Oakland County District Court

The Oakland County District Courts handle a variety of cases, including traffic violations, small civil disputes, and misdemeanor offenses. Residents use these courts to file cases, pay fines, or resolve minor legal matters within their local community. These courts serve as a key part of Michigan’s judicial system, offering accessible services for residents. They provide a clear process for handling minor legal issues without involving higher courts.

Oakland County operates 14 district court locations, each serving different areas of the county. These courts manage cases such as misdemeanors, traffic tickets, civil infractions, small claims up to $6,500, and city ordinance violations. Oakland County Court plays a central role in coordinating these district courts, ensuring that residents have access to justice and clear guidance throughout the legal process. They also provide residents with essential tools, including case filing, scheduling hearings, and obtaining required court forms. By offering local access and streamlined processes, the courts help maintain the orderly resolution of legal matters across the county.

Structure of District Courts in Oakland County

Oakland County has several local district courts, each serving specific areas and handling a variety of civil, criminal, traffic, and small claims cases. These courts provide accessible, community-based justice across the county.

List of District Courts & Divisions

Oakland County is divided into multiple district court divisions to manage caseloads effectively. Each division serves particular communities:

These district court locations in Oakland County handle preliminary hearings, misdemeanors, traffic violations, landlord-tenant disputes, and small civil claims. Knowing your correct division ensures cases are filed in the proper court.

How District Courts Fit Into Michigan’s Court Hierarchy

District courts are Michigan’s entry-level trial courts, dealing primarily with minor criminal offenses, civil disputes under $25,000, and traffic matters. When cases exceed these limits or involve more serious criminal charges, they escalate to circuit courts, which handle felony cases, major civil lawsuits, and family law matters.

In Oakland County, district courts operate alongside circuit courts to create a clear legal pathway:

• District Courts: Minor criminal cases, small claims, traffic violations, landlord-tenant disputes
• Circuit Courts: Felonies, larger civil cases, probate matters, family law cases

This structure ensures efficiency and allows residents to address legal issues at the appropriate level without unnecessary delays.

Why Multiple Divisions Exist

Multiple divisions exist to address population growth, offer specialized services, and maintain local convenience. Each district court covers a “service area,” typically aligned with city or township boundaries. This makes it easier for residents to attend hearings, submit documents, or meet with court staff.

To locate the correct court for a case, residents can:

• Check the court division covering their city or township
• Visit the Oakland County official website for the Oakland County district courts list
• Call the local district court to confirm jurisdiction

Having several divisions also helps balance caseloads, reducing wait times and ensuring more timely resolutions.

Search & Lookup — Find Your Case or Record

Residents can efficiently search for Oakland County District Court cases by using the proper methods and tools. Having the correct case number, defendant name, or citation ensures accurate results and avoids delays.

How to Search Court Records

To perform a case search in Oakland County, follow these steps:

1. Identify the type of case: civil, criminal, traffic, or small claims.
2. Gather the necessary information: case number, defendant name, or citation number.
3. Choose a search tool: use MiCOURT Case Search for most cases or Court Explorer for additional details.
4. Enter the information carefully: double-check spelling and numbers to prevent errors.
5. Review the results: public cases will display key details such as hearing dates, judgments, and fines.

Where to Access Records and Costs

Oakland County offers multiple ways to access court records: online, in-person, or by mail. Below is a summary of each option:

Jurisdiction & Case Types Handled

The Oakland County District Court handles a wide range of cases, including misdemeanors, traffic violations, civil infractions, and small claims. Its jurisdiction focuses on less serious criminal matters, city ordinance violations, and civil disputes with monetary limits set by law.

Misdemeanor Cases

Misdemeanors are crimes considered less severe than felonies. Common examples include Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), Driving While License Suspended (DWLS), minor assault, and certain domestic‑violence charges. Oakland County District Court serves as the misdemeanor court, guiding cases from arraignment through sentencing.

Key responsibilities of the court include:

• Initial hearings and arraignments: The court reviews charges and informs defendants of their rights.
• Bail and bond decisions: Magistrates determine conditions for release pending trial.
• Case management and sentencing: Handles fines, probation, and other court‑ordered penalties.

