The 46th District Court in Southfield, Michigan handles criminal misdemeanors, civil infractions, and the early stages of felony cases that arise in Southfield, Lathrup Village, and Southfield Township, and, according to the City of Southfield, the villages of Beverly Hills, Franklin, and Bingham Farms. If you were arrested or cited in one of those communities, your arraignment will most likely take place at 26000 Evergreen Road in Southfield.
46th District Court at a glance
| Court | 46th District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 26000 Evergreen Rd., Southfield, MI 48076 |
| Phone | (248) 796-5800 |
| Public hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Communities served | Southfield, Lathrup Village, Southfield Township, and, per the City of Southfield, the villages of Beverly Hills, Franklin, and Bingham Farms |
| Judges | Chief Judge Shelia R. Johnson; Judges Cynthia Arvant and Debra Nance |
| Court website | City of Southfield, 46th District Court |
| 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 the City of Southfield 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 46th 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). In Southfield that includes misdemeanors such as first-offense drunk driving (OWI), retail fraud, and assault and battery, as well as traffic misdemeanors and civil infractions. In felony cases the district court handles the arraignment, bond, and 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. A finding of responsibility is reported to the Secretary of State, which adds the violation to your driving record and assesses points.
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)).
Southfield Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
You need an experienced Southfield Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney at the Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates to aggressively represent you in court. Attorney Kevin Bessant has substantial experience dealing with the judges of the 46th District Court, city attorneys, and the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office. Our Southfield office is at 18444 W. 10 Mile Rd., Suite 204. If you have been charged with a gun or weapons offense, DUI, retail fraud, probation violation, juvenile crime, drug crime, traffic ticket violation, or a misdemeanor or felony offense in Southfield, call for a free case evaluation.
Do not risk your criminal record, freedom, or reputation. Call 313-658-8159 today.
Frequently asked questions about the 46th District Court
Where is the 46th District Court in Southfield?
The 46th District Court is at 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield, MI 48076. The City of Southfield lists public hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the court’s main number is (248) 796-5800.
What cities does the 46th District Court serve?
The Michigan Courts directory lists Southfield, Lathrup Village, and Southfield Township. The City of Southfield also lists the villages of Beverly Hills, Franklin, and Bingham Farms.
What happens at a felony arraignment in Southfield?
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)).
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor at the 46th District Court?
You have the right to a lawyer at every stage of a criminal case (MCR 6.005). A misdemeanor conviction can mean jail, fines, probation, and a permanent record, so speak with an attorney before your first court date. Attorney Kevin Bessant offers free consultations at 313-658-8159.
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.