third judicial circuit of michigan - 3rdcc.orgdocuments\administration\general... · virgil c....
TRANSCRIPT
ColemanA.YoungMunicipalCenter LincolnHallofJustice 2WoodwardAvenue 1025E.ForestAvenue Detroit,MI48226 Detroit,MI48207
FrankMurphyHallofJustice PenobscotBuilding 1441St.Antoine 645Griswold Detroit,MI48226 Detroit,MI48226
MediationTribunalAssociation 333W.FortStreet Detroit,MI48226
MaryBethKellyChiefJudge
BernardJ.KostExecutiveCourtAdministrator
KelliD.MooreDeputyCourtAdministrator
2005 Annual Report Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan
April28,2006
HonorableMaryBethKellyChiefJudgeThirdJudicialCircuitofMichigan701ColemanA.YoungMunicipalCenterDetroit,Michigan48226
DearJudgeKelly:
WiththisletterIampleasedtotransmitthe2005AnnualReportoftheThirdCircuitCourtforyourreview.Thisreportincludesabriefnarrative,acompilationofsummarystatistics,andanoverviewoftheCourt’sprincipalactivitiesandprogramsin2005.Iwouldliketohighlighttwoimportantaccomplishmentsin2005:
•theAugusttransitionofentranceandperimetersecurityatFrankMurphyHallofJusticefroma privateprovidertotheWayneCountySheriff,and
•thesuccessfulmigrationofguardianshipcasestotheCourt’snewcasemanagementsystem.
Inthefirstinstance,thepresenceofuniformedlawenforcementofficershasclearlycreatedamoresecurecourthousefacility.Inthesecondinstance,themigrationofguardianshipcasesrepresentsanimportantfirststepinthemulti-yearprojecttoconverttheCourt’sthreelegacysystemstoasinglestate-of-the-artsystemby2008.
ThisAnnualReportdocumentsmanynoteworthyaccomplishmentsofthejudgesandemployeeslastyear.Pleasejoinmeincommendingthemfortheirdedicationtoservingthepublic.
Sincerely,
BernardJ.Kost ExecutiveCourtAdministrator
THE THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUITOF MICHIGAN
711 Coleman A. Young Municipal CenterDetroit, Michigan 48226-3413
BERNARD J. KOSTExecutive Court Administrator
(313) 224-5261FAX (313) 224-6070
Email: [email protected]
...................................................................................................................................... 1
................................................................................................................................ 2
............................................................................................................................................................. 3
.................................................................................................................................................... 4
...................................................................................... 5
............................................................................................................. 6
.......................................................................................................................................................... 7
............................................................................................................................................... 13
......................................................................................................................................................... 14
................................................................................................................................ 16
............................................................................................................................................... 20
...................................................................................................................... 23
.................................................................................................................. 31
ThirdCircuitCourtJudges
ThirdCircuitCourtBenchPhotograph
JudgeNeilsonDedication
OrganizationChart
JudgesElectedorAppointedtotheBenchin2005
JudgesRetiredfromtheBenchin2005
2005Highlights
FinancialInformation
CaseloadTrends
CourtDivisionsandStatistics
CourtAdministration
CourtDepartmentsandPrograms
CourtManagers/Acknowledgments
Table of Contents
ThirdCircuitCourtJudges
DavidJ.AllenAnnetteJ.BerryGregoryDeanBillUlyssesW.BoykinMargieR.BraxtonJamesR.ChylinskiSeanF.CoxMaggieW.Drake
PrentisEdwardsVondaR.EvansPatriciaS.FresardDavidA.GronerCynthiaGrayHathawayDianeMarieHathawayMichaelHathawayThomasE.JacksonVeraMasseyJones
TimothyM.KennyWadeHarperMcCreeBruceU.MorrowDanielP.RyanCraigS.StrongBrianR.Sullivan,Jr.DeborahA.ThomasMaryM.Waterstone
CRIMINALDIVISIONEdwardEwell,Jr.,Presiding
MaryBethKelly,ChiefJudge
CIVILDIVISIONWilliamJ.Giovan,ChiefJudgeProTemporeandPresiding
WendyM.BaxterSusanD.BormanMichaelJamesCallahanRobertJ.Colombo,Jr.DaphneMeansCurtis
GershwinA.DrainJohnH.Gillis,Jr.KathleenMacdonaldWarfieldMoore,Jr.JohnA.Murphy
MichaelF.SapalaCynthiaD.StephensEdwardM.ThomasIsidoreTorresRobertL.Ziolkowski
FAMILYDIVISION-DOMESTICRELATIONSLitaM.Popke,Presiding
HelenE.BrownBillCallahanWilliamLeoCahalanCharleneM.Elder
RichardB.Halloran,Jr.AmyP.HathawayArthurJ.LombardKathleenM.McCarthy
MariaL.OxholmRichardM.SkuttJeanneStempienCaroleF.Youngblood
FAMILYDIVISION-JUVENILEVirgilC.Smith,Jr.,Presiding
MeganMaherBrennanJamesA.CallahanChristopherD.DingellSheilaAnnGibsonLeslieKimSmith
JudgesofProbateJudyA.HartsfieldJamesE.Lacey
1
ThirdCircuitCourtJudges
JudgesoftheThirdJudicialCircuitofMichigan2005
Bottomrowfromlefttoright:AmyP.Hathaway,MaryM.Waterstone,MariaL.Oxholm,JohnA.Murphy,SheilaAnnGibson,SusanD.Borman,CaroleYoungblood,DaphneMeansCurtis,PatriciaS.Fresard,MaryBethKelly(ChiefJudge),DianeMarieHathaway,KathleenM.McCarthy,VeraMasseyJones,AnnetteJ.Berry,JeanneStempien,BrianR.Sullivan,JudyHartsfield,andCharleneElder.
Middlerowfromlefttoright:MeganMaherBrennan,VondaR.Evans,WendyM.Baxter,WilliamJ.Giovan(ChiefJudgeProTemandPresiding-CivilDivision),CynthiaD.Stephens,ThomasE.Jackson,RobertL.Ziolkowski,ChristopherD.Dingell,BruceU.Morrow,RichardB.Halloran,Jr.,JamesR.Chylinski,WarfieldMoore,Jr.,TimothyM.Kenny,BillCallahan,JohnH.Gillis,Jr.,andRichardM.Skutt.
