35th District Court in Plymouth Township
The Plymouth District Court serves Canton, Northville Township, Northville City, Plymouth Township, and Plymouth City.
Plymouth District Court Location and Important Information
The 35th District Court in Plymouth is located at 660 Plymouth Road and serves Canton, Northville Township, Northville City, Plymouth Township, and Plymouth City. Its jurisdiction extends throughout upper Wayne County. The court processes approximately 36,000 cases annually, including misdemeanors and felonies. The Court is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:25 PM, except for state and federal holidays. The court’s address is:
35th District Court
660 Plymouth Rd.
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 459-4740
Like most district courts, the court has three departments: the civil division for legal disputes, traffic and criminal for tickets and criminal offenses, and a probation department for court supervision. Because it is a District Court, it is considered a court of limited jurisdiction, and only certain types of cases, such as misdemeanors, may remain there for processing. For instance, a felony matter is transferred to the Wayne County Circuit Court after some preliminary proceedings. There are three judges at this District Court.
Most Common Criminal Charges in the 35th District Court in Plymouth
The Plymouth District Court has jurisdiction over felonies and misdemeanors allegedly occurring in Canton, Northville Township, Northville City, Plymouth Township, and Plymouth City. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office prosecutes cases under state law. The city and township attorneys handle misdemeanor ordinance violations.
- Drug offenses: This can include possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, or prescription drugs without a valid prescription.
- Assault: This refers to intentional harm caused to another person, which can escalate to a felony charge depending on the severity of the injury or use of a deadly weapon.
- Theft/Larceny: This refers to the unlawful taking of another person’s property. When the property’s value exceeds a certain limit, it becomes a felony.
- Burglary: This involves entering a building unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime, typically theft.
- Robbery: This refers to the use of force or threat to take someone’s property.
- Driving Under the Influence (OWI): Repeated OWI offenses or DUI incidents resulting in serious injury or death can be charged as felonies.
- Fraud: This can include a wide range of activities like identity theft, credit card fraud, and insurance fraud.
- Weapon offenses: This can include unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, or use of a weapon in the commission of a crime.
- Domestic Violence: Repeated offenses or incidents resulting in severe injury can be charged as felonies.
- Sexual Assault: This serious crime includes criminal sexual conduct, sexual contact with a minor, child pornography, accosting a child for an immoral purpose, and similar offenses.
The Judges at the 35th District Court in Plymouth
Judge Michael Gerou
Michael Gerou was elected as a 35th District Court Judge in November 2002. He is also the Sobriety Court Judge and supervises and mentors legal interns. Judge Gerou created the Teenage Choices and Legal Consequences pamphlet to help young offenders make better choices. He practiced law for more than 16 years before becoming a judge.
Judge Gerou earned his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Michigan University and his law degree from the University of Detroit School of Law, and he attended the National Judicial College. He is a member of the Michigan Bar Association, Michigan District Judges Association, the Suburban Bar Association, and American Judges Association; a past president of the Wayne County District Judges Association; a member of the Catholic Lawyers Society; serves on the board of the Incorporated Society of Irish-American Lawyers and is a graduate of both Leadership Plymouth and Leadership Canton programs.
Judge Ronald Lowe
Judge Lowe has served the 35th District Court since January 1995. In his early years on the bench, he assisted in or oversaw the drafting and implementation of the domestic violence program, the creation of our Law Day activities, the expansion of its outreach programs, the drafting of the court’s juvenile court procedures, and the implementation of a formula for the payment of indigent attorney fees that generated revenues that fully funded the public defender.
Judge Lowe graduated from Plymouth-Salem High School. He received his undergraduate degree from Hillsdale College and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He is the Chair of the Center for Civic Education Through Law. He is a past President of the Michigan District Judges Association and the Thomas M. Cooley Law School Southeastern Michigan Alumni Association. He has served on the Michigan Judicial Institute and the Secondary Schools Civic Curriculum Project of the Open Justice Commission of the State Bar of Michigan. He is a past Chair of the State Bar of Michigan Law-Related Education Committee.
Judge James Plakas
On November 4, 2008, at 40, Jim Plakas became the sixth individual elected to the bench at the 35th District Court.
