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56A District Court
**Effective November 18, 2020**
Due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases,
Eaton County Trial Courts are CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC.
A drop box is available inside the front doors of the courthouse during business hours.
When alternative methods of conducting business are unavailable or impractical, a scheduled appointment may be made with the appropriate court department. Information on conducting court business can be found below for all court departments.
Members of the public are required to wear face coverings to the extent they can medically tolerate it. Masks will be provided by the court prior to entry.
Eaton County Return to Full Capacity Amended Phase 2
Circuit Court Clerks
Email: circuitcourtclerk@eatoncounty.org to submit pleadings electronically.
Phone: 517-543-4346
Link to Circuit Court Clerks Office website:
http://www.eatoncounty.org/162/Circuit-Court-Clerk
District Court Civil
Email: districtcourtcivil@eatoncounty.org to submit pleadings electronically.
Phone: 517-543-4064
Link to District Court Civil Office website:
http://www.eatoncounty.org/391/District-Court-Civil
Payment for filings can be made at:
www.govpaynow.com Enter PLC# 8882
Filing fee chart: Filing Fee Chart
District Court Criminal
Fax: 517-543-1469 Phone: 517-543-4029
Link to District Court Criminal website:
https://mi-eatoncounty.civicplus.com/432/District-Court-Criminal
Online payments can be made at: www.govpaynow.com
Enter PLC# 6701
Email: districtcourt@eatoncounty.org
District Court Traffic
Fax: 517-543-1469 Phone: 517-543-3359
Online payments can be made at: www.govpaynow.com
Enter PLC# 6701
Traffic Ticket Pricing Chart: Traffic Ticket Pricing
Link to District Court Traffic webpage:
https://mi-eatoncounty.civicplus.com/438/District-Court-Traffic
Email: traffic@eatoncounty.org
Probate Court
Email: probateoffice@eatoncounty.org
Phone: 517-543-7500 ext.1276, 1277, 1278
Link to Probate Court webpage:
https://mi-eatoncounty.civicplus.com/451/Probate-Court
Payment for filings can be made at:
www.govpaynow.com Enter PLC# 8881
Friend of the Court
Phone: 517-543-6850
Link to Friend of the Court webpage:
Juvenile Court
Phone: 517-543-6003
Link to Friend of the Court webpage:
The District Court was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1968 and is constitutionally and statutorily mandated. The 56A District Court includes two District Judges who are elected on nonpartisan ballots for a term of six years.
Cases Handled
The District Court handles cases filed within Eaton County, including:
- All adult misdemeanors where punishment does not exceed one year
- Civil cases up to $25,000 including small claims disputes up to $6,000 and landlord/tenant disputes
- Civil infractions, including traffic and parking violations
- Preliminary examinations in felony cases
- Traffic cases
Financial Obligations
All financial obligations (fines, costs, restitution) are due in full on the date of sentencing. Pursuant to Michigan Court Rules (MCR) 1.110.
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Eaton County Courts Livestream
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Professionalism during Zoom Hearings
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Screening Procedures for Court Proceedings
Screening Procedures for In-Person Court Proceedings
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Court Daily Calendar
The court calendar lists daily Circuit, District and Probate Court hearing schedules. All court cases may not appear on this list. Please reference your notice of hearing or contact the court for direct questions to a case.
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District Court Civil
The Civil Division is responsible for small claims up to $6,000, general civil cases up to $25,000, landlord/tenant and land contracts, and weddings.
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District Court Criminal
The District Court Criminal Division oversees arraignments for a variety of crimes, including reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, and drag racing.
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District Court Probation
Download forms and find information about probation officers with District Court Probation.
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District Court Traffic
The District Court Traffic Division handles a variety of tickets and violations. Browse resources for resolving tickets and other violations.
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FORMS
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District Court (56A)
Physical Address
1045 Independence Boulevard
Charlotte, MI 48813
Phone: 517-543-7520
NEW!
Receive TEXT reminders for hearings and payment due dates.
Contact any District Court clerk for details.
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Julie A. O'Neill
District Judge
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Kelly E. Morton
District Judge
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Amy Etzel
Trial Court AdministratorPhone: 517-543-4314
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Kathleen Brooks
Deputy Trial Court Administrator
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Andrew M. Rockafellow
Attorney Magistrate