The 35th District Court processes misdemeanor cases (less serious crimes), from arraignments through sentencing; and felony cases (more serious crimes), from arraignment through the preliminary exam.

In most cases, where the penalty does not exceed a fine of $1,000 and/or one year in jail. Failure to appear on your court date results in the issuance of a warrant for the arrest of the accused and the Secretary of State could then suspend driving privileges for the individual until the matter is resolved.

There are three types of Misdemeanors Payable, Traffic, and Non-traffic.

• Payable Misdemeanors: These include Violations such as failure to report an accident, and driving with an expired license.
• Traffic Misdemeanors: Examples include: driving while license suspended, driving while license revoked, having an expired license plate, drag racing, violation of a Restricted license, having open intoxicants in a motor vehicle, and reckless driving.
• Non-Traffic Misdemeanors: examples include domestic violence, possession of marijuana or drug paraphernalia, and many types of local ordinance violations.

Any crime for which the penalty may exceed one year in jail. The 35th District Court does not handle felony cases after the preliminary exam. Felony cases are transferred to the Circuit court once the preliminary exam is completed.

Criminal Department Fax number: 734-454-9303

Publications:
A Citizen’s Guide to the Criminal Justice System

Misdemeanor and Felony Process Flowchart