Toprowfromlefttoright:CraigS.Strong,MichaelF.Sapala,IsidoreTorres,PrentisEdwards,JamesA.Callahan,MichaelHathaway,LitaM.Popke(Presiding-FamilyDivision-DomesticRelations),DeborahA.Thomas,UlyssesBoykin,EdwardEwell,Jr.(Presiding-CriminalDivision),GregoryDeanBill,WadeH.McCree,VirgilC.Smith,Jr.(Presiding-FamilyDivision-Juvenile),RobertJ.Colombo,Jr.,DavidA.Groner,SeanF.Cox,DavidJ.Allen,andKathleenMacdonald.
NotPictured:MargieR.Braxton,HelenE.Brown,WilliamLeoCahalan,MichaelJ.Callahan,GershwinA.Drain,MaggieW.Drake,CynthiaGrayHathaway,JamesE.Lacey,ArthurJ.Lombard,DanielP.Ryan,LeslieKimSmith,andEdwardM.Thomas.
2
ThirdCircuitCourtJudges
ASpecialDedicationtotheHonorableSusanBiekeNeilson
1956-2005
Judge Susan Bieke Neilson, who served on the Third Judicial Circuit Bench for 14 years, lost her life to cancer on January 25, 2006 at the age of 50. She is survived by her husband, Jeff and her two daughters, Lizzie and Mary.
Born in Ann Arbor on August 27, 1956, Judge Neilson was a life-long resident of Michigan. She received her bachelor’s degree in 1977 from the honors college at the University of Michigan, and her J.D. in 1980 from Wayne State University. From 1980 until 1991, Judge Neilson practiced law, first as an associate and later as a partner, with the prestigious Detroit firm of Dickinson, Wright, Moon, VanDusen & Freeman. She specialized in products liability claims, medical malpractice claims, and commercial litigation.
After Judge Neilson’s initial appointment to the Third Judicial Circuit by Governor John Engler on July 15, 1991, she was re-elected three times. Having significant experience on Michigan’s largest state trial court bench, serving in both the civil and criminal divisions, Judge Neilson resigned from the Third Judicial Circuit on November 16, 2005, and was appointed by President George W. Bush to the U.S. Court of Appeals.
Judge Neilson wrote numerous articles and was co-editor and author of Michigan Civil Procedure, a two-volume treatise on all areas of Michigan civil practice. The Michigan Judicial Institute selected the treatise to purchase for every trial court judge in the state.
Judge Neilson’s dedication to the improvement of the law, in addition to her commitment to the highest ethical standards, will long be remembered.3
Executive Court
AdministratorBernard J. Kost
Circuit Court Judges
Chief Judge
Mary Beth Kelly
JudicialAssistant
Gregory Kocab
Friend of the
Court
Joseph Schewe
Chief Financial
O�cer
Therese Lisowski
Director of
ITSB
Jerome Wysocki
Deputy Court
Administrator
Kelli D. Moore
Director ofHuman
ResourcesPamela E. Gri�n
Director of
Buildings &Facilities
Manag ementTheresa Plotzke
Director ofClinic for
Child StudyJoseph Avore
Director ofCase ProcessingJerome Fekin
Director ofAssigned CounselLeonard Branka
Director ofAncillary
Court Services
Sidney McBride
Chief Court ReporterDebra McGinnis
Director ofJuvenile
Administration
Executive Director
of MTA
Lisa Timmons
PublicCommunications
Elizabeth Shumate
Johanna O’Grady-Ward
Coordinator
THIRDJUDICIALCIRCUITOFMICHIGANORGANIZATIONCHART
OrganizationChart
4
Executive Court
AdministratorBernard J. Kost
Circuit Court Judges
Chief Judge
Mary Beth Kelly
JudicialAssistant
Gregory Kocab
Friend of the
Court
Joseph Schewe
Chief Financial
O�cer
Therese Lisowski
Director of
ITSB
Jerome Wysocki
Deputy Court
Administrator
Kelli D. Moore
Director ofHuman
ResourcesPamela E. Gri�n
Director of
Buildings &Facilities
Manag ementTheresa Plotzke
Director ofClinic for
Child StudyJoseph Avore
Director ofCase ProcessingJerome Fekin
Director ofAssigned CounselLeonard Branka
Director ofAncillary
Court Services
Sidney McBride
Chief Court ReporterDebra McGinnis
Director ofJuvenile
Administration
Executive Director
of MTA
Lisa Timmons
PublicCommunications
Elizabeth Shumate
Johanna O’Grady-Ward
Coordinator
JudgesElectedorAppointedtotheBenchin2005
MeganMaherBrennan
MeganMaherBrennanwasappointedtotheThirdJudicialCircuitbyGovernorJenniferM.GranholminDecember2005.JudgeBrennanwasassignedtotheJuvenileSectionoftheFamilyDivision.Priortothisappointment,JudgeBrennanhadserved,since2003,asanAssistantAttorneyGeneralintheLaborDivisionoftheMichiganDepartmentofAttorneyGeneral.Beforemovingtopublicpractice,JudgeBrennanenjoyedaprivatepracticefocusingonemploymentandbusinesslawandwasalsoemployedasalitigationattorneywithBodmanLongley,LLPfrom1989to1994.JudgeBrennanservedaslawclerkforthelateChiefJusticeDorothyComstockRileyoftheMichiganSupremeCourtfrom1987to1989.JudgeBrennangraduatedfromMichiganStateUniversity(B.A.1983)andWayneStateUniversityLawSchool(J.D.1987).SheisinvolvedinseveralcommunityandprofessionalorganizationsandhasbeenanadjunctlawprofessorinthegraduatebusinessschoolatMadonnaUniversity.
JamesA.Callahan
JudgeJamesA.CallahanwaselectedtotheThirdJudicialCircuitinNovember2004,afterpracticingasatrialattorneyingeneralcivilandcriminalmattersfor33years.InJanuary2005,hewasassignedtotheJuvenileSectionoftheFamilyDivision.JudgeCallahanisamemberoftheBarAssociationsinMichigan,Illinois,andFlorida.JudgeCallahanwastheAssistantJudgeAdvocatefortheStateofMichiganwiththeAmericanLegion,havingservedintheUnitedStatesNavyfrom1959until1965,andwasamemberoftheMichiganBarRepresentativeAssemblyfrom1981until1987.
CharleneM.Elder
CharleneM.ElderwasappointedtotheThirdJudicialCircuitbyGovernorJenniferM.GranholminDecember2005.JudgeElderwasassignedtotheDomesticRelationsSectionoftheFamilyDivision.Priortothisappointment,JudgeElderhadserved,since2003,asamagistrateinthe19thDistrictCourthandlingtrafficoffenses,smallclaimsandreviewingpolicesearchwarrantsincriminalinvestigations.JudgeElderalsoservedasaprivatepractitionerspecializinginconsumerprotectionlaw,commercialtransactions,andgenerallitigation.JudgeEldergraduatedfromUniversityofMichigan(B.A.1991)andtheDetroitCollegeofLawin(J.D.1995).
