The 34th District Court, located at 11129 Wayne Rd, Romulus, MI 48174, serves Romulus, Belleville, Sumpter Township, Van Buren Township, Huron Township, and the Wayne County Airport. Reach them at (734) 941-4462. A drop box at the entrance is checked daily for document submissions. They handle a variety of cases, including traffic violations, misdemeanors, small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and land contract disagreements.
Online Resources and Accessibility
The court leverages MiFILE, Michigan’s electronic filing system, allowing online document submission and remote case information access. Their website likely provides court forms, ADA accommodation details, probation information, online case lookup, and court schedules. They also probably engage with the community through events like Community Day; check their site or contact them directly for updates.
Michigan Traffic Ticket FAQs: Deadlines and Penalties
How Long Do I Have to Pay?
Michigan generally gives you 14 days from the ticket’s issue date to respond. However, always verify the exact date on your ticket, as it’s your official notification. This information is consistent with the practices of courts like the 34th District Court (Romulus) and Van Buren Township.
What Happens If I Don’t Pay?
Ignoring your ticket can trigger a $50 late fee (though this amount may vary), license suspension by the Michigan Secretary of State, problems renewing your vehicle registration, and potential collection actions.
How Can I Pay?
Michigan offers several payment options:
Online: Check for online payment portals, such as through the 34th District Court or the Michigan eCourts system.
Mail: Send a check or money order to the court address on your ticket.
Phone: Some courts accept phone payments; check your ticket for instructions.
In Person: Pay at the court clerk’s office during business hours.
Can I Contest My Ticket?
Yes. Plead “not guilty” and request a hearing where you can present your case to the judge. You can represent yourself or hire an attorney.
Can I Make Partial Payments?
Partial payments are generally not accepted for Michigan traffic tickets. Full payment is typically required.
What About Points on My License?
Some traffic violations add points to your driving record, impacting insurance rates. Others don’t. Check your ticket or consult the court to understand the implications of your specific violation.
Contacting the Michigan Court of Appeals
The Michigan Court of Appeals has four districts. Choose the one corresponding to the original court handling your case. Contacting the wrong district can cause delays. Each district handles appeals from a specific geographic area.
The Clerk’s Office in your designated district is your main point of contact. They can answer your questions, provide forms, and guide you through procedures. You can likely reach them by phone, mail, or by scheduling an in-person visit. Their hours are generally 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, but check the Michigan Courts website for variations.
To file an appeal, obtain a Claim of Appeal form (often available on the relevant district’s website). A filing fee, currently $375 (but subject to change), is typically required. Accepted payment methods usually include cash, checks made out to the “State of Michigan”, and credit cards (if e-filing). For criminal appeals, the Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System (MAACS) offers legal assistance.
The Michigan Courts website is a valuable resource for court rules, procedures, and FAQs. To check a specific case’s status, contact the original, lower court for their docket listings.
Remember, court procedures can change. Stay updated with official sources and contact the relevant Court of Appeals district for the latest information.
Michigan’s Federal Court Districts: Eastern and Western
Michigan has two federal court districts: the Eastern and the Western. This division helps manage caseloads and ensures statewide access to justice.
The Eastern District generally covers the eastern lower peninsula, including Detroit (with its historic Custom House courthouse), Flint, and Ann Arbor. Each city has its own federal courthouse within the district.
The Western District covers the western lower peninsula and includes Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Lansing, each with their own courthouses.
Federal courts handle cases involving federal laws (bankruptcy, immigration, intellectual property), while state courts (like the 34th District Court in Romulus) handle state law matters.
For specific federal court locations in Michigan, use online resources like the uscourts.gov court locator.
District
City
Eastern
Detroit
Eastern
Ann Arbor
Eastern
Bay City
Western
Grand Rapids
Western
Kalamazoo
Western
Lansing
This list is not exhaustive; some districts might have additional locations. Contact the specific district’s clerk’s office for the most accurate information.
Court structures and procedures can evolve. Consult official resources for precise details. This article should not replace legal advice; consult with legal professionals for your specific situation.
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