The 52-1 District Court in Novi is Division 1 of Oakland County’s 52nd District Court. It hears cases from Novi and a large stretch of southwest Oakland County. If you were charged with a crime or traffic misdemeanor in one of these communities, this is likely your court.
Where the court is and who it serves
The 52-1 District Court is located at 48150 Grand River Avenue, Novi, MI 48374. It serves:
- Novi
- Wixom
- Walled Lake
- South Lyon
- Milford
- Wolverine Lake
- Commerce Township
- Highland Township
- Lyon Township
- Milford Township
Not sure this is your court? Look up your city in our court finder.
What the 52-1 District Court handles
Like every Michigan district court, the 52-1 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 I-96, I-275, M-5 and Grand River Avenue running through Novi and heavy traffic around Twelve Oaks Mall and the area’s shopping centers, the 52-1 District Court handles many drunk driving, retail fraud and traffic misdemeanor cases, including driving while license suspended, along with domestic violence and drug 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.
Like the other divisions of the 52nd District Court, the Novi division operates a sobriety or hybrid DWI/drug treatment court for eligible defendants. See our guide to all four divisions of the 52nd District Court.
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 52-1 District Court?
At 48150 Grand River Avenue in Novi.
I was charged with retail fraud at Twelve Oaks Mall. Which court is it in?
Shoplifting cases from Novi, including the mall, are generally heard in the 52-1 District Court. Learn about retail fraud charges.
Is the 52-1 the same as the 52nd District Court?
Yes. The 52nd District Court has four divisions: 52-1 in Novi, 52-2 in Clarkston, 52-3 in Rochester Hills and 52-4 in Troy. Each has its own courthouse and handles different communities.