Court Observation

Court Observation

Courtney Kelly

Baker College

        On Monday March 14, 2016 I experienced my first trip to the 24th district court in Allen Park for observation. I was nervous at first because I was not sure what to wear and where to go. It was also a very exciting time because i got to see what cases would get brought up and i was a first time goer.

        I arrived around 9:15am and court did not begin until 9:30-9:45ish. I sat in for about twelve cases, some cases were quite interesting as some were not as exciting. I even got to sit in for a video proceeding.

        The first case I will discuss was a high-profile case due to the defendant being a judge’s son in a nearby city. As I was taking notes, Judge Page stated “Section 769.4a” The definition of 769.4a is an Assault on spouse, former spouse, individual with child in common, dating relationship, or household resident; plea or finding of guilty; deferral of proceedings; order of probation; previous convictions; adjudication of guilt upon violation of probation; mandatory counseling program; costs; circumstances for entering adjudication of guilt; discharge and dismissal; limitation; court proceedings open to public; retention of nonpublic record by department of state police; definitions. Judge Page gave him a hearing for a later date.

        The second case was a 23 year old male who was caught with retail fraud. The 23 year old male has his preliminary exam set for March 21st. His court appointed lawyer asked for a personal bond and tether. Judge Page granted a bond set for $30,000 and a tether and to also not to have any contact with the Meijer in Allen Park. They turned it over to State court.

        A few cases went by, which went by all so quickly. I could not catch everything that was said.

        An interesting case that occurred was a middle aged hispanic woman who got caught sleeping at the wheel. This is her second offense of drinking and driving. She did not seem like she has it all together or even cared for whatever charges.  She did not know how to reach out for the support that is needed for her addiction. Judge Page gave her 48 hours worth of day force and did not include any jail time. She got twelve months of probation and has to attend an out patient treatment for drinking. If she gets caught again, drinking and driving she will serve up to one year in county jail.