Click on "About" for hours of operation, location and payment information. This page is provided as a service for the citizens of Westland and out of town visitors, to provide news and information about the daily operations of the 18th District Ct.
The District Court has exclusive jurisdiction of all civil litigation up to $25,000 and also handles garnishments, eviction proceedings, land contract forfeitures, and other proceedings.
For criminal cases, the district court conducts preliminary examinations in felony cases and handles all misdemeanors where punishment does not exceed one year in jail including arraignment, sentence, and setting and acceptance of bail. Civil infractions are also handled in district court.
A small claims division for certain civil claims is provided in the district court. Parties agree to waive their right to a jury, rules of evidence, representation by a lawyer, and the right to appeal the district judge’s decision. If either party objects, the case will be heard by the general civil division of the district court.
District judges may appoint magistrates. The magistrates may set bail and accept bond in criminal matters; accept guilty pleas; sentence for traffic, motor carrier, and snowmobile violations and dog, game, and boat law violations; and issue arrest and search warrants. Attorney magistrates may hear small claims cases. Magistrates may, at the direction of the chief judge, perform other duties allowed by statute.
District judges are also elected for six-year terms on non-partisan ballots, under the same requirements as circuit judges. The legislature sets their salaries.
