If you were charged with a crime or traffic misdemeanor in Waterford Township, your case will be heard in the 51st District Court. Waterford’s major roads and many lakes keep this court busy year-round.
Where the court is and who it serves
The 51st District Court is located at 5100 Civic Center Drive, Waterford, MI 48329. It serves one community:
- Waterford Township
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What the 51st District Court handles
Like every Michigan district court, the 51st 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 heavy traffic on Telegraph Road, Dixie Highway, Highland Road (M-59) and Elizabeth Lake Road, the 51st District Court handles many drunk driving and traffic misdemeanor cases, as well as drug, assault and domestic violence and retail fraud charges. Waterford’s many lakes can also bring cases involving operating a boat while intoxicated.
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 51st District Court offers specialty treatment programs, including drug court and veterans treatment court, for eligible defendants who would benefit from treatment and supervision instead of jail.
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 51st District Court?
At 5100 Civic Center Drive in Waterford, on the township’s civic center campus.
Does the 51st District Court have treatment courts?
Yes. The 51st District Court operates specialty programs, including drug court and veterans treatment court programs, for eligible defendants. These courts focus on treatment and accountability as an alternative to jail.