The 37th District Court in Warren, Michigan handles criminal misdemeanors, civil infractions, and the early stages of felony cases that arise in the cities of Warren and Center Line. The court sits at two locations, 8300 Common Road in Warren and 7070 E. Ten Mile Road in Center Line, so confirm which location your case is assigned to.
37th District Court at a glance
| Court | 37th District Court |
|---|---|
| Warren location | 8300 Common Rd., Warren, MI 48093; main (586) 574-4900; fax (586) 574-4932 |
| Center Line location | 7070 E. Ten Mile Rd., Center Line, MI 48015; main (586) 757-8333 |
| Public hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the payment counter closes at 4:15 p.m.; closed Saturday and Sunday |
| Communities served | City of Warren and City of Center Line |
| Judges | John M. Chmura, Michael C. Chupa, Suzanne L. Faunce, and Steven M. Bieda |
| Court website | 37thdistrictcourt.org |
| Felony trial court | 16th Circuit Court, Macomb County Court Building, 40 N. Main St., Mount Clemens, MI 48043 |
Court details come from the 37th District Court’s official 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 37th 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 Warren and Center Line 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. The court’s website also lists a drug court program.
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 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)).
Warren Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with a crime in Warren and have a pending court date, you need the aggressive representation of a Warren Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney at the Law Office of Kevin Bessant & Associates. The 37th District Court hears traffic ticket violations, misdemeanor and felony offenses, and DUI cases. Attorney Kevin Bessant has represented clients prosecuted by the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office and the Warren City Attorney.
Do not face your criminal matter alone. Call 313-658-8159 today.
Frequently asked questions about the 37th District Court
Where is the 37th District Court in Warren?
The Warren location is at 8300 Common Road, Warren, MI 48093, and the main number is (586) 574-4900. The court’s website lists public hours of Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the payment counter closing at 4:15 p.m.
Which cities does the 37th District Court serve?
The court serves the cities of Warren and Center Line. It has a location in each city, with the Center Line location at 7070 E. Ten Mile Road, (586) 757-8333.
Who are the judges of the 37th District Court?
As of October 2026 the court’s website lists Judges John M. Chmura, Michael C. Chupa, Suzanne L. Faunce, and Steven M. Bieda. Assignments can change after elections or appointments.
What happens at a felony arraignment in Warren?
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.