5
JudgesRetiredfromtheBenchin2005
LouisF.Simmons
JudgeLouisF.SimmonsretiredonJanuary1,2005after22yearsasamemberoftheBench.JudgeSimmonswasappointedbyGovernorJamesA.BlanchardonMay6,1983.JudgeSimmonswasaPhaseIIIndividualCalendarJudgeandservedintheCivilDivisionuntilhisretirement.
LeonardTownsend
JudgeLeonardTownsendretiredonJanuary1,2005after26yearsasamemberoftheBench.GovernorWilliamG.MillikenappointedJudgeTownsendtotheRecorder’sCourtBenchonJanuary1,1979.DuringhistenurewiththeCourt,JudgeTownsendservedintheCriminalDivision.
EdwardM.Thomas
JudgeEdwardM.ThomasretiredonOctober17,2005after27yearsasamemberoftheBench.JudgeThomas,originallyelectedtotheRecorder’sCourtinNovember,1978,waslaterappointedbyGovernorJamesA.BlanchardonMarch22,1990totheThirdJudicialCircuit.JudgeThomasservedintheCriminalandCivilDivisionsduringhistenurewiththeCourt.JudgeThomasalsoservedontheCourt’sDocketReviewCommittee.InOctober2005,CountyExecutiveRobertA.FicanoappointedJudgeThomasasWayneCountyCorporationCounsel.
PatriciaCampbell
JudgePatriciaCampbellretiredonJanuary1,2005after14yearsasamemberoftheWayneCountyProbateBench.FromOctober1,1997untilherretirementin2005,JudgeCampbellwascross-assignedasaThirdCircuitCourtJudgeandservedintheFamilyDivision-JuvenileSection.
SusanBiekeNeilson
JudgeSusanBiekeNeilsonretiredonNovember15,2005after14yearsasamemberoftheBench.GovernorJohnEnglerappointedJudgeNeilsononJuly15,1991.DuringJudgeNeilson’stenuresheservedinboththeCivilandCriminalDivisions.JudgeNeilsonwasamemberoftheStateBarStandardJuryInstructionsCommitteeandservedontheCourt’sDocketReviewCommittee.
6
2005Highlights
JanuaryNewSystemForAssignedCounselintheFamilyDivision-JuvenileSection
TheOfficeofAssignedCounselServicesinstitutedanewadministrativeprocessfortheselectionofattorneystorepresentindigentpartiesappearingbeforetheJuvenileSectionoftheFamilyDivision.Itincludedtheimplementationofaweb-basedcomputerprogramthatmaintainsalistofqualifiedattorneys.TheprogramselectstheappropriatenumberofattorneystoserveasassignedcounseleachmonthbasedupontheCourt’sscheduleforthatmonth.Selectionsforassignmentaredoneautomaticallytoensurethatallqualifiedattorneysreceiveequalopportunitiesforserviceasassignedcounsel.Attorneysselectedforappointmentarenotifiedprogrammaticallybye-mailandindicatetheiracceptanceorrejectionoftheassignmentbyreturne-mail.ThenewassignedcounselprocessrepresentsasignificantstepforwardfortheJuvenileSectionbyimprovingadministrativeefficiencyandcreatingfairnessandimpartialityintheattorneyselectionprocess.
FebruaryFriendoftheCourtCaseEstablishmentProcessImprovements
ProvidingefficientandeffectiveservicetothepublicisanongoingobjectiveofThirdCircuitCourt.ThisgoalhasbeenparticularlychallengingintheCaseEstablishmentDepartmentoftheFriendoftheCourtwherepaternity,familysupportandinterstatecasesareinitiatedandfinalized.Duetolimitedstaffingandacumbersomestatewidecomputersystem,thetimestandardsforcasecompletionwerenotbeingmet.This,inturn,washavingadirectimpactonincentivefundingforFriendoftheCourtoperations.
AworkgroupchairedbyDorisRyans,AssistantFriendoftheCourt,wasformedinFebruaryforthepurposeofincreasingworkproductivityanddecreasingbacklogsinthisvitalarea.Theteamevaluateddepartmentalprocessesandjobclassificationstodeterminewhereimprovementscouldbemadewithoutincreasingstaff.Ultimately,CaseEstablishment’sentireworkflowfromcaseinitiationtoentryofthefinalorderwasreengineered.Staffassignmentsandtaskswererestructuredsothatallclericalstaffwouldbecross-trainedtobecomefamiliarwitheachstepoftheprocess.Thisallowedforachangeinworkmethodologybyhavingallclericalstaffperformtheassignedtaskforthatday.Also,clericalstaffbeganpre-screeningfilesfordemographicandothercaserelatedinformation,somethingpreviouslydonebydomesticrelationsspecialistswhileinterviewingtheparties.Thischangefreedupmoretimeforadditionalinterviewstobeconducted.Ininterstatecases,themailingofpre-interviewquestionnairestoplaintiffsreducedinterviewtimebyoverone-half.
Thedevelopmentofmanagementtoolsandreportshasalsoledtomoreeffectivedocketschedulingandmonitoring.Forexample,thedailyinterviewscheduleandshow-upratesarereviewedeachweektorealisticallyadjusttimes,datesandnumberofinterviewsforfuturedockets.Otherreportshelptrackcases,suchasthoseinvolvinginventorytimestandardsorcasestatus(whetherfinal,incomplete,ornonextaction).Theperformanceoftheserviceofprocesscontractorisnowcloselymonitoredforcomplianceandtimelyreturnofdocuments.
Inmid-October,acoordinatedeffortwasimplementedtoeliminatethebacklogofcasesstillpendingbeyondthesix-monthtimestandard.Businesshourswereextendedto6:00p.m.forfourdaysaweekandthreeSaturdayswerescheduledforadditionalovertimeaswell.Bytheendoftheyear,thenumberofcasespendingbeyondthetimestandardwasreducedby36%.Theexpectationistoeliminatethisdocketbacklogin2006.Therestructuringhasalsodrasticallyreducedtheaveragetimetoschedulecases.InJanuary2005,theaveragetimeforfamilysupportcasestobescheduledforahearingwaseightmonthsandpaternitycasesthreemonths.Bothfamilyandpaternitycasesarenowscheduledimmediately.7
2005Highlights
2005Highlights
May
LawDay
FormerPresidentDwightD.EisenhowerissuedaproclamationdesignatingMay1stasLawDayUSAin1958.Thepresidentialproclamationstressedtheimportanceoflawasthevehicleforthepreservationoflibertyandindividualrights.Nowinits47thyear,LawDayservesnotonlyasanopportunityforeveryonetoreflectonthenation’slegalheritageandtheroleoflaw,butalsotorededicatethemselvestotheidealsofequalityandjusticeunderthelaw.
