Shelby Township

Court Mission Statement

The Michigan Judicial System serves the public, protects rights, interprets and upholds the law, and provides fair, accessible, effective and responsive forums for the resolution of civil, criminal and traffic matters.

The Michigan Judicial System will provide leadership for the continuous improvement of a justice system that is responsive to the diverse and changing needs of the public and accountable for the efficient and effective use of public resources.

The 41-A District Court strives to ensure our actions are guided by the following values:

· Access to Justice

· Timeliness

· Equality, Fairness and Integrity

· Public Trust and Confidence

Honorable Douglas P. Shepherd

Elected in November 2000 as Judge of the 41-A District Court covering the Townships of Shelby and Macomb and the Cities of Utica and Sterling Heights. Judge Shepherd is assigned to the Shelby Township division of the Court. He earned his undergraduate degree in 1977 from Oakland University and graduated from the Detroit College of Law in 1981. Prior to his election to the District Court bench, Judge Shepherd practiced law for nearly 20 years in Sterling Heights.

Judge Shepherd is currently a member of the Macomb County Bar Association, Michigan Bar Association, Michigan District Court Judges Association, Italian-American Bar Association, King of Kings Lutheran Church of Shelby Township, Shelby Township Lions Club, and the Italian-American Cultural Society. Judge Shepherd was recently elected as the President of the Macomb County District Judges Association for 2005.

Judge Shepherd is active in his community and participates in many local functions. Judge Shepherd believes in education and makes school visitation and instruction a part of his regular calendar. Judge Shepherd has created the J.U.S.T. Program (Judges United with Students and Teachers) that takes his Courtroom into the classroom to educate high school students in the judicial system and bring an awareness of the consequences of criminal behavior.

Judge Shepherd is married to Brenda and has three children: Kellie, Adam and Eric.

Judge Douglas P. Shepherd is a respected jurist who has a firm knowledge of the law. Each party appearing before him is assured of a fair trial. Judge Shepherd is consistent, understanding and compassionate in issues of the law and legal system.

Magistrate Michael R. Osaer

In January 2001, Judge Shepherd appointed Attorney Michael R. Osaer as Magistrate. Magistrate Osaers duties include felony and misdemeanor arraignments, civil infraction informal hearings, small claim hearings, criminal pre-trials, civil pre-trials and weddings. Prior to his appointment, Magistrate Osaer practiced law in private practice in the Shelby Township, Utica and Sterling Heights area for over 23 years.

Magistrate Osaer graduated from Detroit College of Law with honors in 1979. He is a member of the following professional and civic organizations.

Macomb County Association of District Court Magistrates
Michigan Association District Court Magistrates
Michigan Bar Association
Macomb County Bar Association
American Polish Century Club
Shelby Township Lions Club

Magistrate Osaer was elected President of the Macomb County Bar Association in 2003 and served in that capacity for the 2003-2004 year. He currently is a member of the Macomb Bar Association Past President Council. He recently was elected to the Michigan Bar Association Representative Assembly.

A longtime resident of Shelby Township, Magistrate Osaer and wife Sandy have 2 children, daughter, Cory and son, Ken.

Court Administration

Laura Porter came to the 41-A District Court Shelby Township Division in January 2001 after working for 11 years as a Deputy Court Clerk at the Sterling Heights location. She was appointed as District Court Administrator by Judge Douglas Shepherd.

Laura has been an active member of the Southeast Michigan Court Administrator Association and Michigan Court Administration Association since 2001.

Under the supervision of Judge Shepherd, her responsibilities include all non-judicial functions of the court. This includes personnel management, fiscal management, case flow management, research and planning, facility management, file retention, court security, setting policies and procedures and staff training.

The staff of the 41-A District Court is comprised of Judge Shepherd, Magistrate Osaer, Court Reporter Sharon Kandt, Court Officer Mike Strong, Deputy Court Administrator Linda Reiterman, 15 full time deputy court clerks, 4 part time court clerks and one co-op student.

Laura and Alan have one daughter, Kelly.

41-A District Court

Basic Information

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU COME TO COURT

Security Search: All persons entering the 41-A District Court are subject to a search of both their person and all belongings. A walk-through metal detector is in place and a physical inspection by security personnel of purses, handbags, briefcases and any items brought into the Court Building will be conducted.

Security Personnel: Have the discretion to confiscate any item, which may impose a threat to persons in the Court Building.

Prohibited Items include, but are not limited to the following:

Guns Knives of any size or type

Box-Cutters Razors

Nail files or nail clippers OR Needles of any type

Any type of chemical spray such as Mace

Any items confiscated by Security Personnel will be disposed of and WILL NOT be returned under any circumstances.

41- A District Court
Location and Telephone Information

Address: 51660 Van Dyke, Shelby Township, Michigan 48316

(East side of Van Dyke, the first light north of 23 Mile)

Telephone: 586-739-7325

Traffic / Criminal Fax: 586-726-4555 General Civil Fax: 586-997-6172

Web Site: www.shelbytwp.org E-Mail: 41a@shelbytwp.org

Hours: The 41-A District Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Court is closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Payments: The Court accepts personal checks with proper identification in most instances. Bonds posted must be in cash, certified check or surety.

Credit Card Payments: Fines, costs, bonds and filing fees may now be paid by credit card. Call Government Payment Services (GPS) at 888-604-7888. You must have Pay Location Code #2322 when calling GPS.

41-A District Court

General Information

In 1968 the Legislature in Lansing established District Courts in Michigan to help relieve the overcrowded State Circuit Court. There are approximately 100 district courts in Michigan. The court that most people have contact with is the district court. The district court handles most traffic violations. The district court also hears both criminal and civil cases including small claims and landlord-tenant disputes. Civil disputes seeking money damages cannot exceed $25,000.00 in district court.

All criminal cases, for persons 17 years or older, are started in the district court. The district court explains to the defendant the charges, his or her rights, and the possible consequences if convicted of the charge. The court also determines the bail amount and collects bail. If the defendant is charged with a misdemeanor that is punishable by not more that one year in jail, the district court will conduct a trial and sentence the defendant if found guilty. In felony cases (cases that are punishable by more than one year in prison) the district court will set the bail amount and hold a preliminary examination to determine if a crime was committed and if there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed the crime. If so, the case is transferred to the circuit court for trial.

The 41-A District Court conducts weddings on Fridays at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. There is a $10.00 fee. Contact the civil division to schedule.

Links of Interest:

Michigan Secretary of State: www.michigan.gov/sos

State of Michigan Website: www.michigan.gov

State Court Administrative Office

Approved Forms: www.courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms

Macomb County Bar Association

Lawyer Referral: www.macombbar.org

OVER VIEW OF JURY DUTY

TRAFFIC FINE SCHEDULE

SMALL CLAIMS

41-A District Court
51660 Van Dyke
Shelby Township, Michigan 48316

Phone: (586) 739-7325
Mail to: 41a@shelbytwp.org