On March 23, 2020, Governor Whitmer signed an executive order, directing Michigan residents to “stay home, stay safe,” and further restricting nonessential business and travel starting at midnight and for at least the next three weeks.
The Michigan Supreme Court announced that following the guidance of Governor Whitmer’s executive order, please be aware that under this order, the Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 2020-2 remains in effect. As described in AO 2020-2, trial courts must continue to operate to provide essential functions. The order shall remain in effect until the close of business Thursday, April 30, 2020.
Until further notice, the 19th District Court is closed to the general public through Thursday, April 30, 2020. The following operational practices shall apply during the period of closure:
1. The Court will remain operational to conduct essential court services including case events involving in-custody defendants and any other actions deemed as an emergency by a judge. The Court will make every attempt to conduct these matters via video technology or other remote participation tools.
a. All other case matters during this time are canceled and adjourned to a new date after April 30. This includes criminal, civil, traffic and parking cases. The Court will send a notice to appear to all parties.
2. The Court will continue to review requests for search warrants pursuant to MCL 780.651, and review and issue arrest warrants pursuant to MCL 764.1a for crimes that present a danger to public safety.
3. Court phone lines will remain open 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Main number: (313) 943-2060.
4. If you have an outstanding bench warrant you are seeking to resolve, contact the Court by phone at (313) 943-2060 and select option 2 from the menu.
5. If you are seeking to make a payment, payments are accepted via the U.S. mail, 24/7 drop box located to the left of the main entrance of the courthouse, by phone at 1-800-272-9829, select option 3 and enter jurisdiction code 7031, or online at: www.officialpayments.com , select local payment and enter jurisdiction code 7031, select the payment type and submit.
6. In-person filing of court pleadings is limited due to the state of emergency, pleadings will continue to be accepted for filing by other means such as U.S. mail, 24/7 drop box or by fax.
a. Documents with filing fees:
i. Filings that require the payment of a filing fee may not be accepted unless the fee is paid; therefore, submit the filings by mail or the 24/7 drop box.
b. Civil Motions:
i. If a motion is already scheduled for March 30, 2020, the judge intends to decide those motions on the briefs submitted by the parties.
ii. Requests for oral arguments on motions: if a motion cannot be heard on the day it is noticed, the matter will be scheduled for a later date.
iii. To ensure receipt by the judge, please fax or e-mail the “Judge’s Copy” to (313) 943-2028, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
7. Requests for emergency consideration are accepted by fax (313) 943-2935 or by e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
a. Any submitted request must include an explanation of why the matter should be considered an emergency and a response will be returned in the same manner. Requests will be reviewed by a judge.
8. Probation and Problem-Solving Courts (Veterans and Sobriety): The Probation Department is modifying activities and will not be accepting in-person appointments during this time. The probation officer will notify individuals accordingly.
9. The Alternative Work Program is suspended until further notice.
For updated information of this rapidly changing situation, please check the Court’s website at dearborndistrictcourt.org
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