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16th District Court
Notice To All Visitors
If you are experiencing flu-related symptoms or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 virus, please refrain from entering the building.
Feel free to contact the court at (734) 466-2500.
Please take the COVID-19 Questionnaire.
Thank you for your cooperation.
PLEASE READ TO THE END OF THIS POSTING FOR
DAILY AMENDMENTS AND UPDATES
Updated June 11, 2021
COVID-19 Update from the 16th District Court
The 16th District Court’s “Plan to Return to Full Capacity Phase Three,” Administrative Order Number 2021-06 was approved on June 9, 2021, by the State Court Administrative Office.
During the current phase, the court will be open by appointment with staff available from 8:30AM to 4:30PM, Monday through Friday. If you do not have an appointment scheduled and have not received a notice to appear, please contact the court by phone. Court phone lines are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm with the main number (734)466-2500.
Face covering and social distancing for court visitors is required.
Phase Three will remain in effect until further notice.
The following functions will be handled during Phase Three as indicated below:
CRIMINAL MATTERS
- All felony and misdemeanor in-custody matters will be handled via the Polycom (video conferencing system). Felony exams are being held in person and defendants are brought from the Wayne County Jail.
- All prisoner transport from Wayne County Jail is currently active.
- All scheduled and walk-in arraignments are being held by using Zoom and YouTube Live. If you have a scheduled arraignment and are unable to participate remotely, report at your scheduled hearing in person.
- Any individuals with outstanding warrants are to report to the courthouse to post bond and receive a future hearing date. If you require to be fingerprinted, the court will give you instructions. You may also contact the court regarding your warrant for more information by phone (734)466-2500.
- All regular misdemeanor pretrials are being held via Zoom. If you have a pretrial scheduled and you are unable to participate remotely, you must report for the hearing in person.
- All sentencing matters have been scheduled for Virtual Court Hearing using Zoom and YouTube Live. If unable to participate in a remote hearing you must report in person on your scheduled date.
- Any cases in a warrant status due to failure to pay fines and costs can be addressed in-person, online by visiting our website http://www.courtinnovations.com/MID16 and selecting the warrant search option. This feature will allow you to make payment arrangements and communicate with the magistrate or judge electronically.
- For any criminal matter inquiries, you may email the court at livoniacourt3@livonia.gov.
JURY TRIALS
9. To check if jury selection is active or suspended, please reach the jury selection clerk at (734) 466-2101.
Before Trial:
- Notify the 16th District Court at juryduty@livonia.gov if you feel sick or have COVID-19 symptoms, have traveled outside of the United States or been exposed to someone who tested positive for the virus within the last 14 days and you are not vaccinated, or have a fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Notify the 16th District Court at juryduty@livonia.gov if you are medically unable to wear a face covering.
During Trial:
- You will be required to wear a mask or a face shield. The Court will provide them if you do not have one.
- Your temperature will be taken with a touchless thermometer upon entry into the building.
- Keep tissues handy in case you need to cough or sneeze.
- Please limit bringing personal items inside the building.
- Each person will be six or more feet apart at all times to ensure proper social distancing.
- Do not share your belongings or items.
- Do not touch other people or their belongings/items.
- You will be asked to wash your hands during each break/lunch.
- The location will be cleaned and sanitized at the end of the day.
- You will be provided with hand sanitizer for your personal use.
CIVIL INFRACTIONS
10. All civil infraction hearings including traffic, parking and zoning infractions are being handled remotely or in person. If a case is being adjourned, notifications are being sent with available options. If you are unable to appear remotely, you must appear in person on your scheduled hearing date.
11. The public is encouraged to utilize the online mediation portal available on our website for eligible infractions https://www.courtinnovations.com/MID16
12. The court will continue to process payments made online through our website, in-person, by mail, over the phone or at the drop box located in the Livonia Police department lobby.
13. Any requests and or inquiries regarding traffic matters can also be made by email at livoniacourt3@livonia.gov.
PROBATION
14. All in-person reporting probation appointments have been converted to mail-in status. The Monthly Supervision Report Form is available online at www.16thdistrictcourt.com or at the kiosk in the lobby of the Livonia Police Department. You must submit your Monthly Supervision Report forms by the 1st of each month.
15. Payments can be made by phone (734) 466-2550, by mail, on-line https:\\payments.g2gcloud.com/dc/552 or place in the drop box, located in the lobby of the Livonia Police Department. . You can also make your payment in person at the courthouse (during our regular business hours).
