EAST LANSING AREA COURTS

WHAT COURT HEARS A DUI CASE FIRST?

Every DUI case starts in District Court. If you are charged with a misdemeanor DUI offense, then your case will stay in District Court from beginning to end barring any appeals. If you are charged with a felony DUI offense, then your case will start in District Court and make its way to Circuit Court if the prosecutor is able to show enough evidence to continue to the case at the District Court level. If the prosecutor is not able to present enough evidence for the case to continue to Circuit Court, then the case can be dismissed by the District Court judge. The main difference between District Court and Circuit Court is the power that the courts have. A District Court judge only has the authority to sentence someone up to one year in jail, while a Circuit Court judge has the authority to order up to life in prison in certain cases. The Circuit Court will also hear any appeals relating to any decisions made at the District Court level.

FAQs

  • What Happens at a DUI Arraignment?

    If an individual is arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, then the first thing that happens when that individual is formally charged is the arraignment. The purpose of an arraignment is for the formal reading of criminal charges and for a bond to be set by the presiding magistrate or judge. The individual that is being charged is typically in police custody when this happens, so the hearing will take place either over live videoconference or in person depending on the situation. You are allowed to have an attorney represent you at an arraignment so he or she can argue bond on your behalf to convince the magistrate or judge to allow you out of jail. If a magistrate or judge allows you out of police custody, you will likely be subject to specific conditions related to sobriety such as an alcohol tether or breath tests. Once your arraignment is completed, you will be given your first court date. If you are charged with a misdemeanor DUI, then your next court date will be a pretrial in District Court. If you are charged with a felony DUI, then your next court date will be a preliminary exam conference, also in District Court. If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged on suspicion of DUI, it is important to get in touch with an experienced DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.

  • What if I Got Pulled Over Near MSU Campus?

    If you got pulled over near Michigan State University (MSU) campus, then your DUI case will be heard by the 54B District Court. There are two judges in the 54B District Court, the Honorable Andrea Andrews Larkin, and the Honorable Richard D. Ball. If your DUI charge is a misdemeanor, then your case will stay with the same judge until the conclusion of your case. If your DUI charge is a felony, then your case may end up in the Ingham County Circuit Court in front of one of the judges at that level. If your DUI case makes it to Circuit Court, then the judge assigned to your case will stay the same until the conclusion of your case.

  • What if I Got Pulled Over Near LCC Campus?

    If you got pulled over near the downtown campus of Lansing Community College (LCC), then your DUI case will be heard by the 54A District Court. There are four judges in the 54A District Court, the Honorable Louise Alderson, the Honorable Stacia Buchanan, the Honorable Cynthia M. Ward, and the Honorable Kristen D. Simmons. If you got pulled over near the LCC East campus, then your case will be heard in the 54B District Court. If you got pulled over near the LCC West campus, then your case will be heard in the 56A District Court in Eaton County.


    If your DUI charge is a misdemeanor, then your case will stay with the same judge until the conclusion of your case. If your DUI charge is a felony, then your case may end up in the Ingham County Circuit Court in front of one of the judges at that level. If your DUI case makes it to Circuit Court, then the judge assigned to your case will stay the same until the conclusion of your case.


    Ingham County

    The following courts handle all of the cases that arise within Ingham County:

    • 30th Circuit Court: 341 S. Jefferson, Mason, MI 48854
    • 54A District Court: 124 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933
    • 54B District Court: 101 E. Linden, East Lansing, MI 48823
    • 55th District Court: 700 Buhl St., Mason, MI 48854

    Clinton County

    The following courts handle all of the cases that arise within Clinton County:

    • 29th Circuit Court: 100 M-21, St. Johns, MI 48879
    • 65A District Court: 100 E. State St. #3400, St. Johns, MI 48879

    Eaton County

    The following courts handle all of the cases that arise within Eaton County:

    • 56th Circuit Court: 1045 Independence Blvd. Charlotte, MI 48813
    • 56A District Court: 1045 Independence Blvd. Charlotte, MI 48813

    If you are unsure where your DUI case will be heard, contact us at East Lansing DUI so we can answer your questions.


  • What is Sobriety Court?

    Sobriety Court is a specialized probation that is designed for repeat offenders who are having difficulties maintaining their sobriety. The main focus of Sobriety Court is to help individuals overcome their substance abuse issues. Not all people are eligible for Sobriety Court, in order to qualify for Sobriety Court, you must:


    • Have at least two prior alcohol or drug-related convictions,
    • Not have any convictions involving violence, and
    • Live in the district where the program takes place.

    The benefits to agreeing to participate in Sobriety Court can include a reduced sentence and the ability to be issued a restricted driver’s license after 45 days of being in the program. It is important to understand that Sobriety Court is more intensive than most probationary programs, with frequent court hearings and consistent contact with your probation agent and the court. Don’t expect that Sobriety Court will be easy, but it may prove well worth it in the end for the right individuals. 

HOW EAST LANSING DUI CAN HELP

The attorneys at East Lansing DUI bring significant experience and legal knowledge with them to each and every DUI case they defend. We understand the significant penalties that can come with any DUI conviction and will draw on our past experience in dealing with the local East Lansing area courts to help each client find success. A case assessment with one of our attorneys will give you a full understanding of your DUI case, along with its strengths and weaknesses. You will come away with a clear idea of how to best approach and defend your DUI case after meeting with one of our attorneys at East Lansing DUI. 

EAST LANSING DUI FREE CONSULTATIONS

At East Lansing DUI, we understand that this might be your first run-in with the law. It is normal to have some questions and worry about what the outcome of your case might be. Because of this, we are proud to offer free consultations to anyone facing a DUI charge. Simply call us at (517) 292-7000 or contact us online to arrange a consultation with one of our attorneys. It could be the call that saves you from the consequences of a DUI conviction.