1st District Court Monroe County Case Lookup & Legal Assistance
About 1st District Court of Monroe County
The 1st District Court of Monroe County serves the entire Monroe County area in Michigan, located at 106 E. First St., Monroe, MI 48161. This court handles all misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and preliminary examinations for felony cases throughout Monroe County. Criminal cases are mainly prosecuted by the Monroe County Prosecutor's Office.
1st District Court Jurisdictions - Monroe County Cities & Townships:
- City of Monroe - County seat
- Bedford Township - Lambertville, Temperance
- Frenchtown Township
- Milan (partly in Monroe and Washtenaw counties)
- Ash Township
- Berlin Township
- Dundee Township - Village of Dundee
- Erie Township
- Exeter Township
- Ida Township
- LaSalle Township
- London Township
- Milan Township
- Monroe Charter Township
- Raisinville Township
- Summerfield Township
- Whiteford Township
- Luna Pier
- Petersburg
- Carleton
- Estral Beach
- Maybee
- South Rockwood
Court Details:
- Address: 106 E. First St., Monroe, MI 48161
- Phone: (734) 240-7000
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Prosecutor: Monroe County Prosecutor's Office
- Website: Monroe County District Court
The 1st District Court is the sole district court serving all of Monroe County, handling thousands of cases annually including traffic violations on I-75, US-23, and other major roadways, as well as criminal matters from local police departments including Monroe Police, Monroe County Sheriff, and Michigan State Police.
1st District Court Judges - Monroe County
The court is served by three experienced judges who handle criminal, civil, traffic, and specialty court matters:
Hon. Michael C. Brown
District Court Chief Judge & Veterans' Treatment Court
(734) 240-7125
Judge Brown earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. Prior to his appointment to the bench on August 13, 2018, he served for nearly 14 years as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney with the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office. He is widely regarded as an excellent judge who treats all parties fairly, while maintaining a strongly conservative judicial philosophy.
Hon. Christian J. Horkey
District Court Judge
(734) 240-7145
Judge Horkey earned an Associate of Science degree from Monroe County Community College, a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Michigan University, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo Law School. He was elected to the bench on November 8, 2022, and began his term on January 1, 2023. Before his election, Judge Horkey built a 22-year legal career representing a diverse clientele, including townships and individuals facing criminal charges, while also handling complex civil litigation and a broad range of other legal services.
Hon. Amanda L. Eicher
District Court Judge & Mental Health Court
(734) 240-7135
Admitted to the bar in 2002, Judge Eicher earned her Bachelor of Arts from Pennsylvania State University and her Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law. Prior to her judicial career, she dedicated her practice to public service, representing low-income clients and senior citizens while serving as supervising attorney for Legal Services of South Central Michigan. She was appointed to the bench on September 2, 2022, and her service was affirmed by voters when she won retention in the 2024 election.
Additional Court Resources:
- 1st District Court Daily Docket - Court calendar and hearing schedules
- Online Payment System - Pay fines and fees online
- Monroe County District Court Website - Official court information
How to Search 1st District Court Cases Online
If you have a criminal case, DUI/OWI charge, or traffic ticket in Monroe County, Michigan, 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 1st 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 1st District Court Case Search
Click the link below to access the Michigan Court Case Search system for 1st District Court in Monroe County:
Felony Cases from 1st District Court
Felony charges that have been bound over from the 1st District Court in Monroe to the Monroe County Circuit Court can be searched online for additional records by visiting the 38th Circuit Court online case lookup.
Need Legal Help with a Felony Case from 1st District Court?
If you're facing felony charges in Monroe County that have been or may be bound over from 1st District Court, immediate legal representation is crucial. Attorney William Maze has extensive experience defending clients in both 1st District Court preliminary exams and Monroe County Circuit Court felony trials, including serious DUI/OWI cases that may become felonies.
DUI/OWI Cases in Monroe County 1st District Court
Monroe County sees significant DUI/OWI enforcement, especially along major highways including I-75, US-23, and M-50. The 1st District Court handles:
Monroe County DUI/OWI Cases Require Specialized Defense
DUI/OWI cases in Monroe County often involve complex legal and scientific issues, including blood alcohol testing, field sobriety tests, and implied consent laws. Attorney William Maze specializes in DUI/OWI defense with specific experience in Monroe County 1st District Court. These cases require knowledge of both Michigan OWI laws and Monroe County court procedures.
William Maze's Experience with 1st District Court
With 25+ years of criminal defense experience, Attorney William Maze has successfully represented clients in the 1st District Court of Monroe County. His specific experience with the Monroe court includes:
DUI/OWI Defense
Specializing in misdemeanor and felony DUI/OWI defense in Monroe County, including high-BAC and repeat offense cases
Monroe County Misdemeanor Defense
Domestic violence, assault, theft, drug possession, and other misdemeanor charges in Monroe's 1st District Court
Felony Preliminary Exams
Defending clients at felony preliminary examinations in 1st District Court before cases move to Circuit Court
Case Resolution
Negotiating favorable plea agreements and dismissal of charges in Monroe County court
Traffic Offenses
Speeding tickets, reckless driving, license suspensions on I-75, US-23, and Monroe County roadways
Monroe County Specialty Courts
Experience with Veterans' Treatment Court and Mental Health Court proceedings in 1st District Court
Get Legal Help for 1st District Court Cases
If you're facing criminal charges, DUI/OWI offenses, or traffic violations at the 1st District Court in Monroe, contact Attorney William Maze for a free consultation. He offers experienced representation specifically for cases in Monroe County courts, with specialized expertise in DUI/OWI defense:
Additional 1st District Court Information
Court Hours & Procedures
The 1st District Court operates Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Arraignments are typically held daily, with specific days dedicated to traffic cases, criminal cases, and specialty courts. The court offers both in-person and virtual hearing options for certain proceedings.
Fines & Online Payments
Fines and fees for 1st District Court cases can be paid online through the Monroe County payment system, by mail, or in person at 106 E. First St., Monroe. Payment plans may be available for those who qualify. Some traffic tickets may be eligible for online payment without a court appearance.
Public Defender Services
If you cannot afford an attorney for your 1st District Court case, you may qualify for a court-appointed lawyer through the Monroe County Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is determined based on income and the nature of the charges. Apply at the court before your first hearing.
Need Immediate Help with a 1st District Court Case?
Don't face criminal charges alone in Monroe County 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 1st District Court cases throughout Monroe County.
Complete Guide to Monroe DUI Charges - Learn about penalties, defenses, and 1st District Court procedures