Informal Hearing Requests can now be submitted via an online form (see link below).
Please Read Before Requesting An In-Person Informal Hearing
The court cannot change the number of points assessed for a violation because points are assessed by the Secretary of State The court does not take civil infractions under advisem*nt. Online review of traffic and parking civil infractions is available here.
- An informal hearing is a court proceeding to determine responsibility for a traffic offense or code violation. The hearing is conducted by a District Court Judge and involves the police officer, the defendant and any witnesses. An informal hearing is not a trial, but all testimony is under oath.
- Attorneys are not allowed to represent either side at an informal hearing
- If you are found responsible for a civil infraction, you must pay all fines and costs and other financial obligations immediately after your hearing. Payment may be made in the form of cash, check, money order, VISA or MasterCard. Night informal hearing payments must be made at the Police Desk in City Hall.
- You may appeal the decision of the judge at an informal hearing and request a formal hearing, which will be heard by a different judge of the district. You must appeal within seven calendar days of the informal hearing or you may lose the right to appeal.
- You are required to pay a bond (cash, VISA or MasterCard) in the amount of the judgment in order to appeal to a formal hearing.
- If you cancel your hearing, you must pay in full at www.54bdistrictcourt.com or call (517) 351-7000.
Online Form
I deny responsibility for this citation and request an informal hearing. I am prepared to offer a defense to the citation in court.
By submitting this ONLINE FORM, I understand and agree to the following:
- If I do not have a defense, additional costs may be added to the amount due.
- If I fail to appear on my scheduled court date and time, a default judgment will be entered against me and I will have to pay all fines and costs plus a default cost. While this case is pending, it is my responsibility to notify the court of any address changes.
- While this case is pending, is is my responsibility to notify the court of any address changes.
- If I am unable to make my hearing and request an adjournment, I must make it in writing BEFORE the court date and pay a bond (cash, VISA or MasterCard) for the total amount of fines and costs due.
If my adjournment request is denied and I fail to appear at the scheduled hearing, a default judgment will be entered against me and I will have to pay all fines and costs plus a default cost. If my adjournment is granted and there is not enough time to notify witnesses, including the officer, I may be responsible for payment of witness fees.
Generally invalid reasons to contest a traffic ticket:
- Ignorance of the law
- I don't want points on my driving record
- I'm new to an area and don't know the traffic laws
- I didn't notice the sign
- The sign is new
- The speed limit was higher prior to the area where I was pulled over
- I don't want my insurance rates to go up
- I can't afford the ticket
- I was driving someone else's car
- The police officer was unfriendly
- My speedometer must not be working
Generally invalid reasons to contest a parking ticket:
- Ignorance of the law
- I only parked in the space for a few minutes
- I didn't see the sign
- I'm not familiar with parking regulations
- I did not intend to park illegally
- No one else received a ticket
- I never received a ticket before in that area
- The fine is too much
- I can't pay the fine
- I forgot
