About Us
The District Court, which was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1968 pursuant to constitutional mandate, has more citizen contact than any other court in our judicial system.
In 2003, a Domestic Violence docket was established which maintains a fast track for these types of cases and offers programs oriented toward supporting nonviolence and dealing with the underlying cause of the violent behavior.
This court is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you require special accommodations to use the court because of disabilities, please contact the ADA Coordinator at 231-922-4502 to make arrangements.
View the ADA Request for Accommodations form (PDF).
Counties
The court serves 3 counties. The following are directions to each:Judges
The current judges are Honorable Robert A. Cooney, who serves as Chief Judge, and Honorable Michael S. Stepka. Court is held in Traverse City every day of the week, in Antrim County on Wednesday and in Leelanau County on Friday.Divisions
The District Court is comprised of 4 divisions:- The Civil Division handles cases that involve money or damage claims, as well as landlord/tenant disputes.
- The Criminal Division is responsible for processing paperwork filed by the police departments, state law and local ordinance prosecutors.
- The Traffic Division processes citations written by police departments.
- The Probation Department is responsible for conducting pre-sentence investigations, alcohol assessments, probation violation hearings and supervision of offenders.
Sobriety Court
This court implemented the 1st Sobriety Court in northern Michigan in late 2001, wherein repeat offense drunk drivers are given the chance to participate in long-term court monitored treatment in lieu of jail. The goal of Recovery Court is to reduce the incidence of drunk driving.
Domestic Violence
In 2003, a Domestic Violence docket was established which maintains a fast track for these types of cases and offers programs oriented toward supporting nonviolence and dealing with the underlying cause of the violent behavior.
ADA Compliance
This court is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. If you require special accommodations to use the court because of disabilities, please contact the ADA Coordinator at 231-922-4502 to make arrangements.View the ADA Request for Accommodations form (PDF).