Judge Plakas was a Prosecutor, Assistant City Attorney, Criminal Defense Attorney, and Civil Litigator. He represented his clients in numerous District and Circuit Courts throughout Michigan, Federal District Courts in Michigan and Arkansas, and the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati.
He obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree from Central Michigan University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit School of Law.
Judge Plakas has been admitted as qualified to practice before the United States Supreme Court. He is a Member of the American Judges Association, the American Bar Association, and the Hellenic Bar Association. Judge Plakas has been a Licensed Builder with the State of Michigan since 1995.
Judges and Prosecutors in Plymouth Are Serious About Crime
The judges in the 35th District Court are intense, and they take criminal offenses very seriously. The Plymouth District Court is not one of those courts where you can slip in and out with a slap on the wrist and a fine. They have a strong focus on providing a deterrent to discourage re-offending. This court has two specialty courts: Sobriety Court and Domestic Violence Court. Specialty courts are designed to avoid re-offending. Your best defense against a harsh sentence, even jail time, is having a great criminal defense lawyer by your side.
Top Retained Criminal Defense Is Critical
The 35th District Court judges are known for being tough and crime. Having a zealous advocate by your side is your best chance at achieving an outstanding outcome, including the possibility of reduced or dismissed charges and avoiding incarceration. Trying to maneuver through this court with a court-appointed attorney, a budget lawyer, or an inexperienced attorney will jeopardize your freedom and rights. Having a highly respected criminal defense attorney who understands these judges will put the odds in your favor.
Misdemeanor Process
In Michigan, the process for misdemeanor charges generally starts with an arrest or citation, after which the accused person is often released with an order to appear in court. The first appearance in court is the arraignment. The judge or magistrate formally reads the charges at the arraignment, advises them of their rights of their rights, and they enter a plea. If the plea is not guilty, the case proceeds to a pretrial conference where the defense attorney and prosecutor discuss the case, review the evidence, and potentially negotiate a plea bargain. The judge will schedule a trial date if the parties do not agree upon a plea agreement, the case isn’t dismissed, or the defendant wishes to go to trial. At trial, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. If the defendant is found not guilty, they are free to go; if found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence, which for misdemeanors may include fines, probation, community service, or incarceration, typically for a year or less in a local jail.
Felony Process
The process for handling felony charges in Michigan at the district court level typically includes several key steps:
- Arraignment: After an arrest, the police take the defendant before a district court judge for arraignment. During this proceeding, the judge or magistrates informs the defendant of the charges against them, their constitutional rights, and the potential penalties if convicted. The magistrate will also ask the defendant to enter a plea at this stage. If the defendant cannot afford an attorney, the Court will appoint one for them. Bail is determined during the arraignment.
- Probable Cause Conference (PCC): The next step, typically within 7 to 14 days after the arraignment, is the Probable Cause Conference. The PCC is a meeting between the prosecutor and defense attorney, allowing them to discuss the case, exchange information, and consider potential plea bargains. It is also an opportunity for the defense to challenge the prosecution’s case or to argue for modifications to bail.
- Preliminary Examination: This occurs within 5 to 7 days after the Probable Cause Conference unless it is waived by the defendant or if the court grants an extension. The preliminary examination is like a mini-trial where the prosecutor must present enough evidence to convince the judge that a crime was committed and there’s probable cause to believe the defendant committed it. The prosecutor must establish probable cause by calling witnesses and presenting evidence, and the defense can cross-examine these witnesses. If the judge finds enough evidence, the case is “bound over” to the circuit court for trial. If not, the charges can be dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge.
Experienced & Aggressive Criminal Defense Attorneys in Plymouth
If you face felony or misdemeanor charges in Plymouth’s 35th District Court, contact LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. We have the experience and track record in Plymouth to defend you successfully. Utilizing a unique team approach, our defense attorneys have the skill, experience, and tenacity to deliver the highest level of defense available in Michigan. If you call us for a free consultation, we will take the time to talk with you, answer your questions, and work with you to develop a winning strategy. We are NOT afraid to win!
Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.
We will find a way to help you.
We Are Not Afraid to Win!