However, the district court does not handle felonies, which are automatically referred to the circuit court. Proper pleadings are required for each stage of a misdemeanor, and the court oversees hearings to ensure defendants understand their options and consequences.

Traffic & Civil Infractions / Violations

Oakland County District Court also functions as a traffic court, addressing traffic violations and minor civil infractions. These include:

• Speeding or reckless driving tickets
• License or registration issues
• Parking violations and minor traffic offenses

Individuals have two options when cited: admit responsibility and pay the fine, or request a hearing. Tickets can be paid online, by mail, or in person, with fines potentially affecting driving records, insurance rates, and points on a driver’s license. In some cases, repeated violations may lead to license suspension.

Small Claims & General Civil Cases

Small claims court in Oakland County is designed to handle civil disputes with limited monetary value, typically up to $7,000 in some divisions. It allows individuals to pursue claims without hiring an attorney or requesting a jury trial, making it a faster and more cost-effective option for minor financial disputes.

Key points about small claims and general civil cases:

• Small claims: No attorney required, limited appeal rights, informal process.
• General civil cases: Include landlord/tenant disputes, contract disagreements, property damage under a legal threshold, and city ordinance violations exceeding small claims limits.
• Choosing the right court: Use small claims for smaller disputes and the general civil court for larger or more complex cases.

District courts offer guidance on filing procedures, deadlines, and case management, ensuring parties understand their rights and responsibilities.

City Ordinance, Municipal Violations, and Other Matters

Many local ordinances and municipal violations are also handled by the Oakland County District Court. Common examples include:

• Parking violations
• Noise complaints
• Zoning or minor city-code violations
• Animal control or leash-law infractions

These cases are generally non-criminal but enforce local regulations, and the court ensures proper resolution through fines, warnings, or mandated corrective actions. Handling these matters efficiently reduces the burden on circuit courts and provides a clear process for residents to comply with local laws.

How to File or Handle Cases — Practical

Filing or handling a case in Oakland County District Court requires following specific steps depending on the type of matter. Whether dealing with small claims, traffic violations, or misdemeanor cases, knowing the process helps save time and avoid penalties. The Friend of the Court office also plays a key role in family-related matters, such as child support, custody, and parenting time, providing guidance and ensuring court orders are properly enforced.

Filing a Small Claims Case

Filing a small claims case in Oakland County allows individuals to resolve disputes involving limited monetary amounts without a lawyer. The process begins by determining the correct district court based on where the defendant lives or where the incident occurred.

Step Process:

1. Determine Venue: Identify which Oakland County District Court division serves your area.
2. Complete the Claim Form: Use the official DC‑84 form. Fill out all sections clearly.
3. Service Requirements: Serve the defendant properly using certified mail or a process server. Proof of service must be filed with the court.
4. Notarization: Sign and notarize the claim form as required.
5. Filing Options: File in person at the court clerk’s office or e‑file through MiFILE Oakland County if the division supports it.

Fees and Limits:

• Filing fees typically range between $50–$150, depending on the claim.
• Small claims are limited to $6,500 in Michigan.
• No jury trial is available, and parties represent themselves unless they hire an attorney.

What to Expect at the Hearing:

• The hearing is brief and informal.
• The judge listens to both sides and issues a judgment promptly.

Paying a Traffic Ticket or Civil Infraction / Responding to Traffic Violations

Oakland County residents can resolve traffic violations by either admitting or contesting the ticket. Acting promptly helps avoid additional fines, points, or license suspension.

Option 1: Admit Responsibility

• Sign and pay the fine online, by mail, or in person.
• Deadlines vary by court; many require payment within 14 days.

Option 2: Deny Responsibility / Request a Hearing

• Request an informal or formal hearing via the district court.
• Contact the clerk’s office to schedule your hearing.

Online Payment Portals:

• Many divisions accept eTickets for online payment.
• Certain misdemeanor offenses may not qualify for online resolution.

Possible Consequences of Late or Non‑Payment:

• Additional fines or late fees.
• Points on your driving record.
• Possible license suspension.
• Official record of the violation on the driving history.

