17th Circuit Court
Kent County Courthouse
180 Ottawa Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 632-5220
Fax: (616) 632-5130
17th Judicial Circuit Court 2008 Annual Report
Mission Statement
The 17th Circuit Court will provide a system of justice that assures equal access to the fair and timely resolution of matters brought before the Court.
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
2009 Adopted Uses - $26,644,226
2009 Adopted Revenues - $11,981,699
Department History of Uses
| Uses |
2006 Actual |
2007 Actual |
2008 Adopted |
2009 Adopted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Personnel |
$8,379,423 |
$9,299,103 |
$9,336,500 |
$9,359,769 |
Commodities |
393,646 |
434,201 |
411,295 |
493,295 |
Contractual Services |
6,165,198 |
6,829,970 |
6,994,650 |
7,264,048 |
Capital Outlay |
97,967 |
6,829,970 |
6,994,650 |
7,264,048 |
Special Project |
8,433,126 |
8,762,139 |
9,036,643 |
9,386,999 |
Total Uses |
$23,469,360 |
$25,415,611 |
$25,878,203 |
$26,644,226 |
Personnel FTE |
239.5 | 241 | 241 | 242 |