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I am immensely grateful for his dedication, professionalism, and integrity, and I would not hesitate to recommend his services to anyone in need of legal assistance. If you're looking for an attorney who will go above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcome for your case, look no further than Loren Dickstein. Thank you, Mr. Dickstein, for your exceptional service.Mike Trevino2024-03-26Loren was quick and professional in assiting me. He got an un-prosecuted arrest off of my criminal record in only a few weeks.A S2024-02-02Loren made me feel extremely comfortable in a situation that has been one of the most serious of my life. The comfort didn't come from coddling, or selling false hope, and it definitely didn't come from empty promises. He is very proactive, very dependable and really upfront. The initial contact was when I called the 24hr office line, after business hours. I received a call, the following morning from Loren. I expected it to be a representative and was working. I was already nervous about my situation, but the fact that he "checked in", was a huge deal. He asked preliminary info like my court date and offense(s). My court date was way down the line, and I had 2 months to figure out representation and finance stuff. We followed up again, when he called a couple weeks later, but he let me know that I could contact him when my funds were ok. He let me know, that even though I was calling a month ahead of time, that if I didn't get the retainer funds until the week before, that the team was experienced and prepared. (*Fast forward tidbit**, I Called 6 firms in 10/2023.. *Mr. Dickstein and I have already been to court 3 times and received my sentence, and 2 of the 5 originally contacted lawyers, haven't even responded.) I gathered the funds and called back. He offered the interview flexibility between in-person and on the phone. For everything I've been through about this case, I opted to meet. The meeting was not very long, but factual and informational. When I would mumble nervously or jabber (a slight goofy thing about me..), he pointedly and calmly redirected to the facts and realities. I knew he was listening, but I was just at a shameful point in my life. It's a big deal, when you're reassured with FACTS and potential outcomes. I couldn't have hired better representation. Mr. Dickstein's appearance is professional and his eloquence is everything. He has a seriousness and class about him, which communicates comfortably in court. The judge will give you your 15 seconds, but might give your defense team, 3 minutes. When I say, that Loren made the MOST out of those 3 minutes?!.. Wow!. (We had three appearances, and he was early for every one. We always sat in the front row, which is best. Anyone in this situation, shouldn't be bumbling from the back, or stepping over people, while preparing to go before judgement.) He started with FACTS, mixed with some meaningful biography. He said everything positive and helpful about me, within the opening. Because my offense was so aggregious, the judge interrupted him. But then, my whole lawyer, didn't fumble and continued with other recommendations (a little more for me, but not at all what I could have been facing). He made sure to have a response to meet the judges discomfort/dismay. I never realized how fast, counsel has to speak to respond and present to the judge. As a side note, I've seen cases where lawyers fumble and stutter and shuffle pages, but I have never been more amazed than when I noticed that being ON POINT, was another one of his strengths. The fact that he remains organized and has already absorbed his clients backstory, while having the knowledge to speak quickly and CLEARLY to a judge, means everything. *Again, the lawyers communication means EVERYTHING. Judges hear tons of cases, and recognize excuses immediately. Loren made sure that I presented the best summary for my case. He summarized my main points, and balanced with what the judge wanted and needed to hear. My case was difficult for my family and livelihood. Loren secured the most favorable outcome we could have hoped for. I would recommend him to anyone trying to save their job, or life, or livelihood.rlalko l2024-01-26Robert J. Andretz, was my attorney in the Livingston County Courts. I hired him after I was not pleased with results of another lawyer. Mr. Andretz was able inform me of what to expect and guide me through the process. He welcomed me texting him with any questions or concerns I had, and was quick to respond, unless he was in court. My situation was all new for me and I was nervous. I am glad that I went with another attorney, Robert J. Andretz.