TheThirdCircuitCourtwelcomedWayneCountyProsecutorKymWorthy,WayneCountySheriffWarrenEvans,variouspresentersfromthelegalcommunity,andguestsrepresenting18WayneCountyschoolstoits19thAnnualLawDaycelebration.
Thetheme“TheAmericanJury:WethePeopleinAction”servedasareminderthattrialbyjuryisoneoftherightsAmericansfoughtforinseekingindependence.Thejuryistheembodimentofdemocracy.Juriesaresmallbodiesofordinarymenandwomenentrustedwithdecisionsthatinvolvethelibertiesandpropertyofdefendants.EntrustingjuriestomakedecisionsconfirmsAmerica’sfaithintheabilityofpeopletomakejustandwisedecisions,andthatistheverydefinitionofdemocracy.
April
JuvenileDocketTaskForce
InApril2005,ChiefJudgeMaryBethKellyconvenedataskforcewiththegoalofdevelopinganewdocketmanagementsysteminordertomeettheapplicabletimestandardsofchildprotectiveproceedingcasesfortheFamilyDivision–JuvenileSectionoftheCourt.Membersofthetaskforceincludedjudges,courtmanagement,refereesandrepresentationfromtheMichiganSupremeCourt,theCountyClerk’sOffice,theProsecutingAttorney’sOffice,theAttorneyGeneral’sOffice,andmembersoftheprivatebar.Fourcommitteeswereformedtoidentifybarrierstothetimelydispositionofprotectiveproceedingcases.Themainrecommendationsthatwereapprovedincludedassigningajudgeatthetimethecaseisfiled,creatingblendeddocketsforrefereesthatincludedbothneglectanddelinquencycases,requiringaschedulingorderattheinitiationofthecasetokeepwithinapplicabletimestandards,enhancingtheprocessofserviceprocedures,andthecreationofaJudicialDocketReviewCommitteeinordertosetgoalsandmonitorcompliancewithcaseprocessingtimestandards.ApilotprogramtoimplementblendeddocketsforrefereeswillbegininApril2006.Atthattime,threejudgeteams(eachteamconsistingofonejudgeandtworeferees)willallocate60%oftheirdockettimetoprocessneglectcasesand40%toprocessdelinquencycases.
8
August
FrankMurphyHallofJusticeSecurity
TheThirdCircuitCourtandtheWayneCountySheriffreachedanagreementinAugust2005fortheSherifftoassumeresponsibilityforentranceandperimetersecurityattheFrankMurphyHallofJustice.Historically,theSheriffhasbeenresponsibleforcourtroomsecurity,whileaprivatesecurityfirmwasresponsibleforbuildingsecurity.Thepresenceofuniformedlawenforcementofficersatthebuildingentrancehasenhancedboththeperceptionandtherealityofasecuredcourthousefacilityforthejudges,employees,jurorsandvisitorsattheFrankMurphyHallofJustice.
Inanefforttofurtherimprovesecurity,theCourtalsoinstitutedabanoncellphonesatallofitslocationsinSeptember2005.Thebanwasimposedafterseveralinstancesofwitnessesandjurorsbeingphotographedwithcameracellphonesduringcourtproceedings.Cellphoneshadalsobeenusedtotext-messagewitnessesduringcriminaltrials.
2005Highlights
JurorShowCauseHearings
“ShowCause”hearinglettersweremailedto132countyresidentswhofailedtoappearforjurydutyafterbeingsummonedmorethanonceduring2004-2005.EachpersonwasinstructedtopersonallyappearbeforeChiefJudgeProTemWilliamJ.GiovanonSeptember8,2005.
Priortothehearingdate,severalrespondentsappearedforjuryduty.Onthehearingdate,32respondentsappeared.Therespondentswhoappearedwereprovidedanopportunitytoexplainwhytheyhadrepeatedlyfailedtoreportperthejurysummons,andwhytheyshouldnotbepunishedfornotappearingforjuryservice.All32respondentswereissuednewjuryservicedates.Additionally,15personsreceivedmonetaryfinesofupto$100.00.Benchwarrantswereissuedfor41personswhodidnotappearforthescheduledhearing.
9
“ThankstoChiefJudgeMaryBethKelly,DeputyCountyExecutiveAzzamElder,andSheriffWarrenEvansforworkingveryhardtocometoanagreement”,statedJudgeSeanCox,ChairoftheFMHJSecurityCommittee.“TheircollaborationallowedtheWayneCountySheriffstobeprimarilyresponsibleforsecurityatFrankMurphyHallofJustice.SincetheSheriff’sDepartmenthastakenoversecurity,FrankMurphyHallofJusticehasbecomeamuchsaferplaceforthepublicandalloftheindividualswhoworkatourcourthouse”.
July
ICLETraining
AttorneyspracticingintheFamilyDivision,bothJuvenileandDomesticSections,wererequiredtoattendmandatorytrainingforthefirsttimeattheInstituteforContinuingLegalEducation(I.C.L.E.),inordertoremainontheCourt’seligibilitylistforassignments.Thetrainingconsistedof,butwasnotlimitedto,thefollowingtopics:Pre-AdjudiciationProcess&WhatItTakestoBeReady,TheAdjudicationProcess-BeingPrepared!,ThePost-DispositionalProcess:WhatYouNeedtoKnow,EthicalResponsibilitiesRepresentingJuveniles,UnderstandingtheAgencies,Deliquency&DependencyAppeals-WhatEveryLawyerShouldKnow,DealingEffectivelywithFelonyNon-SupportAssignments(AnatomyoftheProcess,WhattheCourtExpectsofCounsel,andFriendoftheCourt&FelonyNon-SupportMatters),DealingEffectivelywithPersonalProtectionOrderShowCauseHearings,andDealingEffectivelywithShowCauseProceedings.
2005Highlights
2005Highlights
September
AdultDrugCourtGraduation
TheThirdCircuitAdultDrugCourtProgramhelditsfirstannualgraduationceremonyfor124graduatesonSeptember9,2005,intheauditoriumoftheWayneCountyBuilding.WayneCountyExecutive,RobertA.Ficano,deliveredthekeynoteaddress.Thegraduationceremonyrepresentedtheconclusionofuptotwoyearsofintensivesupervisionanddrugabstinenceforthegraduates.Currentprogramparticipantswerealsoinvitedtoattend.
