The 16th District Court in Livonia, Michigan hears all city ordinance violations and state-law misdemeanors that arise in Livonia, and it conducts the preliminary examinations in felony cases. If you were arrested or cited in Livonia, your arraignment will most likely take place at 32765 Five Mile Road.
16th District Court at a glance
| Court | 16th District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 32765 Five Mile Rd., Livonia, MI 48154 |
| Phone | (734) 466-2500 (civil, and criminal and traffic); probation (734) 466-2550 |
| Public hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. as listed in the City of Livonia directory (the civil division line lists 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.); closed Saturday, Sunday, and holidays |
| After-hours drop box | Available 24 hours a day in the main lobby of the Livonia Police Department, 15050 Farmington Road. Envelopes are provided, and cash deposits are not advised. |
| Community served | City of Livonia |
| Judges | Sean P. Kavanagh and James J. Jolly; Magistrate Paul Bernier |
| Court website | City of Livonia, 16th District Court information |
| Felony trial court | Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan (Wayne County), Criminal Division, Detroit |
Court details come from the City of Livonia’s court pages and directory 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 16th 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). According to the City of Livonia, the 16th District Court has jurisdiction over all city ordinance violations and state-law misdemeanors, and it conducts preliminary examinations in felony cases. The court’s Violations Bureau processes traffic tickets, both civil infractions and misdemeanors, that can be paid by statute without a court appearance. A magistrate appointed by the judges assists with informal hearings on civil infractions, arraignments on ordinance cases, and small claims hearings.
Juries in district court are limited to six members, and in criminal cases the verdict must be unanimous, according to the City of Livonia. The court’s probation department supervises people placed on probation and also coordinates a Voluntary Work Program, in lieu of jail, in which people work at municipal locations.
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 Third Circuit Court, Criminal Division, in Detroit 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)).
Two Wayne County details are worth knowing. According to the State Appellate Defender Office’s description of the Third Circuit Court, some felony cases can be placed on an expedited track in which every proceeding after the arraignment on the warrant takes place in the circuit court, so your schedule may differ from the standard timeline. Your lawyer can tell you which track applies. Also, Wayne County offices, including the prosecutor’s office and the clerk’s criminal division, have been moving to the new Criminal Justice Center at 5301 Russell Street in Detroit, so confirm the courthouse address before your first circuit court date.
Livonia Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
Livonia Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney Kevin Bessant understands the anxiety and stress that come with being arrested or accused of a crime and having to face a judge at the 16th District Court. The court hears misdemeanor and felony cases, DUI offenses, traffic citations, probation violations, and gun and CCW crimes arising in Livonia. Attorney Kevin Bessant has years of criminal defense experience before the 16th District Court and can help you work toward the best possible resolution.
Call 313-658-8159 for a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions about the 16th District Court
Where is the 16th District Court in Livonia, and what are its hours?
The court is at 32765 Five Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48154, and its number is (734) 466-2500. The City of Livonia directory lists hours of Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:20 p.m., and the court is closed Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. An after-hours drop box is available 24 hours a day in the Livonia Police Department lobby, 15050 Farmington Road.
Who are the judges of the 16th District Court?
As of October 2026 the City of Livonia directory lists Judges Sean P. Kavanagh and James J. Jolly and Magistrate Paul Bernier. Assignments can change after elections or appointments.
Does the 16th District Court handle felony cases?
The court handles the early stages of felony cases. It conducts arraignments and preliminary examinations, and if the judge finds probable cause the case moves to the Third Circuit Court in Wayne County for trial.
What is the Voluntary Work Program at the 16th District Court?
According to the City of Livonia, the court’s probation department coordinates a Voluntary Work Program, in lieu of jail, in which people work at various municipal locations. Whether you qualify is up to the judge, so ask your lawyer.
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.