18th District Court Case Lookup & Legal Assistance
About 18th District Court
The 18th District Court serves Westland, Michigan, in Wayne County. Located at 36675 Ford Road, Westland, MI 48185, this court handles a wide range of legal matters including misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil disputes up to $25,000, small claims up to $7,000, landlord-tenant matters, preliminary examinations for felony cases, and operates a specialized Sobriety Court program.
Court Details:
- Address: 36675 Ford Road, Westland, MI 48185
- Phone: (734) 595-8720
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Website: 18thdistrictcourt.com
The 18th District Court is known for its efficient case management and specialized programs, including the Sobriety Court, which provides treatment-focused alternatives for substance abuse cases. The court processes thousands of cases annually with a focus on justice and community service.
18th District Court Judges
The court is served by two experienced judges who both have extensive backgrounds as former City of Westland prosecutors. Attorney William Maze has tried numerous jury trials against both judges before their judicial appointments and maintains a professional relationship of mutual respect with them.
Hon. Mark McConnell
Former Westland Prosecutor
Judge Mark McConnell brings extensive trial experience to the bench, having served as a prosecutor for the City of Westland before his judicial appointment. His background in prosecution gives him unique insight into criminal cases, making him particularly effective in managing the court's docket. Judge McConnell is known for his fairness and understanding of both prosecution and defense perspectives.
Hon. Michael McNamara
Former Westland Prosecutor
Judge Michael McNamara also served as a prosecutor for the City of Westland before taking the bench. His prosecutorial experience provides him with comprehensive knowledge of criminal law and procedure. Judge McNamara is respected for his judicial temperament and commitment to justice, having transitioned from advocating for the prosecution to impartially administering justice from the bench.
Additional Court Resources:
- 18th District Court Probation Testing - Testing Hours
- Zoom Information - Virtual hearing information and online resources
- Online Payment - Pay fines and costs online
How to Search 18th District Court Cases Online
If you have a criminal case, traffic ticket, or civil matter at the 18th District Court in Westland, you can use the online case lookup system to:
- Review the current status of your case
- Check hearing dates and times
- View payment information and balances
- Access case documents and filings
- Search by case number, name, or date
- Filter results by case status (open, pending, adjudicated, disposed, closed)
- Separate civil cases from criminal cases and traffic offenses
Important Note:
The court records online do not replace the official court records on file with the 18th District Court. Certain cases are not accessible through the online search, including:
- Drug charges under MCL 333.7411 (first-time offender status)
- Criminal charges disposed under HYTA (Holmes Youthful Trainee Act)
- Neglect/Abuse cases
- Sealed or expunged records
- Juvenile cases
Access the Official 18th District Court Case Search
Click the link below to access the Michigan Court Case Search system for 18th District Court in Westland:
Felony Cases from 18th District Court
Felony charges that have been bound over from the 18th District Court in Westland to the Wayne County Circuit Court in Detroit can be searched online for additional records by visiting the Third Circuit Court online case lookup.
Need Legal Help with a Felony Case from 18th District Court?
If you're facing felony charges in Westland that have been or may be bound over from 18th District Court, immediate legal representation is crucial. Attorney William Maze has extensive experience defending clients in both 18th District Court preliminary exams and Wayne County Circuit Court felony trials. His familiarity with the court and its judges can be invaluable in building an effective defense strategy.
Sobriety Court Program
The 18th District Court operates a specialized Sobriety Court program designed to address substance abuse issues through a combination of judicial supervision and treatment services. This program offers an alternative to traditional sentencing for eligible participants.
Sobriety Court Program Features:
- Treatment-Focused Approach: Combines judicial monitoring with substance abuse treatment
- Regular Court Appearances: Participants appear before the Sobriety Court judge regularly
- Random Testing: Regular and random alcohol and drug testing
- Support Services: Access to counseling, education, and support groups
- Graduated Sanctions and Incentives: Progressive system for compliance and recovery
- Program Duration: Typically 12-18 months with multiple phases
Eligibility and Representation:
Participation in Sobriety Court requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and voluntary entry into the program. Having experienced legal representation during the application process and throughout the program is essential. Attorney William Maze has extensive experience with Sobriety Court cases and can help determine if this program is appropriate for your situation.