Successfulgraduationwastheresultofthecollectiveefforts,supportandassistancefromseveralagencies,including: •TheCityofDetroitBureauofSubstanceAbusePrevention,TreatmentandRecovery •SoutheastMichiganCommunityAlliance(SEMCA) •TheMichiganDepartmentofCorrections–ProbationDepartment •WayneCountyProsecutor’sOffice •WayneCountyDepartmentofChildrenandFamilyServices •WayneCountySheriff’sDepartment–CaseDifferentiationUnit •WayneCountyCommission •WayneCountyConstituentServices •ThirdCircuitCourt
October
WayneCountyRegionalJusticeComplex
CountyExecutiveRobertA.FicanocreatedtheWayneCountyRegionalJusticeComplexCommissionin2004,tostudythefeasibilityofconsolidatingalllocallawenforcementandcourtactivitiesintoasinglecriminaljusticecampus.Co-chairsoftheCommissionwereformerMayorDennisW.ArcherandformerStateTreasurerDouglasRoberts.TheCommissionincludedofficialsfromboththepublicandtheprivatesectors.ExecutiveCourtAdministratorBernardJ.KostrepresentedtheThirdCircuitCourtontheCommission.TheCourtprovidedtheCommissionwithpotentialcostsavingsthatcouldberealizedifcourtoperationscurrentlylocatedintheColemanA.YoungMunicipalCenter(CAYMC),FrankMurphyHallofJustice(FMHJ),LincolnHallofJustice(LHJ),andthePenobscotBuildingwereconsolidatedinasinglecourtfacility.InOctober2005,theCommissionissueditsfinalreport.Thereportidentifiedsignificantshort-termandlong-termbenefitsofaRegionalJusticeComplextotheCounty.TheCommissionrecommendedthattheCountyhireaProgramConsultanttoprepareneedsstudiesandcostanalyses,configurationofadesignatedsite,andidentificationofthearchitecturalandengineeringservicesnecessarytodesignandconstructtheRegionalJusticeComplex.InOctober2005,theCountyissuedaRequestforProposal(RFP)fortheseProgramConsultantservices.
10
November
MichiganAdoptionDay
Establishedin2003asastate-sponsoredevent,NationalAdoptionDaybringsattentiontothosechildreninneedofadoption,aswellashonoringthosefamiliesthathaveopenedtheirheartsandhomestochildrenthroughadoption.
TheThirdJudicialCircuitjoinedthenationinacollectiveefforttoraiseawarenessofthe118,000childreninfosterhomesacrosstheUnitedStateswhoarewaitingtobeadopted,4,476whomresideinMichigan.
TheCourt’sspecialguest,nationalauthorandspiritualleaderMarianneWilliamson,deliveredthekeynoteaddress.Followingtheaddressandcommentsfromotherguestspeakers,ChiefJudgeMaryBethKellyfinalizedfourteenadoptions.
OctoberContinued
“DadsfromDayOne”
TheThirdCircuitFriendoftheCourtenteredintoapartnershipwithHutzelWoman’shospitalin2005,tofacilitateademonstrationprojectcalledDadsFromDayOne.Thisprojectisagrant-fundedcollaborativeeffortwiththeMichiganOfficeofChildSupport,theFriendoftheCourt,andtheFederalOfficeofChildSupportEnforcement.Themainobjectivesoftheprogramareto: •Increasethenumberofvoluntaryacknowledgmentofpaternity •Improveparentingbehaviorbyincreasingthefather’sinvolvementina child’slifeandprovideavarietyofsocialservices •Promotemarriageofunwedparentswhereappropriate •Decreasethenumberofpaternitydefaultcases.
TheDadsFromDayOneprogramseekstoensurethatthenecessaryservicesareprovidedtobothparents,beginningatchildbirth,toenablethemtobettersupportthechild.Thisisachievedbyprovidingcasemanagementservicestolow-incomefamiliesmeetingtheeligibilityrequirements.Acasemanagerisassignedtothefamilyandworkscloselywiththefamilyforapproximatelythreetofivemonths.Thecasemanagerconductsanassessmentofthefamily,andmakesreferralstoserviceprovideragencies(onbehalfofthefamily)forGEDclasses,parentingclasses,parenteducation,jobreadiness,marriagecounseling,andemploymentskills.Thecasemanagerisalsoinstrumentalinassistingthefamilyinprocessingthechildsupportapplicationandmonitoringchildsupportpaymentsforthreemonths.Thismonitoringconsistsofremindingthefatherwhenapaymentisdueandcontinuingtoassistthefamilywithbarrierstheymayencounter.TheDadsFromDayOneprogramisuniqueinthatsocialservicesareprovidedatthehospitalbeginningshortlyafterchildbirth.
11
ChiefJudgeMaryBethKellyandguestspeakerMarianneWilliamson(right)congratulateadoptivefamilies.
2005Highlights 2005Highlights
2005Highlights
December
NewCaseManagementSystemImplementation
Thepilotphaseofamulti-yearprojecttoimplementanewcasemanagementsystemwassuccessfullycompletedinDecember.ThepilotphaseinvolvedthemigrationofFamilyDivision–JuvenileSectionguardianshipcasestotheTylerTechnologiesOdysseyCaseManagersoftwareapplication.AdoptioncasesarescheduledforimplementationinApril2006,criminalcasesinFebruary2007,civilcasesinDecember2007,domesticrelationscasesinFebruary2008,andjuvenilecasesinMay2008.TheCourtwillbeabletotakeadvantageofstate-of-the-arttechnologyaseachdivisionismigratedtothenewcasemanagementsystem.
12
2005Highlights
TheThirdCircuitCourtisthelargestcircuitcourtinMichiganwith61judgesandthreeoperatingdivisions.TheThirdCircuitCourthasjurisdictionovercivil,criminal,andfamilymattersarisingintheCountyofWayne.TheNationalCenterforStateCourtshascitedtheThirdCircuitCourtasoneofthemodelurbancourtsintheUnitedStatesforcaseflowmanagementandthetimelydispositionoftheCourt’sdocket.Only5%oftheCourt’spendingcaseswereoutsidetheMichiganSupremeCourtcaseprocessingtimeguidelinesin2005.
FY2005Expenditures
ExpendituresforThirdCircuitCourtoperationstotaledapproximately$129.4millioninFY2005.Employeesalariesandfringebenefitsaccountedforapproximately$52.3million(40.4%);servicesfromtheWayneCountySheriff,CountyClerk,andothercountycharge-backsaccountedforapproximately$37.3million(28.8%);indigentattorneyfeesaccountedforapproximately$18.7million(14.4%);buildingrentalapproximately$5.1million(3.9%);juryandwitnessfeesapproximately$3.4million(2.6%);and,contractualservices,equipment,andoperatingexpensestotaled$12.7million(9.8%).
