EAST LANSING AREA COURTS

If an individual is arrested on suspicion of drunk driving, then the first thing that happens when that individual is formally charged is the arraignment. The purpose of an arraignment is for the formal reading of criminal charges and for a bond to be set by the presiding magistrate or judge. The individual that is being charged is typically in police custody when this happens, so the hearing will take place either over live videoconference or in person depending on the situation. You are allowed to have an attorney represent you at an arraignment so he or she can argue bond on your behalf to convince the magistrate or judge to allow you out of jail. If a magistrate or judge allows you out of police custody, you will likely be subject to specific conditions related to sobriety such as an alcohol tether or breath tests. Once your arraignment is completed, you will be given your first court date. If you are charged with a misdemeanor DUI, then your next court date will be a pretrial in District Court. If you are charged with a felony DUI, then your next court date will be a preliminary exam conference, also in District Court. If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged on suspicion of DUI, it is important to get in touch with an experienced DUI defense attorney as soon as possible.

If you got pulled over near Michigan State University (MSU) campus, then your DUI case will be heard by the 54B District Court. There are two judges in the 54B District Court, the Honorable Andrea Andrews Larkin, and the Honorable Richard D. Ball. If your DUI charge is a misdemeanor, then your case will stay with the same judge until the conclusion of your case. If your DUI charge is a felony, then your case may end up in the Ingham County Circuit Court in front of one of the judges at that level. If your DUI case makes it to Circuit Court, then the judge assigned to your case will stay the same until the conclusion of your case.

If you got pulled over near the downtown campus of Lansing Community College (LCC), then your DUI case will be heard by the 54A District Court. There are four judges in the 54A District Court, the Honorable Louise Alderson, the Honorable Stacia Buchanan, the Honorable Cynthia M. Ward, and the Honorable Kristen D. Simmons. If you got pulled over near the LCC East campus, then your case will be heard in the 54B District Court. If you got pulled over near the LCC West campus, then your case will be heard in the 56A District Court in Eaton County.

If your DUI charge is a misdemeanor, then your case will stay with the same judge until the conclusion of your case. If your DUI charge is a felony, then your case may end up in the Ingham County Circuit Court in front of one of the judges at that level. If your DUI case makes it to Circuit Court, then the judge assigned to your case will stay the same until the conclusion of your case.

Ingham County

The following courts handle all of the cases that arise within Ingham County:

• 30th Circuit Court: 341 S. Jefferson, Mason, MI 48854
• 54A District Court: 124 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933
• 54B District Court: 101 E. Linden, East Lansing, MI 48823
• 55th District Court: 700 Buhl St., Mason, MI 48854

Clinton County

The following courts handle all of the cases that arise within Clinton County:

• 29th Circuit Court: 100 M-21, St. Johns, MI 48879
• 65A District Court: 100 E. State St. #3400, St. Johns, MI 48879

Eaton County

The following courts handle all of the cases that arise within Eaton County:

• 56th Circuit Court: 1045 Independence Blvd. Charlotte, MI 48813
• 56A District Court: 1045 Independence Blvd. Charlotte, MI 48813

If you are unsure where your DUI case will be heard, contact us at East Lansing DUI so we can answer your questions.

Sobriety Court is a specialized probation that is designed for repeat offenders who are having difficulties maintaining their sobriety. The main focus of Sobriety Court is to help individuals overcome their substance abuse issues. Not all people are eligible for Sobriety Court, in order to qualify for Sobriety Court, you must:

• Have at least two prior alcohol or drug-related convictions,
• Not have any convictions involving violence, and
• Live in the district where the program takes place.

The benefits to agreeing to participate in Sobriety Court can include a reduced sentence and the ability to be issued a restricted driver’s license after 45 days of being in the program. It is important to understand that Sobriety Court is more intensive than most probationary programs, with frequent court hearings and consistent contact with your probation agent and the court. Don’t expect that Sobriety Court will be easy, but it may prove well worth it in the end for the right individuals.