The 41-A District Court in Sterling Heights has four judges. As of October 2026 the City of Sterling Heights lists Judges Annemarie M. Lepore (Chief Judge Pro Tem), Kimberley A. Wiegand, and Eric D. Shepherd at the Sterling Heights division, 40111 Dodge Park Road, and Chief Judge Stephen S. Sierawski at the Shelby Township division. The Sterling Heights division handles criminal arraignments, misdemeanors, civil infractions, and the early stages of felony cases that arise in the City of Sterling Heights.
41-A District Court at a glance
| Court | 41-A District Court, Sterling Heights division |
|---|---|
| Address | 40111 Dodge Park Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48313 |
| Phone | General (586) 446-2500; criminal (586) 446-2550; traffic (586) 446-2575; probation (586) 446-2565; fax (586) 276-4074 |
| Public hours | Monday through Friday except federal holidays. Lobby: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Phones: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed daily from 12 to 1 p.m. |
| Walk-in arraignments | On warrants, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. |
| Judges, Sterling Heights division | Annemarie M. Lepore (Chief Judge Pro Tem); Kimberley A. Wiegand; Eric D. Shepherd |
| Chief Judge | Stephen S. Sierawski, who sits at the Shelby Township division |
| Court website | City of Sterling Heights, 41-A District Court |
| Felony trial court | 16th Circuit Court, Macomb County Court Building, 40 N. Main St., Mount Clemens, MI 48043 |
Court details come from the City of Sterling Heights’ court and judge pages and were checked in October 2026. Judges, hours, and procedures can change, so call the court to confirm before you go.
What cases does the 41-A District Court hear?
According to the City of Sterling Heights, the Criminal Division handles arraignments, setting of bail, and preliminary examinations on felony cases where the punishment exceeds one year, plus misdemeanors where the punishment does not exceed one year (MCL 600.8311). That includes charges such as first-offense drunk driving (OWI), retail fraud, and assault and battery. The Traffic Division handles civil infractions and parking violations, and a finding of responsibility is reported to the Secretary of State, which assesses points. The Probation Department supervises people sentenced to probation, conducts presentence investigations and substance abuse screenings, and places people in community service.
What should you know before you go?
- Text reminders. The court automatically texts or emails hearing reminders to people who give a phone number, 5 days before and the day before the court date. You can opt out at any time.
- Dress and security. The court requires proper attire and says shorts and tank tops do not qualify. No weapons are allowed, and recording inside the courthouse is not permitted without prior approval from the Chief Judge.
- Payments. The court accepts cash, credit or debit card, check, or money order at the cashier’s counter. A drop box at the front entrance is available outside business hours.
What happens at your arraignment?
Michigan law requires that an arrested person be taken before a court without unnecessary delay, and the arraignment can be held by two-way video (MCR 6.104(A); MCR 6.006(A)). At the arraignment the judge or magistrate tells you the charge and your rights, decides whether you will be released and on what conditions, and, if you cannot afford a lawyer, appoints one (MCR 6.005). On a felony charge the court must also tell you about your right to a preliminary examination, and it may not ask you to enter a plea or question you about the offense (MCR 6.104(E)). Bond decisions follow MCR 6.106 and MCL 765.6.
How does a felony case move through the court?
- Arraignment. The court sets the dates for the next two hearings at the arraignment (MCL 766.4(1)).
- Probable cause conference. This takes place 7 to 14 days after arraignment. The lawyers discuss whether the case will go to a preliminary examination, be waived, or be resolved by a plea (MCL 766.4(1); MCR 6.104(E)(4)).
- Preliminary examination. Unless waived or adjourned, this takes place 5 to 7 days after the conference. The prosecutor must show probable cause that a felony was committed and that you committed it, and the court follows the Michigan Rules of Evidence (MCR 6.110(C)).
- Bindover. If the judge finds probable cause, the case is sent to the 16th Circuit Court in Mount Clemens for trial.
With the court’s approval, the parties may agree to hold the examination earlier than 5 days after the conference (MCL 766.4(4)). If a party objects, the court may not adjourn the examination without finding good cause on the record (MCR 6.110(B)(1)).
Sterling Heights Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested or accused of a crime in Sterling Heights, Sterling Heights Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney Kevin Bessant can help defend your charges. The 41-A District Court hears misdemeanor and felony offenses, DUI arrests, traffic violation citations, and probation violations. Do not risk your freedom, reputation, and criminal record without first discussing your case and your options with an experienced attorney.
Call 313-658-8159 today for a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions about the 41-A District Court
Who are the judges at the 41-A District Court in Sterling Heights?
As of October 2026 the City of Sterling Heights lists Judges Annemarie M. Lepore (Chief Judge Pro Tem), Kimberley A. Wiegand, and Eric D. Shepherd at the Sterling Heights division. Chief Judge Stephen S. Sierawski sits at the Shelby Township division. Assignments can change after elections or appointments.
What are the 41-A District Court’s hours?
The court is open Monday through Friday except federal holidays. The lobby is open 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and phones are answered 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The court closes daily from 12 to 1 p.m.
Does the 41-A District Court offer walk-in arraignments?
Yes. The City of Sterling Heights lists walk-in arraignments on warrants Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
What happens at a felony arraignment in Sterling Heights?
The judge or magistrate tells you the charge and your right to a preliminary examination, sets bond, and appoints a lawyer if you cannot afford one. The court then sets a probable cause conference 7 to 14 days later and a preliminary examination 5 to 7 days after that (MCL 766.4(1); MCR 6.104(E)).
Legal Authority: Court Rules and Statute
District court jurisdiction is set by MCL 600.8311. Arraignment is governed by MCR 6.104, district court criminal procedure by MCR 6.610, and preliminary examinations by MCL 766.4 and MCR 6.110. Bond follows MCL 765.6 and MCR 6.106, and the right to counsel is in MCR 6.005. For the current text of these rules, see the Michigan Court Rules published by the Michigan Courts and the text of MCL 766.4 on the Michigan Legislature’s website.