OSCODA COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT
COURT HOURS: CIRCUIT JUDGES William F. Myles, CICUIT COURT- Kathryn J. Root ADMINISTRATION FRIEND OF THE COURT COURT STAFF: Christal Richards Cheryl Perry April Coffin Wendy Dematio Deborah Hill |
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The 23rd Judicial Circuit Court one of the largest circuits, geographically, in the State of Michigan. The 23rd Circuit Court covers the Counties of Alcona, Arenac, Iosco and Oscoda and has two Circuit Judges. The 23rd Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all civil cases involving over $25,000, all criminal cases where the offense is a felony or serious misdemeanor, all domestic relations cases, all child abuse, neglect and delinquency cases and other case types. The Circuit Court also hears appeals from District Court; 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 Secretary of State. Judge Ronald M Bergeron was elected to the Circuit Court bench in 1996. Prior to his election to the Circuit Court, Judge Bergeron sat as a Probate/Juvenile Judge from 1983 to 1996. Judge William F. Myles was elected to the Circuit Court bench in 2002. Legal Service of Northern Michigan (LSNM) is a non-profit organization which provides legal assistance in civil matters (non-criminal) to eligible low income persons. LSNM does not charge for its service. However, clients may be required to pay court costs if the Court does not grant a waiver of those costs. Applicants must meet LSNM's income and asset guidelines. Only persons who meet the income and asset guidelines can be considered for services. Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors This service offers free telephone advice for persons over age 60 and, depending on your income, possibly Pro Bono or reduced fee referrals to private attorneys.
This program helps victims of domestic violence with civil legal advise and representation. The staff consists of three attorneys and one paralegal. Advise, referrals and help with completing forms is free to all qualifying clients. Clients requiring services will be asked to provide income information. Representation will be provided for free to clients meeting certain guidelines. However, all clients may be expected to pay court costs unless waived by the Court. Payment plans can be arranged.
1. No weapons are allowed in the Oscoda County Courthouse. This prohibition does not apply to court security personnel in the performance of their official duties or law enforcement officers who are transporting prisoners. The Chief Judge may authorize additional exceptions in extraordinary circumstances. 2. All persons and their belongings and all parcels are subject to screening by the Oscoda County Sheriff Department or the Court Bailiff for the purpose of keeping weapons from entering the facility. If at any time there is an articulated or reasonable suspicion that a weapon may be found, a person or object is subject to search. The search shall be no more intrusive than necessary to protect against the dangers presented. 3. Notice is posted that "No weapons are permitted in the Oscoda County Courthouse. All persons and parcels are subject to a search for weapons and restricted items as a condition of entry. Persons in violation of this order may be held in contempt of court". 4. All cellular phones and pagers must be turned off before entering the courtroom. 5. The following will not be tolerated while in the courtroom: A) eating food of any kind B) chewing gum C) drinking beverages D) talking.
Litigants, witnesses, and jurors shall be appropriately attired when attending a session of court. Proper attire for gentlemen could include; button shirt, sweater, slacks, shoes and stocking. Proper attire for women could include dress, blouse, sweater, skirt, slacks, suit and
shoes. No bare feet, bare midriff or shorts will be allowed. Seeking Legal Advise: Lawyer Referral Services
You are exempt if:
You are required by state law to fill out the qualifying questionnaire and return it to the County Clerk for filing no later then ten days from the date you receive it. Persons who do not respond to the questionnaire may be requested to appear before the Circuit Judge to explain why the questionnaire was not completed and returned. Failure to report for jury duty my result in a Cause Hearing being scheduled by the Court.
Again, by law, the questionnaire must be returned. You have two options, forward the questionnaire to him/her and have them return it within ten days, or you can fill out the questionnaire for him/her indicating their situation, sigh your name indicating that you are the parent or legal representative and return the questionnaire within the ten days. If they have permanently moved and changed their address on their driver's license and declared residency in another county or state, please indicate and return the form.
By law, you must still return the questionnaire. We request that you indicate your new address and return the questionnaire within ten days.
To be considered for excuse from jury duty, you must submit a letter to the Circuit Judge with your reason to be excused or deferred to a different time. If you request to be excused because of medical reasons, please attach a note from your physician. Failure to appear for jury duty without proper excuse may result in contempt of court.
Yes, court ordered fees, costs and bonds can be paid by credit card through Government Payment Services by calling 1-888-604-7888 toll free 24 hours a day.
You apply for a Personal Protection Order, both "Domestic" and "Stalking", at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. There is no fee for the paperwork or filing. However, if you have a law enforcement agency do the service, there is a fee for this service.
Yes, you may order copies of transcripts directly from the Court Reporter. There is a fee for these documents which is set by state statute. Please contact the court reporter for the judge assigned to the case for a cost estimate and more information. Jury Information: Jurors are an essential part of the American Judicial System. Most people who serve on jury duty find it to be worthwhile and extremely helpful in understanding how the legal system works. Without jurors, the jury system cannot work. We know that jury service means rearranging schedules, canceling appointments and, oftentimes, missing work. Your public service as a juror protects our right as Americans to have a trial by an impartial jury of our peers. Should you be called to serve as a juror in Oscoda County, we will make every effort to make your experience valuable and to cause you the least inconvenience possible. Jury Information Phone Number: The following phone number will give you the most up to date information regarding your jury service. Please call 989-826-1111 after 5:00 PM the evening before your report dates. Frequently Asked Questions How was I selected to serve as a juror? You were randomly selected by the Michigan Secretary of State via computer from an index of all Oscoda County residents over 18 year of age currently holding a Michigan Drivers License or a Michigan Personal Identification card. Court Forms: How much does it cost to file a case in Circuit Court? The filing fee to open a Circuit Court Case is currently $150.00. How much does it cost to file a Motion? The filing fee for a motion is $20.00. What is the "Friend of the Court Final Judgment Order Fee"? The Friend of the Court Final Judgment or Order Fee is $80.00 regardless of whether the Friend of the Court conducted an investigation or the parties "opted out" of Friend of the Court services. Any post judgment action in which the custody or parenting time for minor children is determined will incur an $80.00 fee to be paid at the same time that the $20.00 motion fee is paid. In any action where only the support of minor child/children is determined or modified a $40.00 fee will be paid at the same time that the $20.00 motion fee is paid. In the event a Judgment or Order contains both custody/parenting time and support provisions, only the $80.00 fee is required. What is the cost for creating a new record? Some of the common charges are:
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