33rd District Court in Woodhaven: Brownstown, Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Rockwood, Trenton, and Woodhaven

A look at the 33rd District Court: where it is, which communities it serves, how felony arraignments and Zoom hearings work, how to pay, its probation department and sobriety court, and what to bring and avoid.

Which court handles cases from Trenton, Brownstown, and nearby communities?

The 33rd District Court in Woodhaven handles cases from Brownstown, Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Rockwood, Trenton, and Woodhaven. The courthouse is at 19000 Van Horn Road, Woodhaven, Michigan 48183, and the main number is (734) 671-0201. It hears misdemeanors, traffic and ordinance cases, and the early stages of felony cases.

In Person or Zoom?

The court says many proceedings are now held in person, and your Notice to Appear will say if your hearing is on Zoom. If you are not sure, call the court. Hearings can also be watched on the court's YouTube livestream.

This guide is written for people with cases in Downriver (Wayne County).

How does a felony arraignment work in the 33rd District Court?

The first appearance on a felony, the arraignment, is held by video conference, or in person at the courthouse if video is unavailable. Later district court hearings on the felony are held at the Woodhaven courthouse.

Those later hearings include the probable cause conference and the preliminary examination. If the case is bound over, it moves to the Wayne County Circuit Court. The criminal division's number is (734) 671-0223. Most misdemeanor cases require you to appear in court, and missing a date can lead to a warrant.

How do I pay a ticket or fine in the 33rd District Court?

The 33rd District Court takes payments in person, online, by phone at (855) 506-4600, by mail, or through the drop box at the front door of the building.

For a civil infraction ticket, the court says you can admit responsibility and pay, admit with a written explanation for a magistrate to review, or deny responsibility and request a hearing within 10 days. Ignoring a ticket leads to a default judgment, points, and possible license suspension.

Probation

The 33rd District Court Probation Department supervises people on misdemeanor probation. Officers make referrals to treatment, education, or job programs as needed. If someone does not comply, the court says they are returned to court for a violation hearing, and a violation can lead to sanctions including jail. My probation violation guide explains how those hearings work.

What is the 33rd District Sobriety Court?

The 33rd District Sobriety Court is a four-phase treatment program for non-violent people charged with alcohol- or drug-related offenses who have a history of substance abuse.

The court lists the requirements as 24 months of probation, frequent testing, substance abuse treatment, 12-step meetings, review hearings and probation visits every two weeks, community service, and fines and costs. The program has run since 2008. It is demanding, and acceptance is up to the court's team.

What to Bring, What to Avoid, and the Bottom Line

Bring your Notice to Appear, your ticket or charging papers, and any bond paperwork. The court's hours are Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

What not to do:

Do not assume your hearing is on Zoom. Check your notice.
Do not let the 10-day window on a civil infraction pass if you want a hearing.
Do not miss a probation appointment or test.

Read your notice, know where you need to be, and get advice early.

How I Can Help

If you have a case in the 33rd District Court, I can review your paperwork, explain the process and your options, and represent you in court.

Call (734) 775-9327 or use my contact form for a free consultation.

This page covers specific courts, but I handle cases in courts throughout Michigan. If your case is in a different court, call (734) 775-9327.

This page is general information about Michigan law, not legal advice. Laws change, and every case is different. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship.