If you were charged with a crime or a traffic misdemeanor in Southfield or one of its neighboring communities, your case will be heard in the 46th District Court. With major freeways and business corridors running through Southfield, this court handles a large volume of criminal and traffic cases.
Where the court is and who it serves
The 46th District Court is located in the Southfield Municipal Complex at 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield, between the Lodge Freeway and I-696. It serves:
- Southfield
- Lathrup Village
- Beverly Hills
- Bingham Farms
- Franklin
- Southfield Township
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What the 46th District Court handles
Like every Michigan district court, the 46th 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 the Lodge Freeway, I-696, Telegraph Road and Northwestern Highway all running through the area, the 46th District Court sees many drunk driving and traffic misdemeanor cases, including driving while license suspended, along with retail fraud, assault and domestic violence and drug possession 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.
The 46th District Court has offered a drug treatment court program, known as Recovery Court, for eligible defendants whose cases are connected to substance use. For the right client, a treatment court can be an alternative to jail that focuses on recovery and accountability, so it’s worth asking whether you may qualify.
If you’re charged with a felony
Felony cases start in district court with an arraignment, a probable cause conference and a preliminary examination, where the prosecutor must show 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. David clerked for a judge of the Oakland County Circuit Court, so he knows that courthouse from the inside.
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
Where is the 46th District Court?
At 26000 Evergreen Road in Southfield, in the Southfield Municipal Complex near the Lodge Freeway and I-696.
Does the 46th District Court handle cases from Beverly Hills and Franklin?
Yes. The 46th District Court serves Southfield, Lathrup Village, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Franklin and Southfield Township.