13
FinancialInformation
County Chargebacks,$7,985,133, 6%
Building Rental,$5,065,200, 4%
Contractual Services,$5,322,653, 4%
Supplies, Material, & OperatingExpenses, $3,386,459, 3%
Equipment Rental &Purchase, $3,956,981, 3%
Juror & Witness Fees,$3,411,400, 3%
County Clerk Services,$14,541,200, 11%
Sheriff Protection,$14,725,400, 11%
Salaries & Wages,$36,862,063, 29%
Retirement, FICA, & Insurance,$15,427,371, 12%
Indigent Legal Defense,$18,671,400, 14%
FinancialInformation CaseloadTrends
Between2003and2005,theCourtmaintainedapproximatelythesamelevelofnewcasefilings,whileexperiencingasignificantdecreaseinthenumberofpendingcasesatyear-end.Whiletheoveralllevelofnewcasefilingsremainedthesame,thereweresizeablechangesinthecasetypemixofnewfilings.Forexample,thenumberofnewfilingsintheCivilDivisioncontinuedtheirdownwardtrend(-14%),asdidthenumberofnewfilingsforpersonalprotectionorders(-15%).ModestdecreasesinnewcasefilingsoccurredinboththeCriminalDivisionandJuvenileSectionoftheFamilyDivision(-4%and-6%respectively).TherewerelargefluctuationsinthenewcasefilingsintheDomesticRelationsSectionoftheFamilyDivisionbetween2003and2005.Newcasefilingsincreasedby42%in2004anddecreasedby5%in2005.ThesefluctuationsweredueprimarilytothechangingnumberofpaternityandfamilysupportreferralsfromtheState’sDepartmentofHumanServices.
Asnotedearlier,thetotalnumberofpendingcasesdecreasedby13%from2003to2005.ThenumberofpendingcasesdecreasedintheCivilDivision,CriminalDivisionandDomesticRelationsSection(-14%,-10%and-15%respectively),whiletheJuvenileSectionpendingcaseloadremainedunchanged.
14
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
2003 2004 2005
New Case Filings Cases Pending
New Filings
Cases Pending
2005
15,908
13,835
2003
18,398
16,245
2004
16,694
15,261
Civil Cases
0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
2003 2004 2005
New Case Filings Cases Pending
New Filings
Cases Pending
2003
90,673
34,403
2004
92,783
34,525
All Cases2005
89,869
29,957
CaseloadTrends
15
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
2003 2004 2005
New Case Filings Cases Pending
2004
21,444
5,882
2003
23,760
6,162
2005
22,247
6,208
New Filings
Cases Pending
Family Juvenile Cases-
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
2003 2004 2005
New Case Filings Cases Pending
2004
25,004
10,704
2003
17,553
8,906
2005
23,646
7,556
New Filings
Cases Pending
Family-Domestic Relations Cases
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
2003 2004 2005
New Case Filings Cases Pending
2004
13,136
829
2003
13,850
755
2005
11,711
320
New Filings
Cases Pending
Personal Protection Cases-
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
2003 2004 2005
New Case Filings Cases Pending
2005
15,583
1,935
2004
15,644
1,722
2003
16,215
2,146
New Filings
Cases Pending
Criminal Cases
CaseloadTrends
16
SixteenCircuitCourtJudgeswereassignedtotheCivilDivisionin2005.Mattersthatinvolveclaimsofmorethan$25,000,whichincludemedicalmalpractice,autonegligence,personalinjury,contracts,employmentdiscrimination,andreceivershipsareheardintheCivilDivision.Inaddition,civilmattersappealedfromWayneCountydistrictcourtsandadministrativeagenciesarealsohandledbytheCivilDivisionJudges.Therewereapproximately15,900newcasefilingsintheCivilDivisionin2005,representing32%ofthestatewidetotal.
GeneralCivil
AutoNegligence
OtherCivilDamage
OtherCivil
CivilAppeals
AgencyAppeals
OtherAppeals Total
BeginningPending 5,124 4,088 5,032 186 79 57 14 14,580
NewFilings 7,573 3,988 2,965 615 322 380 65 15,908
Re-OpenedCases 776 324 316 24 15 13 3 1,471
TotalCaseload 13,473 8,400 8,313 825 416 450 82 31,959
DispositionsResultingFrom:
JuryVerdicts 27 39 51 0 0 0 0 117
BenchVerdicts 50 4 7 0 0 0 0 61
OrderEntered 0 0 0 0 75 178 11 264
GuiltyPleas 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Defaults,Uncontested,Settled 3,548 410 399 351 0 0 0 4,708
Transferred 199 138 171 1 9 1 2 521
DismissedbyParty 3,861 3,542 2,732 164 0 0 0 10,299
DismissedbyCourt 816 225 139 74 240 187 45 1,726
InactiveStatus 201 47 61 32 3 1 0 345
LocalDiversion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
OtherDispositions 56 2 2 0 0 0 0 60
CaseTypeChange 9 1 10 1 2 0 0 23
TotalDispositions 8,767 4,408 3,572 623 329 367 58 18,124
EndingPending 4,706 3,992 4,741 202 87 83 24 13,835
GeneralCivilandTortCase2005Statistics
CivilDivision
CourtDivisionsandStatistics
17
InNovember2005,theCourtcelebratedthethreeyearanniversaryoftheeliminationofearlypre-trialjailreleases.TheWayneCountyJailaveraged100emptybedsdailyin2005.ThiswasachievedbythecollectiveeffortsoftheCriminalDivisionJudges,Prosecutor’sOffice,andDefenseBarinadjudicatingcaseswithinthe91-daytimestandard.
Capital Non-CapitalFelony
JuvenileCriminalAppeals Total
BeginningPending 431 1,148 2 34 1,615
NewFilings 1,360 14,099 0 124 15,583
Re-OpenedCases 119 1,508 1 0 1,628
TotalCaseload 1,910 16,755 3 158 18,826
DispositionsResultingFrom:
JuryVerdicts 298 271 0 0 569
BenchVerdicts 134 462 0 0 596
OrderEntered 0 0 0 77 77
GuiltyPleas 750 11,635 1 0 12,386
Defaults,Uncontested,Settled 0 0 0 0 0
Transferred 2 187 0 0 189
DismissedbyParty 0 32 0 0 32
DismissedbyCourt 151 1,090 0 37 1,278
InactiveStatus 132 1,014 1 0 1,147
LocalDiversion 0 617 0 0 617
OtherDispositions 0 0 0 0 0
CaseTypeChange 0 0 0 0 0
TotalDispositions 1,467 15,308 2 114 16,891
EndingPending 443 1,447 1 44 1,935
Criminal2005Statistics
Twenty-sevenCircuitCourtJudgeswereassignedtotheCriminalDivisionin2005.AllfelonycasesthatareboundoverfromthedistrictcourtsinWayneCounty,aswellasdistrictcourtcriminalappeals,arehandledbytheCriminalDivisionJudges.Morethan15,500felonycaseswereboundovertotheCriminalDivisionin2005,representing24.2%ofthestatewidetotal.Toaidwiththehighvolumeofcases,somemattersareeligibleforanexpediteddocketingprocesswhereallproceedingsexceptarraignmentonthewarrantareheldattheCircuitCourtlevel.