Criminal Cases — What Defendants / Plaintiffs Should Know

Misdemeanor cases in Oakland County District Court follow a structured process designed for local-level criminal matters. The court handles arraignment, bond, and trial for misdemeanor charges.

Key Points:

• Arraignment: Defendants appear to hear charges and enter a plea.
• Bond / Bail: Set by the magistrate to ensure court appearance.
• Court Authority: District courts retain jurisdiction over misdemeanor cases from start to finish, including probation and sentencing.

Transfer for More Serious Charges:

• Felonies or cases beyond the district court’s jurisdiction are transferred to the Circuit Court.
• The Michigan court system ensures serious cases are handled at the appropriate level.

Defendant Rights and Procedure:

• Right to legal representation.
• Right to a preliminary hearing for probable cause.
• Sentencing may include probation, fines, or other conditions.

Online Ticket Payment & Admit‑Responsibility

Residents can pay civil infraction or misdemeanor tickets online through courts.oakgov.com. This service is available for most cases, though exceptions include non-public cases, outstanding restitution, or cases requiring an in-person appearance.

Steps to pay tickets online:

1. Visit the Oakland County Court eTicket portal.
2. Locate your ticket by entering the case number or citation number.
3. Review the ticket details and select Admit Responsibility if applicable.
4. Pay using a credit card: VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express.
5. Print or save the receipt for your records.

Additional details:

• Service fees may apply depending on the payment method.
• Payments are processed immediately, but allow a few days for updates to appear in court records.
• Only tickets eligible for online payment will appear; others require direct court handling.

Using online ticket payment ensures faster processing and avoids potential late fees.

e‑Filing for Civil / Landlord‑Tenant / General Civil Matters (MiFILE)

Oakland County courts, including Division 52‑1, support e-filing for civil, landlord-tenant, and general civil matters through MiFILE. This system allows filing court documents electronically while complying with court rules.

Basic steps for e-filing:

1. Create a MiFILE account on oakgov.com.
2. Upload required forms and ensure all fields are completed accurately.
3. Submit the filing electronically.
4. Serve copies to all parties if required by court rules—either online or by mail.
5. Follow court-specific instructions for mailing or electronic service.

E-filing speeds up case processing and reduces paper handling, providing a secure and trackable submission method.

Public Records / Case Search Tools

Oakland County provides multiple online options to access court records. District Court records differ from circuit or probate records, so knowing which tool to use is key:

• Court Explorer (Oakland County): Best for searching district court cases.
• MiCOURT Case Search (statewide): Ideal for accessing civil, criminal, domestic, or probate cases across Michigan.

Access details:

• Most cases are searchable online, but some require a case number or may have privacy restrictions.
• Older records or restricted cases may need in-person or mail requests.
• Certified copies are available for a fee through the court clerk’s office.

Choosing the Right Court / Division — What Residents Should Know

In Oakland County, the correct district court depends on your home address, where an incident occurred, or the location of a property involved. Each court serves specific cities and townships, and district courts handle traffic violations, misdemeanors, small civil claims, and landlord-tenant disputes. Cases like felonies, civil claims over $25,000, complex disputes, or appeals go to the Circuit Court. Residents can check the proper court using the official https://www.oakgov.com/courts/Pages/default.aspx or by contacting the main court line to ensure their case is filed correctly.

How to Determine the Proper District Court for Your Case

Determining the correct district court in Oakland County depends on your home address, the location of an incident, or where a property involved in a case is located. Each district court serves specific cities and townships—for example, Royal Oak District Court covers Royal Oak and nearby areas, Southfield District Court handles Southfield, and Pontiac District Court serves Pontiac and adjacent townships. Residents can check the proper court using the official division list or map on the Oakland County Courts. Filing in the correct court helps avoid delays, whether it is for traffic violations, small civil claims, or landlord-tenant matters.

When a Case Should Go to Circuit Court Instead

Certain cases must be filed in the Oakland County Circuit Court because district courts have jurisdiction limits. Matters such as civil cases over $25,000, felony criminal charges, probate cases, complex civil disputes, and appeals from district court decisions fall under circuit court authority. District courts handle traffic violations, misdemeanors, small civil claims, and preliminary hearings for felony cases, but any matter beyond their limits requires circuit court intervention. Residents can verify the correct court by visiting the Michigan Courts website or contacting the circuit court clerk.

