Per Michigan statute, we notify the Secretary of State, who may take licensing sanctions. A $35 late fee is then added. If you would like to contest the citation and it has been more than 20 days, the court rules require you to post a cash bond in the amount that is currently owed and to file a written "Motion to Set Aside the Default Judgment." The motion must explain why you failed to respond to the citation within 20 days. You also must give a defense as to why you feel you were wrongly issued the ticket. Call the court to find out the amount of bond.

8. I have heard that the 35th District Court hears juvenile matters. Is this true?

Yes, juvenile matters are handled at the 35th District Court as the result of an arrangement with the Circuit Court for Wayne County. While there may be some deviation to this rule, generally if the crime was committed in the Canton, Northville, or Plymouth communities and the juvenile reside in the PCN area, the matter will be handled at the 35th District Court.

9. What does the 35th District Court do for juveniles that they might not see in Juvenile Court downtown?

We have established a number of programs designed to help the youth in the area. For a look at some of the programs we have instituted for juveniles, please visit the juvenile probation section of the website.

10. What is this program C.A.T.C.H. that I have read about recently?

C.A.T.C.H. stands for Court Acting Together for the Communities at the Holidays. The purpose is to help defendants of alcohol related offenses get through a difficult time of the year--the holidays. Defendants are required to report to the court for a breathalyzer test. If they test positive for alcohol, they will be required to appear before the judge on a violation of their probation.