Romeo District Court in Macomb County

The 42nd District Court, Division I in Romeo, is a general district court in Macomb County. The court handles low-level civil cases, misdemeanors, and the initial stages of felony cases.

42-1 Romeo District Court on 33 Mile Road

The 42-1 District Court in Romeo, Michigan, is located at 14713 33 Mile Road, on the north side, between McKay Road and Powell Road. The Romeo District Court is a limited jurisdiction court serving the cities of Romeo, Richmond, Memphis, Armada Village, and Washington, Armada, Richmond, Ray, and Bruce Townships.

The court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor cases, civil infractions, minor civil matters, and the initial stages of felony matters. Misdemeanors are crimes punishable by up to one year in the county jail and fines of up to $1,000.00. The initial stages of a felony matter include the arraignment, probable cause conference, and preliminary examination.

Court Procedures

Arraignment

Arraignment is the first court procedure in all felony and misdemeanor cases in the 42-1 District Court in Romeo. A plea is entered by the defendant (guilty, innocent, or stand mute), and the arraigning judge or magistrate determines a bond. The purpose of the bond is to ensure that the defendant will appear in court on the designated court dates and abide by the law while out of custody. In some cases, the judge may set bond conditions, such as a no-contact order in a domestic violence case or a prohibition on alcohol consumption in an OWI or DUI case.

Pretrial Conference

A Pretrial conference is a court procedure where the defendant’s attorney meets with the prosecuting attorney to discuss the charges. The lawyers might try to reach a plea agreement, determine that a trial is necessary, or work out a dismissal of charges. The defendant can request a jury or bench trial at the pretrial conference. If the parties agree to a plea bargain or dismissal, the agreement would be placed on the record in open court before one of the two judges in the 42-1 District Court in Romeo.

Sentencing

The 42-1 District Court judges sentence any defendants convicted by plea or trial of a misdemeanor charge. A misdemeanor sentence can include fines and costs, probation, incarceration (jail up to 1 year), driver’s license sanctions, and mandatory attendance of various therapeutic or educational programs. The judge determines assignment to court-ordered programs according to the needs of the individual and the offense. For example, a drug crime might require drug counseling; a domestic violence crime might require an anger management program, etc.

Felony Charges in the 42-1 District Court in Romeo

Probable Cause Conference

Following the arraignment, a felony matter is scheduled for a Probable Cause Conference (PCC). The PCC is usually scheduled within seven (7) days of the arraignment date. At the PCC, the prosecutor and defense lawyer discuss the strength of the evidence and determine whether a hearing should be held to see if there is sufficient evidence for the case to go to trial. The hearing is called a preliminary examination. Suppose neither party believes a preliminary examination would be helpful. In that case, both sides can waive the examination, and then the matter is sent (bound over) to the Macomb County Circuit Court for further proceedings.

In a felony case, the prosecutor and defense lawyer might be able to work out a plea bargain or charge reduction to a misdemeanor. This can occur at the PCC or on the day of the preliminary examination. If that happens at the 42-1 District Court in Romeo, one of the local judges will accept the plea and sentence the defendant.

Preliminary Examination

Two things are determined at the preliminary examination hearing in the Romeo District Court: (a) if a crime was committed and (b) if there is probable cause to believe this defendant perpetrated this crime. Guilt or innocence is not determined. If the judge determines the prosecution presented sufficient evidence, the judge will bind the case over (move the case) to the circuit court in Mt. Clemens for further proceedings. If there is insufficient evidence, some or all charges will be dismissed.

Michigan Criminal Defense Attorneys - Group

Types of Cases Routinely Handled in Romeo District Court

OWI, DUI, OWVI
Domestic Violence
Assault and Battery
Felonious Assault
Weapons Charges
Drug Possession and Delivery
Driving on a Suspended License (DWLS)
Reckless Driving
Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Criminal Sexual Conduct
Identity Theft
White-Collar and Theft Crimes

District Court Judge Jennifer A. Andary

The Romeo District Court Judge is Jennifer A. Andary. Before joining the Court, Judge Andary handled many cases involving all genres of criminal law, family law, labor law, and federal and State matters throughout Michigan. She was also a prosecutor with the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office.

Defense Attorneys for the Romeo District Court

The Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. has decades of experience successfully defending clients in the 42-1 District Court in Romeo. We have an unparalleled track record of providing the highest level of legal representation and client care. You are in the right place if you need someone to genuinely fight for you and stop at nothing to get you the best possible result. Call us for a free consultation, and we will find a way to help you.

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.