What to Do if You Are Unsure — Contact Info & Resources

If residents are unsure which district court serves their case, they can start by checking their municipality or township boundaries or by contacting the main Oakland County court line. Online portals also provide division details, addresses, and phone numbers for each court. Using search phrases like “which Oakland County district court serves me” or “local district courts by city Oakland County” helps residents quickly find the right division, while “when to go to circuit court Michigan” guides them on matters beyond district court jurisdiction.

Locations & Contact

Here is a complete list of district courthouses in Oakland County, along with their addresses, contact info, and the communities they serve.

Full List of District Courts & Divisions

Oakland County has several district courts, each serving specific cities and townships across the county. These courts handle civil, criminal, traffic, and small claims matters, making it important to know which division serves your area. Below is a complete list of all district courts along with their divisions, addresses, phone numbers, contact options, and the municipalities they cover.

48th District Court — Bloomfield Hills

• Address: 4280 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
• Phone: 248‑647‑1141
• Email / Contact Portal: fax@48thdc.us
• Municipalities Served: Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield Township, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake Village, Sylvan Lake

50th District Court — Pontiac

• Address: 70 N Saginaw St., Pontiac, MI 48342
• Phone: 248‑758‑3800
• Email / Contact Portal: Criminal/Traffic: 50DC‑Criminal@pontiac.mi.us; Civil: 50DC‑Civil@pontiac.mi.us
• Municipalities Served: City of Pontiac

51st District Court — Waterford

• Address: 5100 Civic Center Dr., Waterford, MI 48329
• Phone: 248‑674‑4655
• Email / Contact Portal: Information & payments via Waterford Township website
• Municipalities Served: Waterford Township and surrounding areas

52nd District Court — 1st Division

• Address: 48150 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48374-1222
• Phone: 248‑305‑6460
• Email / Contact Portal: E‑filing via MiFILE portal (for civil / landlord‑tenant matters)
• Municipalities Served: City of Novi, nearby townships, and villages

52nd District Court — 2nd Division

• Address: 5850 Lorac Dr, Clarkston, MI 48346
• Phone: 248‑625‑4880
• Email / Contact Portal: Criminal/Traffic filings via fax or email; other filings via mail or drop-off
• Municipalities Served: City of Clarkston; Townships of Independence, White Lake, Springfield, Holly, Groveland, Rose, Brandon, and nearby villages

52nd District Court — 3rd Division

• Address: 700 Barclay Circle, Rochester Hills, MI 48307
• Phone: 248‑853‑5553
• Email / Contact Portal: Contact via standard court phone/clerk’s office
• Municipalities Served: Rochester Hills, Rochester, Auburn Hills, Oxford, Addison, Orion, Oakland Township, and nearby villages/townships

52nd District Court — 4th Division

• Address: 520 W Big Beaver Rd, Troy, MI 48084
• Phone: 248‑528‑0400
• Email / Contact Portal: Civil & some criminal proceedings via Zoom; contact clerk’s office for instructions
• Municipalities Served: City of Troy, City of Clawson, and nearby areas

FAQs About District Court

Many residents have questions about cases, tickets, and court procedures in Oakland County District Court. Here are quick answers to common concerns.

What kinds of cases does Oakland County District Court handle?

Oakland County District Court handles traffic violations, misdemeanors, civil infractions, and small claims cases under $25,000, including preliminary hearings for certain criminal matters.

What is the difference between a traffic ticket, a civil infraction, and a misdemeanor?

Traffic tickets address moving violations, civil infractions are non-criminal offenses with fines, and misdemeanors involve criminal charges that may carry jail time or other serious penalties.

How much is the small claims limit in Oakland County?

The small claims limit in Oakland County is $25,000, allowing residents to resolve money disputes, property claims, or contract issues in a faster and simpler court process.

Can I be represented by a lawyer in small claims?

Parties may hire a lawyer in small claims court, but it is optional; many residents represent themselves while lawyers assist in more complex cases.

How do I pay a traffic ticket online?

You can pay your ticket online in Oakland County through the official court website by entering your ticket number, personal details, and payment method to avoid late fees.