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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 November 10, 2020
COVID-19 Update from the 16th District Court
The 16th District Court’s “Plan to Return to Full Capacity Phase Two,” Administrative Order Number 2020-06 has been approved on June 19, 2020 by the State Court Administrative Office.
During the current phase, the court will remain closed except by appointment only with staff available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 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 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the main number (734) 466-2500.
Phase Two will remain in effect until further notice.
The following functions will be handled during Phase Two as indicated below:
CRIMINAL MATTERS
- All felony and misdemeanor in-custody matters will be handled via the Polycom (video conferencing system).
- All prisoner transport for court matters has been suspended and all in-custody matters will be handled via the Polycom system.
- All scheduled and walk-in arraignments have been adjourned and contacts are being made by MIDC attorneys to discuss their case and schedule Virtual Court Hearing 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 Livonia Police Department to post bond and receive a future hearing date. The police department may be reached at (734) 466-2470.
- Jury selection and jury trials have been canceled until further notice.
- All regular misdemeanor pretrials have been adjourned and attorneys are being contacted by the City Prosecutor to discuss the matter and offer Virtual Court Hearing using Zoom and YouTube Live. 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.
- Failure to appear for a Zoom hearing shall result in immediate issuance of a Bench Warrant for the defendant’s arrest.
- Any cases in a warrant status due to failure to pay fines and costs can be addressed online by visiting our website.
CIVIL INFRACTIONS
- 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.
- The public is encouraged to utilize the online mediation portal available on our website for eligible infractions
www.courtinnovations.com/MID16 - The court will continue to process payments made online through our website, by mail, or at the drop box located in the Livonia Police department lobby.
- Payments can also be made over the phone by contacting the 16th District Court over the phone at (734) 466-2500.
- Any requests and or inquiries regarding traffic matters can also be made by email at livoniacourt3@ci.livonia.mi.us
PROBATION
- 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 and payment by mail, online or place in the dropbox, located in the lobby of the Livonia Police Department.
- All violations of probation hearings are being handled remotely or in-person. Failure to appear for a Zoom hearing shall result in immediate issuance of a Bench Warrant for the defendant’s arrest.
- The work program will resume on November 21, 2020. Probationers must refer to the website and contact the probation department for any updates related to the work program by contacting the probation department at (734) 466-2550.
- All Formal and Informal Drug Court hearings are being held remotely by phone in a court recorded setting.
- All alcohol and drug testing continue as directed by the probation department. All drug and alcohol testing agencies have re-opened. Your failure to comply will result in the issuance of probation violation. If you have received a probation violation notice, you may contact the probation department at (734) 466-2550 to schedule a zoom hearing.
- Any requests and inquiries may be emailed to Livoniaprobation@ci.livonia.mi.us.
- The CHANGES support group meeting for probationers has been canceled until further notice.
CIVIL MATTERS
- All jury trials have been adjourned; parties will be notified of new dates.
- All participants in general civil matters 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.
- The Court will continue to accept pleadings sent to the Court via U.S. mail with the necessary filing fees. 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.
- The civil division may be reached at (734) 466-2500 option # 2 or by email at livoniacivil@ci.livonia.mi.us.
LANDLORD-TENANT MATTERS
- Administrative Order 2020-17 , as amended on 10/22/2020 governs landlord-tenant cases. The 10/22/20 amendment generally concerns the CDC (Center for Disease Control Order effective 09/04/20 which prohibits Orders to Evict from being entered prior to 12/3/2020 if a tenant meets (residential cases only) meets certain criteria. A tenant must complete a DCD Declaration from and provide it to the landlord to use considered for an eviction moratorium.
- DEFENDANTS: Be aware that you have the right to counsel, as more fully described in MCR 4.201 (F)(2).
- 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 of 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), 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 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 a form to effectuate such Conditional Dismissal.
- 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 coordinated 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.
- Consistent with Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 2020-17, as amended on 10/22/20, a plaintiff who who files a summary proceeding action before July 25, 2020, under MCR 4.201 for possession of premises for non-payment of rent, must also submit a verification Regarding CDC Eviction Moratorium Declaration Form (SCAO Form DC 511 Rev. 10/20/20).
WEDDINGS
31. All wedding ceremonies will be rescheduled to a later date.
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, Chief District Judge
Kathleen J. McCann, District Judge
Attention Probationers
In response to the Governor’s declared State of Emergency due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19), the 16th District Court has closed the doors to the general public at this time.
Until further notice, all “in-person” reporting probation appointments have been converted to mail-in status. You can find the Monthly Supervision Report forms online at: www.16thdistrictcourt.com or at the kiosk in the lobby of the Livonia Police Department.
You may submit your monthly supervision report forms and payments by U.S. Mail, online or place them in the drop box located in the lobby of the Livonia Police Department.
All drug and alcohol testing agencies have re-opened. You are expected to resume all court ordered testing. Your failure to comply will result in the issuance of a probation violation. If you have received a probation violation notice, you may call the probation department at (734) 466-2550 to schedule a ZOOM hearing.
The VOLUNTARY WORK PROGRAM will resume on November 21, 2020. It is YOUR responsibility to check the 16th D.C. website regarding the status of the VWP program for any future dates you are scheduled to work.
Any other questions can be process through email at: livoniaprobation@ci.livonia.mi.us Please make sure to include your current address, phone number and your date of birth with all email correspondences.
Thank you,
Probation Department
(734) 466-2550
What You Should Know Before You Come to Court
- Select an option below
- 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.