The 52-1 District Court on Grand River in Novi, Michigan

The Novi District Court serves 11 cities, townships, and villages. The Court has jurisdiction over minor civil matters, misdemeanors, and the early stages of felony prosecutions.

What You Need to Know About the 52-1 District Court in Novi, Michigan

The 52-1 District Court in Novi employs more than 50 full and part-time support staff members, three judges, and four part-time magistrates. Civil, Criminal, Traffic, and Probation are its four subdivisions. The Honorable Robert Bondy, Honorable Travis Reeds, and the Honorable David Law are the sitting judges of the 52nd District Court, First Division. The Court’s address is 48150 Grand River Ave., Novi, MI 48375, and it is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The phone number is (248) 305-6460.

The four primary divisions include:

Traffic Division: Handles civil infractions and ordinance citations written by local police departments or the State Police.

Civil Division: Handles matters involving money or damage claims and landlord/tenant disputes.

Criminal Division: Handles criminal matters from local police departments, state law felony and misdemeanor violations, and ordinance prosecutions. Cases involving misdemeanor offenses, both traffic and non-traffic, and the early stages of felony matters, such as arraignment, probable cause conferences, and preliminary examinations.

Probation Department: Pre-sentence investigations, alcohol assessments, probation supervision, and initiating petitions for probation violations.

Civil Jurisdiction of the Court

The 52-1 District Court in Novi has exclusive jurisdiction of civil matters involving claims under $25,000 in the following areas:

Complaints and Controversies involving disputes, damages, and injuries under civil law
Landlord/tenant eviction proceedings
Land contract forfeitures
Garnishments, executions, and other related proceedings

The cities, townships, and villages covered by the district court include the following:

Commerce Township
Highland Township
Lyon Township
Milford Township
Novi
Novi Township

South Lyon
Village of Milford
Village of Wolverine Lake
Walled Lake
Wixom

52-1 District Court Novi Criminal Defense

Criminal Jurisdiction of the Court

The 52-1 District Court handles all criminal matters, called misdemeanors and ordinance violations, under state and local laws where the maximum penalty is one year or less in jail and two years or less of probation. The court also handles the initial hearings in felony cases. Although many people believe the judges in Novi are heavy-handed, each is reasonable and will consider alternatives to jail when appropriate.

Misdemeanors in the Novi District Court

A misdemeanor is a criminal offense punishable by a maximum of one year in a county jail and two (2) years of probation. Most misdemeanors have maximum sentences of 93 days or less. The standard hearings in the 52-1 District Court for misdemeanor prosecutions include arraignment, pretrial, motions, trial, plea hearings, and sentencing.

Examples of misdemeanors in Novi include the following:

domestic violence
assault and battery
drug use or possession
malicious destruction of property
larceny
retail fraud (shoplifting)
embezzlement
reckless discharge of a firearm
possession of a firearm while intoxicated

Felony Prosecutions

The 52-1 District Court judges also conduct arraignments, bond violations, probable cause conferences, and preliminary examinations in all felony cases with a potential sentence exceeding one year. The District Court is also responsible for all traffic violations involving civil infractions and misdemeanors, such as speeding, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, and operating while intoxicated (OWI).

Arraignment: Arraignment is the initial step in the court process for both felony and misdemeanor cases. The judge or magistrate advises the defendant of the charges and maximum penalty, receives the defendant’s plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest, determines if the defendant needs court-appointed counsel, and sets a bond or bail. It is best to have a retained Novi Criminal Defense Attorney at the arraignment.

Probable Cause Conference: In felony cases, a probable cause conference occurs after arraignment and before a preliminary examination hearing. The purpose of the probable cause conference is to explore the possibility of an expedited resolution, accept any available plea bargain, or set a preliminary examination date.

Preliminary Examination: During the Preliminary Exam, the judge determines whether the prosecution has sufficient evidence to show the defendant probably committed a felony. If there is probable cause, the matter is sent or “bound over” to the Oakland County Circuit Court for trial.

Examples of felony charges in the 52-1 District Court

operating while intoxicated – 3^rd offense
retail fraud – 3^rd degree
felonious assault
homicide
embezzlement over $1,000, fraud, and other white-collar crimes
domestic violence – 3^rd offense
drug delivery/manufacture or possession of a controlled substance

Special Programs

A good lawyer can sometimes persuade the Novi District Court judges to permit defendants to participate in special rehabilitative programs. Successful completion of one of the 52-1 District Court programs can help a defendant avoid incarceration and a conviction. For example, the Court has Drug Treatment Court, Sobriety Court, Veterans Treatment Court, Teen Court, Misdemeanor Offender Program (also known as the Retail Fraud Education course), Traffic Safety School, and Assaultive Behavior programs.

Sentencing Options for 52-1 District Court Judges

For misdemeanor convictions, the 52-1 District Court judges in Novi have several sentencing options, including jail time, treatment, and community service. For example, the judges can order any of the following:

Jail (up to one year in some cases)
Probation (up to two (2) years)
Domestic Violence Counseling
Domestic Violence Women’s Program
Inpatient Program
Intensive or Outpatient Substance Abuse Counseling
Life Adjustment Counseling
Outpatient Substance Abuse Counseling
Specialty Court participation
Drug and Alcohol Testing
Employment or Education,
Community Service,
Curfews,
No contact provisions, and much more.

The Premier Novi Criminal Defense Law Firm

LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. is the premier criminal defense law firm helping clients in the 52-1 District Court. We have decades of experience and an unparalleled track record of successfully defending clients against felony and misdemeanor charges in the Novi District Court in Oakland County, Michigan. Because the judges and prosecutors are familiar with our reputation as top trial lawyers in the area, we can consistently deliver outstanding plea negotiations, effective sentence advocacy, and top-level trial work when necessary. Dismissal is always our top priority when possible. Call us for a free consultation. 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.

We will find a way to help you.
We Are Not Afraid to Win!

Contact Us - Michigan Criminal Defense Attorneys

History of the City of Novi

Novi is a city located in Oakland County, Michigan, and it is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. With a population of over 60,000 people, Novi offers a great blend of suburban and urban living. The city is approximately 25 miles northwest of Detroit, making it an ideal location for individuals who want to enjoy the amenities of a big city while still appreciating the peace and tranquility of suburban living.

One thing that makes Novi a great place to live is its thriving economy. The city boasts a robust commercial and industrial base, with numerous businesses and corporations calling it home. The diverse business community offers residents numerous job opportunities and a vibrant, diverse business environment. Novi is also home to several shopping centers and malls, including the Twelve Oaks Mall, one of the largest malls in the state.

Novi is also great for families, with excellent schools and parks. The Novi Community School District is known for its high-quality education programs. The city also has several parks and recreational areas, including Lakeshore Park and Maybury State Park, where residents can enjoy hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.

In addition to its strong economy, the 52-1 District Court, and a family-friendly atmosphere, Novi has a rich history and cultural heritage. The city is home to several historical landmarks, including the Novi Depot, which was built in the late 1800s and served as a stop on the Michigan Central Railroad. Novi is also home to several cultural festivals and events throughout the year, including the Novi Memorial Day Run and the Novi Summer Carnival. An interesting historical fact is that Novi got its name from the railroad system. Novi was the sixth railroad stop away from Detroit, hence “No.” VI, or Novi.