If you were charged with a crime or a traffic misdemeanor in Royal Oak or Berkley, your case will be heard in the 44th District Court. Downtown Royal Oak’s restaurants, bars and entertainment bring a lot of activity, and with it a steady stream of criminal and traffic cases.
Where the court is and who it serves
The 44th District Court is located at 400 E. 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI. Since Berkley’s court merged into it in 2015, it serves two cities:
- Royal Oak
- Berkley
Not sure this is your court? Look up your city in our court finder.
What the 44th District Court handles
Like every Michigan district court, the 44th District Court 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
With downtown Royal Oak’s nightlife and Woodward Avenue running through both cities, the 44th District Court sees many drunk driving cases, along with disorderly conduct, minor in possession, assault and domestic violence, drug possession and retail fraud 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.
For younger defendants, programs such as the Holmes Youthful Trainee Act (HYTA) can sometimes keep a conviction off their record, which matters for many of the college students and young professionals charged in Royal Oak.
If you’re charged with a felony
Felony cases start in district court, too. The district court holds the arraignment on the complaint, a probable cause conference and a preliminary examination, where the prosecutor must show there is probable cause that a felony was committed and that you committed it. If the case isn’t dismissed or resolved, it moves to the Oakland County Circuit Court in Pontiac for trial. David clerked for a judge of the Oakland County Circuit Court, so he knows that courthouse from the inside. See how a Michigan criminal case works.
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
Our office is on Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Hills, a short drive from every Oakland County district court. 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. You work with him directly, and he tells you honestly what to expect in your courtroom.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 44th District Court handle Berkley cases?
Yes. Berkley’s former district court was merged into the 44th District Court in 2015, so cases from both Royal Oak and Berkley are heard at the courthouse in Royal Oak.
Where is the 44th District Court?
At 400 E. 11 Mile Road in Royal Oak, near downtown.