If you’ve just received a ticket or a summons in Washtenaw County, specifically in the Chelsea area, you’re likely staring at the words 14a 3 District Court and wondering what happens next. It’s a small place. But don’t let the quiet exterior of the Chelsea depot area fool you—the stakes are just as high here as they are in any big-city courtroom.
Legal trouble is stressful. You're probably worried about your license, your record, or just the sheer cost of it all. Most people think they can just "explain their way out of it" to the judge. Honestly? That’s usually where things go sideways. The 14A-3 District Court, located at 122 Halleck Street, handles everything from civil infractions to serious misdemeanors for a specific slice of the county.
Where Exactly is the 14a 3 District Court?
Location matters more than you think. In Washtenaw County, the 14A District Court system is split up into several venues. You’ve got the 14A-1 in Pittsfield, 14A-2 in Ypsilanti, and then there’s 14a 3 District Court sitting right in Chelsea. It serves the western part of the county, including the City of Chelsea and several surrounding townships like Lima, Lyndon, Sylvan, and Dexter.
People get confused. They drive all the way to Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti only to realize their case is actually being heard in the old, repurposed building in Chelsea. If you show up late because you went to the wrong court, the judge might not be sympathetic. Check your paperwork twice.
The atmosphere here is different. It’s smaller. More personal, maybe? But the law is still the law. The court deals with a high volume of traffic offenses—think I-94 speeders—and local ordinance violations.
The Reality of Traffic Tickets and Misdemeanors
Most people visiting this court are there for traffic matters. A lead foot on the highway or a rolled stop sign in town. It happens. But if you’re facing a misdemeanor, like a DUI (operating while intoxicated) or a domestic violence charge, the process gets a lot more rigid.
Judge Anna Frushour currently presides over the 14A District Court system. While the judges rotate or cover for one another, the court's standards for decorum remain consistent. You need to dress like you’re going to something important. No flip-flops. No hats. It sounds like common sense, but you’d be surprised what people wear to court.
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- Civil Infractions: These are your basic tickets. You pay a fine, you get points. Or you fight it.
- Misdemeanors: These carry potential jail time. We're talking up to a year depending on the charge.
- Arraignments: This is your first appearance where the judge tells you what you're charged with and sets bond.
If you are facing a criminal charge at 14a 3 District Court, you have the right to an attorney. If you can’t afford one, you can request a public defender. Don't just wing it. The prosecutors in Washtenaw County are professional, but their job is to enforce the law, not to be your friend.
Navigating the 14a 3 District Court Process
The lobby is usually your first stop. You’ll have to go through security. Leave your pocketknife in the car. Seriously. Even the small ones.
Once you're inside, you’ll likely wait. A lot. Courtrooms involve a massive amount of "hurry up and wait." If you’re there for a pre-trial, your lawyer might be talking to the prosecutor in the back while you sit in the gallery. It’s boring. It’s tense. Bring a book, but don't expect to be allowed to use your phone once you’re inside the actual courtroom.
The Role of the Prosecutor
In Chelsea, the prosecutor represents either the People of the State of Michigan or the specific municipality. They have a lot of power. They decide if they’re willing to "plead down" your 5-point speeding ticket to a non-moving violation like "double parking" or "impeding traffic." This is the goal for most people because it keeps their insurance rates from skyrocketing.
But here is the thing: they don't have to give you a deal. If you have a terrible driving record or if you were particularly rude to the officer during the stop, they might play hardball.
Why Dexter and Chelsea Residents End Up Here
Because the 14a 3 District Court covers a vast rural and suburban area, the police agencies vary. You might have been pulled over by a Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Deputy, a Michigan State Trooper, or a local Chelsea Police officer. Each agency has its own way of filing paperwork and showing up for hearings.
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Fines, Fees, and the Cost of Justice
Let’s talk money. Justice isn’t free. Even if you get a "good deal," you’re going to be looking at court costs and fines. The 14a 3 District Court accepts payments, but you should check their current policy on credit card fees or personal checks.
- Fines: The penalty for the offense itself.
- Court Costs: The "overhead" of running the building and the system.
- State Costs: Fees mandated by the State of Michigan that go toward various funds.
If you can't pay everything on the day of your hearing, you can usually ask for a payment plan. Be honest with the judge about what you can afford monthly. They’d rather get $50 a month than have to issue a bench warrant for non-payment later.
Surprising Details About the 14A System
Did you know the 14A District Court was one of the first in the area to really lean into technology during the pandemic? While many hearings are back in person, some "informal hearings" or "pretrial conferences" might still offer a Zoom option.
Wait! Don't just assume you can stay home and log in. You must have explicit permission or a notice that states your hearing is remote. If you don't show up in person for a "must-appear" hearing, a warrant will be issued for your arrest. It's called a Failure to Appear (FTA). It’s an easy way to turn a simple ticket into a night in jail.
How to Prepare for Your Day in Chelsea
You've got your date. Now what?
First, get your documents together. If you fixed a broken taillight, bring the receipt. If you got your insurance reinstated, bring the proof. The judge and the prosecutor love "proof." They hear excuses all day long. They rarely see physical evidence that someone actually fixed the problem.
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Second, check the court's calendar online. The Washtenaw County website has a "court calendar" feature. Look yourself up. Make sure the time hasn't changed. Sometimes dockets get moved around at the last minute.
Third, think about your "story." If you're representing yourself, keep it brief. "I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention to the speed limit change" works better than a 10-minute saga about why you were late for a hair appointment. Judges value honesty and brevity.
What People Get Wrong About 14a 3 District Court
The biggest misconception? That the judge is also the police officer. They are separate entities. The judge is there to be an impartial referee. If you think the cop lied, you have to prove it. You can't just say, "He's lying." You need a dashboard camera, a witness, or a logical inconsistency in their testimony.
Another mistake is ignoring the "Notice to Appear." Some people think if they don't sign the ticket or don't open the mail, the problem goes away. It doesn't. It just festers. In Michigan, the Secretary of State will eventually suspend your license for unpaid tickets or missed court dates. Then, the next time you're pulled over, you’re going to jail for "Driving While License Suspended" (DWLS). It’s a vicious cycle that is much harder to break than just dealing with the original ticket at the 14a 3 District Court.
Final Steps for Success
If you're heading to Halleck Street, here is your checklist:
- Confirm the address: 122 Halleck St, Chelsea, MI 48118.
- Arrive 20 minutes early: Parking can be a pain, and security takes time.
- Check the docket: Look for your name on the monitors or the paper list by the door.
- Be Respectful: Use "Your Honor" when speaking to the judge. It matters.
- Request a "Record Copy": If you resolve your case, make sure you get a copy of the judgment or the receipt. Don't leave without paperwork.
Dealing with the 14a 3 District Court is never "fun," but it's manageable. Most of the staff are just people trying to do their jobs. Treat them with respect, show up prepared, and you'll likely navigate the system with much less stress. If the charge is serious—anything involving drugs, alcohol, or violence—stop reading this and call a local attorney who knows the Washtenaw County system. It’s an investment in your future.
Next Steps for You:
Check your summons for the specific case number. Go to the Washtenaw County Trial Court website and use their "Case Search" tool to see the exact charges filed against you. If you're planning to fight a ticket, gather any photos or GPS data you have now before it gets deleted. Ensure you have the funds available for at least the initial court costs on the day of your appearance.