Overview
The Genesee County District Court is the trial court for Genesee County, in Flint. It handles all trial matters in the county with no jurisdictional limits, which means it hears criminal, civil, traffic, and felony cases. If you are involved in a court case in Genesee County, it almost certainly starts here.
The court decides cases by hearing from both sides, looking at the evidence, and applying the law. Its decisions can be appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court.
- Location
- Flint, Michigan
- Area served
- Genesee County
- Authority
- General, no limits
- Appeals go to
- Supreme Court
The cases we hear
| Type | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Criminal | Cases brought by the State against a person accused of a crime, from misdemeanors to felonies |
| Civil | Disputes between people or businesses, such as unpaid rent or property damage |
| Traffic | Traffic violations and the fines that come with them |
| Administrative | Matters such as petitions to revoke a driver's license |
You can look up a case on the case search page, or see upcoming hearings on the docket calendar.
How a case moves through the court
Every case is different, but most follow a similar path.
- The case is filedA complaint or charge is filed through the Online Portal and the clerk opens a case.
- First hearingIn a criminal case this is the arraignment, where the defendant hears the charges and enters a plea. In a civil case it is an initial hearing.
- PretrialThe sides exchange information, file motions, and may try mediation or settlement.
- TrialA judge or jury hears the evidence. Criminal cases can go to a jury trial. Civil cases are often decided by a judge in a bench trial.
- Judgment or sentenceThe court issues its decision, and in a criminal case, a sentence.
- Appeal, if anyA party who disagrees can appeal to the Supreme Court. See the two kinds of appeals.
Our judges and staff
The court is led by a Chief Judge, who is elected countywide each year. The other judges, called associate judges, are appointed by the Governor from a shortlist prepared by a nonpartisan commission. Magistrates, who handle many routine matters, are appointed by the Chief Judge.
The court also has clerks, court reporters, probation officers, security officers, and other staff who keep cases moving. Find who handles what in the court directory, and read about the court's administration under local administration.
Visiting and using the court
- File and manage cases online. All filings go through the Online Portal.
- Pay a fine or fee on the pay fines and fees page.
- Remote hearings are available for many proceedings. Check your hearing notice to see how yours will be held.
- Need a form? Find it in the court forms list.
- No lawyer? Start with Self Help.
Court staff can explain how the process works, but they can't give legal advice.