--This was a self-defense case, and he would go back and forth with the courts to work on the best option.india2024-01-25I highly recommend hiring Mr. Loren Dickstein and his team. From the very beginning of my case I was nervous that I would be sent to jail because of the facts of my owi case and with a BAC on the higher side. Loren and his team worked endlessly and together on my case, were very compassionate, and cared about what happened to me and my future. He was always available if I had any questions, and able to give me the most favorable outcome that could come out of this with a very tough judge in the 48th district court. My original charge was reduced, no jail time, and I was given probation. During my sentencing, Mr.Randy Lewis stepped in to help and advised and assured me that he would not let me down and he did just that! I am very grateful to everyone involved and could not have picked better representation!santosha harris2023-11-30Attorney Dickstein was awesome. He listened and he followed through with everything that he explained to me. If I ever need help in the future I will definitely use his services again.Robert Schuetz2023-11-02My experience was extremely positive. My lawyer RobertAndretz do an incredible job , worked very hard for me and am sure more than I realize behind the scenes .he made it very easy to understand all that was going on with my case by explaining every detail . My case results were exactly what I had hoped for. I am very thankful he was my lawyer .Jessica Woodring2023-10-12Parisa is extremely knowledgeable, professional and I was always well informed. I will forever recommend Parisa to anyone and everyone.Bethany Racer2023-09-20I hired George to represent me as a victim's advocate in a domestic violence case. I was the 'alleged victim' in a situation that was grossly misrepresented from the start. He quickly identified issues that could cause self-incrimination if I were to testify. He did NOT let the prosecution bully me into testifying without the protection of immunity. Immunity was granted because of his expertise and knowledge of the law. I was given the opportunity to testify without fear, set things right, and exonerate someone who was falsely accused of domestic violence. George was direct, honest, and didn't sugarcoat anything. He was always prompt in his communication and made sure I understood my rights and my options. In short, he gave me and my family our lives back. He even held my purse when I thought I couldn't bring it with me to the stand (turns out I could. Sorry George!) If you're looking for fair, aggressive representation and someone who truly makes you feel understood, look no further. He's absolutely not afraid to win
Plymouth, Michigan – What You Need to Know
Plymouth, Michigan, is a small city known for its vibrant downtown and rich history. Nestled in Wayne County, Plymouth blends historic buildings and modern amenities, creating a unique atmosphere that attracts visitors and residents. The city is renowned for its numerous community events, including the Plymouth Ice Festival and Art in the Park, which showcases local talent and fosters a sense of community. Surrounded by beautiful parks and green spaces, Plymouth offers numerous recreational opportunities, from hiking to picnicking. Its strong educational institutions and safe, friendly neighborhoods make it an ideal place for families. Despite its growth, Plymouth maintains its small-town charm, making it a nice place to live, work, and visit.
History of the 35th District Court in Plymouth
The 35th District Court was established in 1963 by the Michigan Constitution and accompanying laws. This new Constitution introduced a hierarchical court system, with trial courts of limited jurisdiction or district courts. Dunbar Davis was the first Judge elected to the 35th District Court, taking office on January 1, 1969. Before the District Court system’s creation, Judge Davis served as Plymouth’s Municipal Judge.
The 35th District Court used to have locations in certain areas, such as Plymouth City Hall and Plymouth Township Hall. However, they recently added new locations in Northville City Hall and the former municipal courtroom in Plymouth City Hall. Initially, the court didn’t have branches in Northville and Canton townships; however, as the population and number of cases increased because, a central court location would be more efficient than having multiple branches throughout the jurisdiction.
To address the challenges of consolidating the court, a Court Advisory Board (CAB) was established, with a representative from each community in the jurisdiction. The CAB decided to construct a new facility due to the high costs of renovating existing buildings in the district. Key issues that the CAB had to address included selecting a suitable site, financing the construction, and determining how to divide court expenses and revenues.
The Dunbar Davis Hall of Justice was established in 1981 to serve as the court for the 35th District. It was named after the first judge of the court. After Judge Davis retired in 1984, John MacDonald was elected to take his place. Judge Garber retired in late 1994 and was replaced by Ronald W. Lowe. In December 1996, the 35th District Court became the first in the state to handle juvenile ordinance and misdemeanor violations, following an agreement with the Wayne County Probate Court.
In 1997, a devastating fire destroyed the court. The CAB had to quickly decide on a temporary location while a new court was being built. Unisys kindly offered office space and later allowed the use of vacant property across the street where modular units were installed as a courthouse. The new courthouse was finally dedicated on September 13, 2000.
