The 52nd District Court, 1st Division, in Novi, Michigan (known as 52-1) handles criminal misdemeanors, civil infractions, and the early stages of felony cases that arise in the cities of Novi, South Lyon, Wixom, and Walled Lake and the townships of Milford, Highland, Commerce, Lyon, and Novi. If you were arrested or cited in one of those communities, your arraignment will most likely take place at 48150 Grand River Avenue in Novi.
52-1 District Court at a glance
| Court | 52nd District Court, Division 1 (52-1) |
|---|---|
| Address | 48150 Grand River Ave., Novi, MI 48374 |
| Phone | (248) 305-6460 (listed on the court’s Oakland County page); court administration: (248) 305-6080 (Michigan Courts directory) |
| Public hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Communities served | Cities of Novi, South Lyon, Wixom, and Walled Lake; Townships of Milford, Highland, Commerce, Lyon, and Novi |
| Judges | Chief Judge Travis Reeds; Judges Thomas David Law and Robert Bondy |
| Court website | Oakland County, 52nd District Court, Division 1 |
| Felony trial court | 6th Circuit Court, 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Pontiac, MI 48341, (248) 858-0345 |
Court details come from the Michigan Courts directory and Oakland County’s court website 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 52-1 District Court hear?
Michigan district courts have exclusive jurisdiction over criminal matters where the maximum penalty does not exceed one year in jail (MCL 600.8311). At 52-1 the criminal division processes misdemeanors, both traffic and non-traffic, such as first-offense drunk driving (OWI), retail fraud, and assault and battery. Felony charges are authorized by the Oakland County Prosecutor and must be scheduled for a preliminary examination. If the judge finds probable cause, the case moves to circuit court for trial.
Traffic tickets that are civil infractions go through the court’s traffic division. You can request an informal hearing with a magistrate, where attorneys are not allowed, or a formal hearing before a judge, where a prosecutor represents the government and you may have an attorney. A finding of responsibility is reported to the Secretary of State, which adds the violation to your driving record and assesses points. The court says hearings are held in person or by Zoom, and you will get instructions from the court or your attorney.
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 6th Circuit Court in Pontiac 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)).
Novi Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been arrested or accused of a crime in Novi, a Novi Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney at the Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates can assist with your defense and aggressively litigate your case. Attorney Kevin Bessant has handled criminal matters before the judges, prosecutors, and city attorneys of the Novi District Court. The court hears misdemeanor and felony offenses, OWI and DUI cases, traffic violations, and probation violations.
If you have a pending case in Novi and want to discuss it with Attorney Kevin Bessant, call 313-658-8159 today to schedule your free consultation.
Frequently asked questions about the 52-1 District Court
Where is the 52-1 District Court in Novi?
The 52nd District Court, 1st Division, is at 48150 Grand River Avenue, Novi, MI 48374. Oakland County lists public hours of Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Which communities does the 52-1 District Court serve?
The Michigan Courts directory lists the cities of Novi, South Lyon, Wixom, and Walled Lake and the townships of Milford, Highland, Commerce, Lyon, and Novi.
Who are the judges of the 52-1 District Court?
As of October 2026 the Michigan Courts directory lists Chief Judge Travis Reeds and Judges Thomas David Law and Robert Bondy. Assignments can change after elections or appointments.
What happens at a felony arraignment in Novi?
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.