Wayne County Lawyer

Wayne County has a large court system. A single case can start in a local district court, move to a courthouse in Detroit, and involve several offices along the way. I work from Bogard Law's office at 17573 Fort St in Riverview and represent people in Wayne County courts at each of those stages.

How a Wayne County Case Moves Through the Courts

Most criminal cases start in a district court. In the Downriver part of the county, that means the 23rd, 24th and 25th, 27th, 33rd, or 34th District Court, depending on where the case arose. Misdemeanors are usually resolved there.

Felony cases begin in district court too, but if they are bound over after the preliminary examination, they go to the Third Circuit Court, which is the circuit court for Wayne County. Its Criminal Division hears felony cases bound over from the district courts in Wayne County. The court's website now lists the Criminal Division at the Wayne County Criminal Justice Center, 5301 Russell Street in Detroit. Many people still know it by its old home, the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice, so check your notice for the right building.

That move from a local courthouse to Detroit is where many people feel lost. The schedule changes, the building is bigger, and there are new dates and paperwork. I explain each stage as we reach it so you know what is happening and why.

Criminal Defense

I defend people charged with felonies and misdemeanors, including drunk driving, drug charges, assault, domestic violence, retail fraud, and probation violations. Read more on my criminal defense page.

Family Cases in the Third Circuit Court

Divorce, custody, parenting time, and child support cases in Wayne County are handled by the Third Circuit Court's Family Division–Domestic Relations, at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue in Detroit. The Wayne County Friend of the Court is a separate office in the Penobscot Building. I help clients through each part of the process, from filing to changing an order later. See my family law page.

Wayne County Probate Court

The Wayne County Probate Court is a separate court from the Third Circuit. It handles decedents' estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and involuntary mental health treatment. It is also in the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center. I help families open and close estates and prepare wills, trusts, and powers of attorney so their own plans are in place. More on my estate planning and probate page.

Expungement and License Restoration

If you have an old Wayne County conviction, you may be able to have it set aside. If you lost your license after repeated drunk driving convictions, you may be able to get it back. My expungement and license restoration page explains how those processes work.

Where I Work

I serve communities throughout Downriver, including Riverview, Wyandotte, Southgate, Trenton, Taylor, Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Woodhaven, and Romulus. 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.

The first consultation is free. We can meet at my Riverview office, by phone, or by video. If it's hard for you to get to my office, I can come to you to meet, go over your case, or sign paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Wayne County felony case going to Detroit?

Felony cases start in a local district court. If the case is bound over after the preliminary examination, it goes to the Third Circuit Court's Criminal Division, which is in Detroit. The court's website lists the Criminal Division at the Wayne County Criminal Justice Center, 5301 Russell Street.

Is probate court the same as circuit court in Wayne County?

No. The Wayne County Probate Court is a separate court. It handles estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and involuntary mental health treatment. Divorce and custody cases go to the Third Circuit Court's Family Division.

Do you only handle cases in Wayne County?

No. I handle cases in courts throughout Michigan, including Monroe County. Call (734) 775-9327 and we can talk about your case.

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

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