If you were charged with a crime or a traffic misdemeanor in central Macomb County, your case will be heard in either the 41A or the 41B District Court, depending on where it happened. Knowing which court, and which courthouse, is the first step.
Where the court is and who it serves
Two district courts serve this part of Macomb County:
- 41A District Court has two locations: 40111 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313 (for Sterling Heights cases) and a courthouse on Van Dyke Avenue in Shelby Township (for Shelby Township, Macomb Township and Utica cases).
- 41B District Court is at 22380 Starks Drive, Clinton Township, MI 48036.
Together, they serve:
- 41A: Sterling Heights
- 41A: Shelby Township
- 41A: Macomb Township
- 41A: Utica
- 41B: Clinton Township
- 41B: Mount Clemens
- 41B: Harrison Township
Not sure this is your court? Look up your city in our court finder.
What the 41A and 41B District Courts handles
Like every Michigan district court, the 41A and 41B District Courts handles misdemeanors and drunk driving cases, traffic tickets and civil infractions, civil lawsuits up to $25,000, small claims and landlord-tenant cases. It also handles the first stages of every felony charged in its communities.
Common cases we see
These courts cover some of Macomb County’s busiest areas, including M-59 (Hall Road), Van Dyke Avenue, M-53 and Gratiot Avenue, and major shopping centers. That means many drunk driving, retail fraud and traffic misdemeanor cases, along with domestic violence, drug and weapons charges.
What to expect if you have a case here
- Arraignment. The charge is read, your rights are explained and bond conditions are set. What happens at an arraignment.
- Pretrial conference. Your lawyer reviews the police reports and video and negotiates with the prosecutor. Many cases are resolved at this stage.
- Motions, plea or trial. If the case isn’t resolved, we challenge the evidence and, if needed, take it to trial before a judge or jury.
- Sentencing and probation. If there is a conviction, the court’s probation department often supervises conditions such as testing, classes or community service.
Because the 41A District Court has two separate courthouses, always check your court notice to confirm whether your hearing is in Sterling Heights or Shelby Township.
If you’re charged with a felony
Felony cases start in district court with an arraignment, a probable cause conference and a preliminary examination. If the case isn’t dismissed or resolved, it is bound over to the Macomb County Circuit Court (16th Circuit) in Mount Clemens for trial. Early work in district court can shape the rest of the case.
Don’t miss your court date. Missing a hearing can lead to a bench warrant, a higher bond and, in traffic cases, a suspended license. If you think you’ve missed a date or have a warrant, read what to do and call us.
Why clients choose David
David interned in a prosecutor’s office, clerked in the Oakland County Circuit Court and is a published contributor to ICLE’s Michigan Drunk Driving Law and Practice. From our Bloomfield Hills office, he represents clients in courts across Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties. You work with him directly, and he tells you honestly what to expect in your courtroom.
Frequently asked questions
Is my case in the 41A or the 41B District Court?
It depends on where the offense happened. Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Macomb Township and Utica cases go to the 41A District Court. Clinton Township, Mount Clemens and Harrison Township cases go to the 41B District Court. Your ticket or court notice will also list the court.
Which 41A courthouse do I go to?
Sterling Heights cases are heard at the Sterling Heights courthouse on Dodge Park Road. Shelby Township, Macomb Township and Utica cases are heard at the Shelby Township courthouse on Van Dyke Avenue.