Michigan Clean Slate Legislation
The 18th District Court provides information and assistance with Michigan's Clean Slate legislation, which automates the expungement process for certain criminal records. This legislation can help individuals move forward with their lives by clearing eligible offenses from their records.
Key Aspects of Clean Slate:
- Automatic Expungement: Certain offenses are automatically expunged after waiting periods
- Eligible Offenses: Many misdemeanors and some felonies may qualify
- Waiting Periods: Typically 7 years for misdemeanors, 10 years for felonies
- Multiple Offenses: Up to 3 felonies and unlimited misdemeanors may be expunged
- Traffic Offenses: Most traffic offenses are not eligible (except OWI/OWVI)
Legal Assistance with Clean Slate:
While some expungements are automatic, others require petitioning the court. Attorney William Maze can help determine your eligibility for Clean Slate expungement, navigate the application process, and represent you in any necessary court proceedings. This service is particularly valuable for those seeking employment, housing, or educational opportunities.
William Maze's Experience with 18th District Court
With 25+ years of criminal defense experience, Attorney William Maze has extensive experience representing clients in the 18th District Court. His specific experience with the Westland court includes:
DUI/OWI Defense Specialist
Extensive experience defending misdemeanor and felony DUI/OWI cases in 18th District Court, including Sobriety Court representation
Westland Misdemeanor Defense
Domestic violence, assault, theft, retail fraud, drug charges, and other misdemeanor cases in Westland's 18th District Court
Felony Preliminary Exams
Defending clients at felony preliminary examinations in 18th District Court, often preventing cases from being bound over to circuit court
Case Resolution
Negotiating favorable plea agreements and dismissal of charges in Westland court
Traffic Offenses
Speeding tickets, reckless driving, license suspensions on Westland roads and highways
Sobriety Court Representation
Guiding clients through the Sobriety Court program and advocating for their successful completion
Familiarity with Westland Judges
Attorney Maze has tried numerous jury trials against both Judge McConnell and Judge McNamara when they served as Westland prosecutors. This extensive courtroom experience against the current judges gives him unique insight into their approaches and perspectives, which can be invaluable in building an effective defense strategy for your case.
Get Legal Help for 18th District Court Cases
If you're facing criminal charges, traffic violations, or DUI/OWI cases at the 18th District Court in Westland, contact Attorney William Maze for a free consultation. He offers experienced representation specifically for cases in this court, with particular emphasis on DUI/OWI defense and Sobriety Court representation.
Additional 18th District Court Resources
Court Hours & Procedures
The 18th District Court operates Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Many hearings are conducted in person, with some virtual options available. Traffic hearings are typically scheduled on specific days, and arraignments are held daily. The court also offers mediation services for civil cases.
Fines & Online Payments
Fines and fees for 18th District Court cases can be paid online through the court's payment portal, by mail, or in person at 36675 Ford Road. Payment plans may be available for those who qualify. Some traffic tickets may be eligible for online payment without a court appearance.
Self-Help & Legal Resources
The 18th District Court provides self-help resources for individuals without attorneys, including forms for small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and name changes. However, for criminal cases, especially DUI/OWI charges, hiring an experienced attorney like William Maze is strongly recommended.
Need Immediate Help with an 18th District Court Case?
Don't face criminal charges alone in Westland court, especially DUI/OWI cases which carry serious consequences including license suspension, fines, and possible jail time. Attorney William Maze offers 24/7 emergency legal support for 18th District Court cases with specific expertise in DUI/OWI defense and Sobriety Court representation.
Complete Guide to Westland DUI Charges - Learn about penalties, defenses, and 18th District Court procedures