COVID-19 Updates
April 24, 2020
Chief Judge Michael J. Distel, acting pursuant to MCR 8.110(C)(2)(c) and (3)(C) and recognizing the states of emergency declared by the President and the Governor, hereby orders that the 61st District Court of Michigan shall suspend all operations beginning March 18, 2020 through May 15, 2020, except for the following:
- Felony and misdemeanor arraignments of defendants held in custody (conducted by video);
- Arraignments on felonies and serious criminal offenses for individuals released from custody prior to video arraignment (as ordered by the Court at the time of release from custody);
- Probable Cause Conferences;
- Scheduled Preliminary Examinations;
- Trials for incarcerated individuals;
- Sentencing for incarcerated individuals;
- Other emergency proceedings as necessary.
- May also conduct other proceedings remotely whenever possible, depending on the technology and resources available pursuant to Supreme Court Administrative Order 2020-6.
Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the 61st District Court has six judges and one full-time, law trained magistrate. The Court hears cases which arise within the boundary of the City of Grand Rapids.
A district court has exclusive jurisdiction of all civil litigation up to $25,000. and handles garnishments, eviction proceedings, land contract and mortgage foreclosures, and other proceedings. In the criminal field, district court handles all misdemeanors where punishments do not exceed one year, including arraignment, setting and acceptance of bail, trial and sentencing; and conducts preliminary examinations in felony cases. Also, a small claims division is provided in district court for civil cases where the amount claimed is not more than $6,000. In these cases, litigants agree to waive their right to a jury, rules of evidence, representation by a lawyer, and the right to appeal from the district judge’s decision. If either party objects, the case will be heard by the general civil division of the district court.
- April 24, 2020: Chief Judge Michael J. Distel orders that the 61st District Court shall suspend all operations beginning March 18, 2020 – May 15, 2020.
- April 9, 2020: Chief Judge Michael J. Distel orders that the 61st District Court shall suspend all operations beginning March 18, 2020 – May 1, 2020.
- March 23, 2020: Chief Judge Michael J. Distel orders that the 61st District Court shall suspend all operations beginning March 18, 2020 – April 12, 2020.
- March 18, 2020: Chief Judge Michael J. Distel orders that the 61st District Court shall suspend all operations beginning March 18-April 5, 2020.
- March 16, 2020: Chief Judge Michael J. Distel announced additional actions being taken by the 61st District Court to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- March 13, 2020: Chief Judge Michael J. Distel announced the following actions being taken by the 61st District Court to help prevent the spread of COVID-19
Victim Impact Panel Notice: The panels scheduled for March 17 and April 7, 2020, have been cancelled. With the threat of the coronavirus continuing to grow, we are exercising precaution for our participants and speakers.
- You can now Dispute Traffic Tickets online!
- You can now Dispute Parking Tickets online also!
- Civil Cases ( < $25,000)
- Small Claims ( < $6,000)
- Landlord/Tenant
- Land Contract Forfeitures
- Misdemeanor Criminal
- Felony Criminal Arraignments & Preliminary Exams