About the 52nd District Court - 2nd Division

This Court has two judges, three part-time magistrates, and a full support staff to provide quality judicial services to the court matters which occur within their jurisdiction.  The current judges of the 52^nd District Court, 2^nd Division are the Honorable Joseph G. Fabrizio and the Honorable Kelley Kostin. 

52-2 is separated into four primary divisions including:

• Traffic Division deals with citations written by police departments.
• Civil Division handles cases that involve money or damage claims, and landlord/tenant disputes.
• Criminal Division processes paperwork from police departments, state law and ordinance prosecutors. Cases involve misdemeanor offenses, both traffic and non-traffic.
• Probation Department conducts Pre-sentence Investigations, Substance Abuse Evaluations, Probation Supervision, and Probation Violation Hearings.

The Michigan Legislature established the District Court in 1968, pursuant to constitutional mandate.  Michigan District Courts have more citizen contact than any other court in our judicial system.

District Courts have exclusive jurisdiction of civil matters involving claims not exceeding $25,000 in the following areas:

• Controversy
• Landlord/tenant eviction proceedings
• Land contract forfeitures
• Garnishments and executions, and other related proceedings

District Court also hears cases assigned by the Circuit Court on civil matters where claims exceed $25,000.

District Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over all criminal matters where the maximum penalty does not exceed one year in jail. It also conducts preliminary examinations in all felony cases where the penalty exceeds one year confinement. The preliminary exam is conducted to determine whether or not the prosecution has sufficient evidence to show the probability the defendant committed the crime charged. If the District Judge decides there is probable cause, the matter is sent to Circuit Court for trial.

The District Court also has the responsibility for all traffic violations involving civil infractions and misdemeanors such as speeding, reckless driving and operating while intoxicated.

See the 52nd District Court 2025 Annual Report (Click Here)

Geographic Jurisdiction

The 2nd Division of the 52nd District Court, located in Clarkston, serves the following communities:

• Brandon Township
• Holly Township
• Groveland Township
• Independence Township
• Rose Township
• Springfield Township
• White Lake Township
• City of the Village of Clarkston
• Village of Holly
• Village of Ortonville