16. All violation hearings are being handled via Zoom unless otherwise directed by the court. Failure to appear for a zoom hearing shall result in issuance of a Bench Warrant for the defendant’s arrest.
17. The work program is currently active. Probationers must refer to the www.16thdistrictcourt.com website prior to each scheduled report date for any changes.
18. All Sobriety/Drug Court formal and informal hearings are being held remotely by phone or zoom in a court recorded setting.
19. All alcohol and drug testing agencies are opened for business and therefore all court ordered testing will continue as directed by the probation department. Your failure to comply will result in the issuance of probation violation.
20. Any requests and inquiries may be emailed to: Livoniaprobation@livonia.gov
CIVIL MATTERS
21. All participants in general civil matters, small claims or landlord tenant cases will be notified in advance as to whether their matter will be heard in-person at the Court, or virtually by way of Zoom, to be determined by the presiding judge or magistrate.
22. The Court will continue to accept pleadings sent to the Court via U.S. mail with the necessary filing fees or in person. All necessary filling fees continue to be required and may be paid online by visiting the 16th District Court website. Payments can also be made over the phone.
23. The civil division may be reached at (734) 466-2500 option # 2 or by email at: livoniacivil@livonia.gov.
LANDLORD-TENANT MATTERS
24. Administrative Order 2020-17, as amended on 12/29/20, 01/30/2021, and 03/22/21 governs landlord-tenant cases. The 01/30/21 order generally concerns the CDC (Center for Disease Control) Order effective 09/04/20 and modified on 01/29/2021 by the current Director of the CDC, which prohibits Orders to Evict from being entered prior to 03/31/2021 if a tenant (residential cases only) meets certain criteria. A tenant must complete a CDC Declaration form and provide it to the landlord to be considered for an eviction moratorium.
25. DEFENDANTS: Be aware that you have the right to counsel, as more fully described in MCR 4.201 (F)(2).
26. At the initial hearing noticed by the summons, the court must conduct a pretrial hearing consistent with SCAO guidelines. At the pretrial hearing, the parties must be verbally informed of all the following:
- Defendant has the right to counsel. MCR 4.201(F)(2).
- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the local Coordinated Entry Agency (CEA), Housing Assessment & Resource Agency (HARA), or the federal Help for Homeless Veterans program may be able to assist the parties with payment of some or all the rent due.
- Defendants DO NOT need a judgment to receive assistance from MDHHS, the HARA or the local CEA. The Summons and Complaint from the court case are sufficient.
- The availability of the Michigan Community Dispute Resolution Program (CDRP) and local CDRP Office as a possible source of case resolution. The court must contact the local CDRP to coordinate resources. The CDRP may be involved in the resolution of Summary Proceedings cases to the extent that the chief judge of each court determines, including conducting the pretrial hearing.
- The possibility of a Conditional Dismissal pursuant to MCR 2.602 if approved by all parties. The parties must be provided with a form to effectuate such Conditional Dismissal.
27. Except as provided below, all Summary Proceeding Act cases must be adjourned for seven days after the pretrial is conducted. MCL 600.5732. Any party who does not appear at the adjourned date will be defaulted. Cases need not be adjourned for seven days if:
- The plaintiff dismisses the complaint, with or without prejudice, and without any conditions, if defendant was personally served under MCR 2.105(A) and fails to appear, or
- Where both plaintiff and defendant are represented by counsel and a consent judgment or conditional dismissal is filed with the court.
- Where plaintiff and defendant are represented by counsel, the parties may submit a conditional dismissal or consent judgment in lieu of appearing personally at a second hearing.
28. Consistent with Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 2020-17, as amended on 12/29/2020, 01/30/21, and 03/22/21 a plaintiff who files a summary proceeding action under MCR 4.201 for possession of premises for non-payment of rent, must also submit verification regarding CDC Eviction Moratorium Declaration Form (SCAO Form DC 511 Rev. 10/20/20).
29. Pursuant to the 03/21/21 amendment to AO 2020-17, in cases filed pursuant to MCL 600.5714(1)(a) for nonpayment of rent, a court must stay further proceedings after the pretrial hearing is conducted and not proceed to judgment if a defendant applies for COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) and notifies the court of the application. The stay is contingent upon the following events:
- An eligibility determination is made by the appropriate HARA within 30 days of the pretrial hearing; and
- The defendant is eligible to receive rental assistance for all rent owed; and
- The plaintiff receives full payment from the CERA program within 45 days of the pretrial hearing.
