Court Information

After Hours

An after-hours drop box is available 24 hours per day. It is located in the main lobby of the Livonia Police Department:
15050 Farmington Road
Livonia, MI 48154

Envelopes are provided, no cash deposits are advised. Civil Filings/Pleadings may be deposited.

Payments

The Court accepts personal checks with proper identification in most instances. Bonds posted must be in cash, certified check or surety. The Court accepts the following credit cards: American Express, Visa, Mastercard or Discover. Payments with a credit card must be made in person at the court clerk cashier. Credit cards cannot be used to post bond.

Telephone payments by credit card, American Express, Visa, MasterCard or Discover are taken 24 hours through Government Payment Services, Inc. Call 888-604-7888 (Note: Government Payment Service Inc. charges an additional fee for this service.)

Past Due

For past due, suspended FAC/FCJ citations or for Probation Department payments: you must call the court to obtain the exact amount needed to clear your past due, suspended or probation matters. You will be given an authorization number which you will need to give to Government Payment Services Inc.

Judges

The 16th District Court is a State of Michigan Court which is administered by two elected District Judges who serve 6 year terms. A Magistrate appointed by the Judges, assists with Informal Hearings on Civil Infractions, Arraignments on Ordinance cases and Hearings on Small Claims.

Jurisdiction

The District Court has jurisdiction of all City Ordinance violations and State Law Misdemeanors. The Court also conducts Preliminary Examinations of Felony Cases.

Civil Matters

In Civil matters, this court has jurisdiction of all Civil cases where the amount claimed is up to $25,000, Small Claims cases up to $6,000, and a Landlord/Tenant division. The Court handles garnishments as well as eviction proceedings, land contract, and mortgage foreclosures. In Small Claims matters, litigants agree to waive their rights to a jury, rules of evidence, representation by a lawyer and the right to appeal from the District Judge's decision. Small Claims cases are heard by an Attorney/Magistrate whose decision becomes final if not appealed to a District Court Judge within seven days. If either party objects, the General Civil Division of the District Court will hear the case.

For Civil Division matters call 734-466-2500, ext. 3541 between 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. No filings will be accepted after 4:15 p.m.

Violations Bureau

The Court's Violations Bureau processes all traffic tickets, both Civil Infractions and Misdemeanors, that may be paid by statute without a Court appearance.

Probation Department

The 16th District Court Probation Department is responsible for the supervision of all individuals placed on Probation by the District Judges. Presently there are nearly 2,000 active cases. The staff consists of the Director of Probation, Chief Probation Officer, and a part-time Probation Officer. Thirty-five staff counselors and 80 Probation Officers who are citizen volunteers assist them. The Probation Department also coordinates and supervises a Voluntary Work Program, in lieu of jail, where individuals work at various municipal locations.

Juries

Juries in District Court are limited to six members (an alternate is selected), five of which can render verdicts in Civil cases. In Criminal cases, verdicts must be unanimous.

Legal Assistance

This site is designed to help you find legal assistance, learn about Michigan law, and represent yourself in some legal matters. This site does not provide legal advice.