CriminalDivision
Pre-Trial Felons Released Due to Jail Overcrowding
Month
January
February
March
AprilMay
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
2003, 2004, and 200520022001
294
253
296
331
262
201
272
114 122
99
104
40
276
231214
194
224
209
288
345
258283
0 0
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
rELEASES
Rele
ases
CourtDivisionsandStatistics
CourtDivisionsandStatistics CourtDivisionsandStatistics
TwelveCircuitCourtJudgeswereassignedtotheFamilyDivision-DomesticRelationsSectionin2005.Caseshandledincludedivorce,paternity,personalprotection,emancipationofminors,namechanges,parentalwaivers,andinfectiousdiseasematters.Eachofthesecasetypesmayincludemattersconcerningcustody,support,parentingtime,property,andotherissues.Therewereapproximately35,300newcasefilingsintheFamilyDivision-DomesticRelationsSectionin2005,representing26.9%ofthestatewidetotal.
Divorcew/Child
DivorceNoChild Paternity
FamilySupport UIFSA
OtherDomestic Total
BeginningPending 2,021 1,398 3,412 2,736 1 425 9,993
NewFilings 3,747 4,001 7,776 6,433 741 948 23,646
Re-OpenedCases 337 205 89 86 1 61 779
TotalCaseload 6,105 5,604 11,277 9,255 743 1,434 34,418
DispositionsResultingFrom:
BenchVerdicts 86 32 0 0 0 1 119
Defaults,Uncontested,Settled 2,935 3,204 4,465 4,560 0 501 15,665
Transferred 4 0 0 0 0 3 7
Post-JudgementOrders 0 0 0 0 740 0 740
DismissedbyParty 999 767 1,040 783 0 348 3,937
DismissedbyCourt 202 177 3,253 2,509 0 180 6,321
InactiveStatus 2 0 0 1 0 0 3
CaseTypeChange 14 34 3 2 0 17 70
TotalDispositions 4,242 4,214 8,761 7,855 740 1,050 26,862
EndingPending 1,863 1,390 2,516 1,400 3 384 7,556
DomesticRelations2005Statistics
PersonalProtection2005Statistics
18
DomesticRelations
Non-DomesticRelations Total
BeginningPending 375 272 647
NewFilings 7,790 3,921 11,711
Re-OpenedCases 8 6 14
TotalCaseload 8,173 4,199 12,372
DispositionsResultingFrom:
OrdersIssuedExParte 102 30 132
OrdersIssuedafterHrg. 6,162 2,407 8,569
Transferred 1 0 1
Dis./DeniedExParte 2 8 10
Dis./DeniedafterHrg. 1,036 1,160 2,196
DismissedbyParty 692 448 1,140
OrderIssuedafterDenial 0 4 4
CaseTypeChange 0 0 0
TotalDispositions 7,995 4,057 12,052
EndingPending 178 142 320
FamilyDivision-DomesticRelations
SevenCircuitCourtJudges(includingtwocross-assignedProbateJudges)wereassignedtotheFamilyDivision-JuvenileSectionin2005.Astaffofthirteenrefereespreparewrittenrecommendationsandfindingsoffact.CaseshandledbythisDivisionincludejuveniledelinquency,childabuseandneglect,adoption,andguardianship.Probationofficersconducthearingsontheinformaldockets,whichincludetrafficandordinanceviolations,andconsentmatters.Therewereapproximately23,000newcasefilingsintheFamilyDivision-JuvenileSectionin2005,representing25.6%ofthestatewidetotal.
Designated Deliquency TrafficChild
ProtectivePersonal
Protection Total
BeginningPending 4 1,734 3,331 470 21 5,560
NewFilings 32 9,049 10,310 1,542 431 21,364
Re-OpenedCases 2 847 0 0 0 849
TotalCaseload 38 11,630 13,641 2,012 452 27,773
DispositionsResultingFrom:
JuryVerdicts 3 23 0 4 0 30
BenchVerdicts 2 1,274 1,423 744 0 3,443
GuiltyPleas/Admissions 12 3,024 258 465 0 3,759
ProsecutorWaiver 0 12 0 0 0 12
TraditionalWaiver 0 0 0 0 0 0
DismissedbyParty 0 0 0 0 38 38
DismissedbyCourt 2 1,441 2,649 0 0 4,092
Dismissed/Withdrawn 0 0 0 179 0 179
ConsentCalendar 0 423 0 0 0 423
Transferred 0 146 212 26 0 384
Diversion/NotAuthorized 0 2,874 5,066 177 0 8,117
DesignationGranted 0 0 0 0 0 0
InactiveStatus 0 925 0 0 0 925
NotCharged 0 0 0 0 0 0
CastTypeChange 0 3 0 0 0 3
Dis./DeniedafterHrg. 0 0 0 0 124 124
Dis./DeniedExParte 0 0 0 0 0 0
OrdersIssuedAfterHrg. 0 0 0 0 264 264
OrderIssuedExParte 0 0 0 0 2 2
TotalDispositions 19 10,145 9,608 1,595 428 21,795
EndingPending 19 1,485 4,033 417 24 5,978
Juvenile2005Statistics
19
FamilyDivision-Juvenile
CourtDivisionsandStatistics
CourtDivisionsandStatisticsThereareseveraldepartmentswithinCourtAdministrationthatprovidesupporttomorethanonedivisionoftheCourt.Abriefdescriptionofeachdepartmentisprovidedbelow.
AssignedCounselServices
TheOfficeofAssignedCounselServices(ACS)isresponsibleforappointingcounseltorepresentindigentpartiesappearingbeforetheCourt.ThereareACSofficesintheCriminal(FrankMurphyHallofJustice)andFamily-Juvenile(LincolnHallofJustice)Divisions.TheCaseProcessingDepartmentintheColemanA.YoungMunicipalCenterperformsmanyoftheACSfunctionsfortheFamilyDivision-DomesticRelationsSection.