If any of these events do not occur, excluding delays attributable to the plaintiff, the court must lift the stay and continue with proceedings.
WEDDINGS
30. The court is scheduling outdoor wedding ceremonies. In-door wedding ceremonies are limited and at limited capacity.
For updated information please consult the Court’s website: www.16thdistrictcourt.com
Online payments for fines may be made on the Court’s website. You may also contact the court at (734) 466-2500. The 16th District Court will adjust this policy as the situation warrants based on advice from health officials and State Government.
Sean P. Kavanagh
Sean P. Kavanagh, Chief District Judge
Kathleen J. McCann
Kathleen J. McCann, District Judge
What You Should Know Before You Come to Court
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- Cell Phones
- Children
- Court of Record
- No Food / Beverages
- On Time
- Proper Attire
- Subject to Search
16th District Court
Policy Regarding the Use of
Portable Electronic Devices
Pursuant to MCR 8.115, effective May 1, 2020, this policy governs the use of portable electronic devices in the 16th District Court. Portable electronic devices include any mobile device capable of electronically storing, accessing, or transmitting information. This encompasses portable computers of all description, smart and cell phones, cameras and other audio or video recording devices, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or other devices that provide internet access including eyeglasses, watches, and any similar items.
- Electronic communications devices must be turned off or set to silent mode prior to entering a courtroom including no audible vibrations mode or keyboard sounds. This includes attorneys.
- No one, including attorneys, may make or take a phone call on an electronic portable device in a courtroom unless that use is specifically allowed by the judge presiding over that courtroom.
- No one shall cause their electronic device or phone to ring or vibrate anywhere in the courthouse.
- No one may use a portable electronic device to take photographs or for audio or video recording, broadcasting, or live streaming anywhere in the courthouse unless that use is specifically allowed by the judge presiding over that courtroom. The only exception to this is requests for film or electronic media coverage of court proceedings previously approved by the Court pursuant to Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 1989-2.
- No one may photograph, record, broadcast, or live stream any juror or anyone called to the court for jury service or as a witness without that person’s consent.
- Jurors must turn off their portable electronic devices while present in a courtroom. Jurors may be required to surrender their electronic devices during deliberations. Use of portable electronic devices during deliberations is prohibited.
- No one may use a portable electronic device to communicate in any way with any courtroom participant including, but not limited to, a party, a witness, or juror at any time during any court proceeding, inside or outside of the courtroom.
- In areas of the courthouse outside the courtroom, no one may photograph, record, broadcast, or live stream an individual without their consent. During any interaction with Court staff, the Court user may be asked to put their cell phone or recording device in plain sight and asked to turn the device off until the conversation is concluded.
- Court managers (judge, court administrator, clerk of court) may limit or terminate permission to use a portable electronic device if an individual engages in activities that are disruptive to court operations or compromise court security.
- People may reproduce court documents that are subject to public disclosure with smart phone cameras as long as it leaves no marks and does not unreasonably interfere with the operation of the clerk’s office.
- Failure to surrender the offending device upon demand by any court employee shall result in an immediate finding of contempt of court by the Judge. Failure to comply with this policy may result in a finding of contempt of court, a fine of up to $250.00 per occurrence, including confiscation of the device, incarceration up to thirty (30) days in jail, or both.
Young children will not be allowed in the courtrooms during sessions without prior permission of the Judge or Magistrate.
You should not talk or make any noises while court is in session. While this is a matter of common sense, the rule is not arbitrarily created. The 16th District Court is a court of record
which means that all proceedings are recorded. Extraneous noise or talking may interfere with the recorded testimony.
You will not be allowed to eat, drink, chew gum or smoke inside the courtroom. You will also not be allowed to enter the building with any beverages or food.
You must appear promptly at times designated on your notice, ticket or other documentation. Failure to appear timely may result in adverse action being taken against you.
Proper attire is required for entry into the 16th District Court. If you are not dressed appropriately, you will not be seen by a Judge or Probation Officer. Prohibited attire includes:
- Cut-Offs
- Hats/Caps
- Shorts
- Skorts
- Sleeveless Shirts
- Tank tops among other clothing which is not suitable in a court of law
Shoes are also required.
All persons who enter the 16th District Court are subject to a search of both their person and belongings. Signs posted at the Court's entrance list all items which are prohibited and which will be seized if found on your person.