Kent County Courthouse
180 Ottawa Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 632-5220
Fax: (616) 632-5130

17th Judicial Circuit Court 2009 Annual Report

Overview

The Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction in Michigan. It has jurisdiction over all actions except those given by state law to another court.

The Circuit Court has original jurisdiction in all civil cases involving more than $25,000, in all criminal cases where the offense is a felony or a serious misdemeanor, all domestic relations cases, and all child abuse, neglect, and delinquency cases.

The Circuit Court also hears appeals from lower courts; appeals from local government boards such as zoning appeals; and appeals from some administrative agencies of state government (such as the Driver’s License Appeal Division of the Secretary of State).

There are 13 judges currently sitting on the 17th Circuit. The Court’s activities are divided into the following functions:

• Administration and Adjudication Support Services
• Circuit Court Services
• Circuit Court Probation
• Family Division Juvenile Programs
• Friend of the Court

Strategic Goals

• Continue to improve case processing; align staff and judicial and prosecutorial resources to focus on expediency
• Reduce recidivism
• Maximize collection of fines and fees (and restitution)
• Maximize effectiveness of existing staff and reduce staff growth.

Operational Goals

• To meet statutory and due process requirements for all matters before the court
• To expedite the disposal of cases in a manner consistent with fairness to all parties
• To provide parties an alternative to settling disputes without costly litigation