48th District Court Attorneys for the Local Advantage

The 48th District court, located at 4280 Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, deals with both criminal and civil matters in Oakland County. The court serves several municipalities in the Bloomfield Hills area. These include the cities of Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake, and Sylvan Lake. It also serves the Townships of Bloomfield and West Bloomfield.

The Court hears matters such as parking and traffic infractions and misdemeanors. It also has jurisdiction over felony cases in regards to determining probable cause; civil cases, for which the amount in question is $25,000 or less, landlord-tenant cases, and small claims matters. It has three judges, three magistrates, and handles thousands of cases each year.

The 48th District Court is a very busy court, with a high caseload. Misdemeanor offenses can range from drunk driving, OWI, DUI, retail fraud, certain traffic offenses such as driving on a suspended license, assault and battery, possession of marijuana, retail fraud, disorderly person and in some cases, serious felonies. The court may consider referring defendants to special programs, such as Holmes Youthful Training Act (HYTA), 7411 (drug crimes), 769.4a (domestic violence), 771.1 (delayed sentence), and the Oakland County Prosecutor’s First Offenders Program.

Why You Need an Attorney

The judges in the 48th District Court have a reputation for handing down severe sentences. Bond amounts tend to be high, with many conditions attached to them. First offenders are frequently sentenced to incarceration. A person who has violated probation is also likely to receive a prison sentence. Because the court is known to be tough, you need highly experienced legal help to protect you. There are many areas of the law. At Michigan Defense Law, we provide legal help to clients involving all aspects of the criminal justice system.

There are many issues to consider when defending a criminal case. These may include improper arrest, a failure to properly inform the accused of his or her rights, evidence that favors the defendant, or a lack of evidence against the defendant. In some cases, your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea bargain or alternative sentencing that is more beneficial to the client.

Why You Need a Local Attorney

A local attorney has a distinct advantage. Familiarity with the local criminal justice system probably means knowing the court clerks, prosecutors, and judges, possibly even the officer who made the stop. Everyone must obey the laws as they are written, but in matters where discretion plays a part, it helps to be on good terms with the people involved with the case.

• Familiarity with state and local laws: In addition to federal law, each state has its own laws and municipalities also have laws that are specific to the governmental bodies of cities or counties. It is important for your attorney to have extensive knowledge of all of these. A local attorney may know about special diversion programs, their requirements, and how they are viewed by judges and prosecutors. Diversion programs are strategies intended to avoid imprisonment.
• Local court procedures: Courts have rules of practice, but policies and procedures may be different. There are too many courts for anyone to know all the rules, and some are more strictly followed than others. A non-local attorney who does not know the rules may accidentally offend the judge. Experience with the local courts will help an attorney apply those rules to a defendant’s advantage. Even knowing the hours of operation of local courts and government offices, as well as filing deadlines, can make a big difference.
• Strong knowledge of the community: Local attorneys attend social and community events, which give them a chance to know the local judges and prosecutors outside of the courtroom. An attorney may develop a better understanding of how police officers perform before juries, whether a prosecutor is open to plea bargaining, or the preferences of a particular judge.

What Information Does Your Attorney Need About Your Case?

Your first meeting with your lawyer is significant. It is important to choose a lawyer who listens to you and takes the time to explain your options. Therefore, you want your attorney to have as much information as possible, early in the process. It is a good idea to be prepared for your first consultation. Your attorney will know the key questions to ask, but there are other details which may affect your case. These may include the circumstances of the arrest, or whether others were involved.

Be sure to bring copies of all of the paperwork relating to your case. These may include documents that describe the charges, upcoming court dates, bail papers, supporting affidavits, receipts for property taken by the police, witness contact information, etc. If you have a previous conviction, information on your prior case may be helpful. The attorney will use this information to understand the facts of the case, key pretrial issues, available defenses, potential consequences, and the potential for plea bargains.

The initial consultation is also an opportunity to ask any questions you might have at this point. It may help you to think your questions before the meeting. Asking questions also shows the attorney that you will be an active participant in your own defense.

Do You Need Legal Help? Call Us Today.

An unfavorable verdict can affect your life in many damaging ways. Whether you have been charged with a criminal offense, an OWI, or are seeking a restoration of your driver’s license, the court system can leave you feeling anxious and uncertain about your future. No matter what court you are in, your case is important, so you need the best possible legal representation. The 48th District Court is known for its congested dockets and formidable judges. Therefore, it is very important to obtain an attorney who is respected and familiar with this court fighting for you.

At Michigan Defense Law, our experienced, knowledgeable attorneys work zealously to achieve the best possible result in every client’s case. To arrange a consultation, contact Michigan Defense Law online or call our office at (248) 451-2200.