If you were charged with a crime or a traffic misdemeanor in Farmington or Farmington Hills, your case will be heard in the 47th District Court. We help clients understand exactly what to expect and fight for the best possible outcome.
Where the court is and who it serves
The 47th District Court is located at 31605 W. 11 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48336. It serves two communities:
- Farmington Hills
- Farmington
Not sure this is your court? Look up your city in our court finder.
What the 47th District Court handles
Like every Michigan district court, the 47th 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
Farmington Hills sits at the meeting point of I-696, I-275 and M-5, with heavy commuter traffic on Orchard Lake Road, Grand River Avenue and Northwestern Highway. The 47th District Court regularly handles drunk driving and traffic misdemeanors, along with retail fraud, assault and domestic violence and drug possession cases.
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 47th District Court operates a DWI sobriety court for eligible offenders, a treatment-focused alternative that can reduce jail time for people committed to recovery.
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
Where is the 47th District Court?
At 31605 W. 11 Mile Road in Farmington Hills. It handles cases from both Farmington and Farmington Hills.
Does the 47th District Court have a sobriety court?
Yes. The 47th District Court runs a DWI sobriety court for eligible drunk driving offenders, focused on treatment and close supervision as an alternative to jail.