16th District Court

PLEASE READ TO THE END OF THIS POSTING FOR

DAILY AMENDMENTS AND UPDATES

Updated February 12, 2021

The 16^th District Court’s “Plan to Return to Full Capacity Phase Two,” Administrative Order Number 2020-06 was 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 8:30AM 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.

Phase Two will remain in effect until further notice.  

The following functions will be handled during Phase Two as indicated below: 

CRIMINAL MATTERS

1. All felony and misdemeanor in-custody matters will be handled via the Polycom (video conferencing system).
2. All prisoner transport for court matters has been suspended and all in-custody matters will be handled via the Polycom system.
3. 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, otherwise report at your scheduled hearing in person.
4. 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.
5. Jury selection and jury trials have been cancelled until further notice.
6. 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.
7. 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 
8. Failure to appear for a Zoom hearing shall result in immediate issuance of a Bench Warrant for the defendant’s arrest.
9. Any cases in a warrant status due to failure to pay fines and costs can be addressed online by visiting our website.

CIVIL INFRACTIONS

1. 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.
2. The public is encouraged to utilize the online mediation portal available on our website for eligible infractions  https://www.courtinnovations.com/MID16
3. 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.  
4. Payments can also be made over the phone by contacting the 16^th District Court over the phone at 734-466-2500.
5. Any requests and or inquiries regarding traffic matters can also be made by email at livoniacourt3@livonia.gov.

PROBATION

1. 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 1^st of each month.
2. 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.
3. All violations hearings are being handled.  Failure to appear for a zoom hearing shall result in immediate issuance of a Bench Warrant for the defendant’s arrest. 
4. The work program is currently active. Probationers must refer to the www.16thdistrictcourt.com website prior to each scheduled report date for any changes.  Masks are mandatory. 
5. All Formal and Informal Drug Court hearings are being held remotely by phone or zoom in a court recorded setting.
6. 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.  If you have received a probation violation notice, you may contact the probation department at (734)466-2550 to schedule a zoom hearing.
7. Any requests and inquiries may be emailed to: Livoniaprobation@livonia.gov
8. The CHANGES  support group meeting for probationers has been cancelled until further notice.

CIVIL MATTERS

1. All jury trials have been adjourned; parties will be notified of new dates.
2. 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.
3. 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 16^th District Court website.  Payments can also be made over the phone.
4. The civil division may be reached at 734-466-2500 option # 2 or by email at: livoniacivil@livonia.gov.

LANDLORD-TENANT MATTERS

1. Administrative Order 2020-17, as amended on 12/29/20 and 01/30/2021, 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.  
2. DEFENDANTS: Be aware that you have the right to counsel, as more fully described in MCR 4.201 (F)(2).
3. 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:

1. Defendant has the right to counsel. MCR 4.201(F)(2).
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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.  

4. 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:

1. 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
2. Where both plaintiff and defendant are represented by counsel and a consent judgment or coordinated dismissal is filed with the court.
3. 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.
4. Consistent with Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 2020-17, as amended on 12/29/2020 and 01/30/21, 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).

WEDDINGS

1. All wedding ceremonies will be rescheduled to a later date. The court is anticipating outdoor ceremonies, later this year, weather permitting.

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 16^th 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