TheCourtpartnerswiththeInstituteofContinuingLegalEducationtoprovidetheCourt’sannualtrainingforattorneyspracticingintheFamilyDivision.TheDetroit-WayneCountyCriminalAdvocacyProgramdevelopsandadministerstrainingforattorneyspracticingintheCriminalDivision.
BudgetandFinance
TheBudgetandFinanceOfficeconsistsofsevenoperatingunits:
TheCostAllocationandAuditUnitisresponsiblefortheCourt’sfiduciaryfunctions,overseeingnotonlyfiscaloperationalprocessesandprocedures,butalsotheallocationofsharedadministrativecosts.
TheGeneralFundBudgetandFinancialAccountingUnitprovidesbudgetmonitoringandgeneralaccountingservicesrelatedtothefundingreceivedfromtheCounty.
TheGrantBudgetsandFinancialAccountingUnitprovidesfinancialservicestocourtwidegrantprogramstoensureprogramspendingcomplianceincludingcontractmanagement,programbudgetmonitoringandprojections,preparationandreviewoffinancialreports,andexpensebillings.
TheGrantProgramPlanningandEvaluationUnitprovidesassistanceinprogrammonitoringandcompliance,pursuinggrantfundingopportunities,andgrantproposal/applicationwriting.
TheFiduciaryFundsAccountingandReconciliationUnitisresponsibleforthefinancialaccountingoftheCourtbankaccounts,includingthefiduciaryfundscollectedbytheFriendoftheCourt(FOC).ItalsohasoversightresponsibilityforthefinancialactivitiesoftheFOC.
ThePayrollReconciliationandReportingUnitisresponsibleformaintainingandreconcilingtheCourt’smasterpayrollandfringebenefitaccountingworksheetsandrecordsforallareasoftheCourt.Thisinformationisusedforavarietyofpurposes,includinggrantbillings,paymentstotheStateRetirementSystem,andforgeneralreporting.
TheAccountsPayableUnitisresponsibleforprocessingpaymentsforgoodsandservicesrenderedfororonbehalfoftheCourt.
20
CourtAdministration
BuildingandFacilitiesManagement
TheDepartmentofBuildingsandFacilitiesManagementisresponsiblefortheprocurementofofficesupplies,officeequipment,furniture,andprintedmaterialforalldivisionsoftheThirdCircuitCourt.Thisdepartmentisalsoresponsibleforreconfigurationofworkspaces,allmailfunctionsincludinginter-officemailandmeteredmail,transportation,officeequipmentrepair,andbuildingservices.
CaseProcessing
TheCaseProcessingDepartmentmaintainsaneffectiveandefficientcasemanagementplanforalllitigationfiledintheCourt.ThedepartmentprovidescentralsupporttotheBenchthroughitsdevelopmentanddistributionofstatisticalandmanagementreports,oversightandmaintenanceofautomatedcaseflowmanagementprograms,trainingofjudicialstaffmembers,andtheschedulingandnoticingofhearings.Thedepartmentalsoservesasaprimaryresourcetojudgesandstaffoncaseflowmethodsandprocedures,aswellasprovidinggeneralinformationtolitigants,attorneys,andthepubliconcasemanagementissues.
CourtReportingServices
TheCourtReportingServicesDepartmentisresponsibleforcoordinatingcourtreportingcoverageforalldivisionsoftheCourt.Thedepartmentalsoprocessesalltranscriptrequestsineachdivision,schedulesreportersandrecordersforcourtrooms,maintainsarchivalstorageofallrecordsofcourtreportersandrecorders,providesstaffsupporttovideocourtrooms,andordersinterpretersforproceedings.Inaddition,thedepartmentisresponsibleforassigningappellateattorneysandsubmittingtranscriptsforcriminalappeals.
HumanResources
TheOfficeofHumanResourcesmanagesallpersonnel-relatedactivitiesfortheCourt’ssixty-onejudgesand660employees.ThemissionoftheOfficeofHumanResourcesistoensurethatvacanciesarefilledincompliancewithbothfederalandstatelawsandprevailinglaboragreements.Thedepartmentworkstoensurethatemployeetimerecordsarecorrect;andthatemployeesarepaidaccuratelyandinatimelymanner;toadministeremployeebenefitsplans;toprovideemployeetraininganddevelopment;andtonegotiateandadministerlaboragreementsthatallowtheCourttofunctionwithinaunionizedenvironment.In2005,HumanResourcesconducted24examinations.Therewere76vacantpositionsfilled:44newhires,23promotionsand9lateraltransfers.
InformationTechnologySystemsBureau
TheInformationTechnologySystemsBureau(ITSB)providesreliable,costeffectiveinformationsystemssolutionsthatmeettheCourt’sevolvingbusinessneeds.ITSBsupportstheCourt’sthreelegacymainframecasemanagementsystems,thewide-areanetworkconnectingtheCourt’sfivelocations,theFriendoftheCourt’sdocumentimagingsystem,andtheofficeautomationtoolsonthedesktopPCsofallCourtemployees.ThedepartmentprovidestheapplicationandtechnicaloperatingenvironmentnecessarytomeettheoperatingandadministrativebusinessobjectivesoftheThirdJudicialCircuitofMichigan.Inordertoachievethis,thedepartmentisorganizedintoseveraloperatingentities.TheseentitiesincludeNetworkServices,ImagingandDocument,CaseManagementSystemsDevelopment,andOperations.
21
CourtAdministration
CourtAdministration CourtAdministration
JudicialAssistant
TheOfficeoftheJudicialAssistantservesastheofficiallegaladvisortotheCourtandprovidesservicesacrossallCourtdivisionstomembersoftheBenchandCourtdepartmentmanagers.Theofficeconductsresearchonlegalissuesandpreparesproposedopinions,orders,andmemorandaoflaw;givesinformaloralconsultations;draftsand/orreviewsandadvisesonvariousvendor/servicecontracts;servesasliaisonbetweentheCourtand“onlinelegalresearchvendors”;coordinatesnotificationtotheCourt’sprofessionalliabilityinsurerofclaimsbroughtagainsttheCourtormembersoftheBench;generatesanalysesofanynewlyreleasednoteworthyappellatecourtdecisions;providesafullrangeoflawlibraryservices;maintainsalegislativetrackingserviceforcurrentandarchivedsessionsoflegislation;providescasesummariesofrecentMichiganSupremeCourt,publishedCourtofAppealsopinions,andsyllabiofU.S.SupremeCourtdecisions;editsandprovidestotheBencharesearchtopicindexonadedicatednetworkdrive.
MediationTribunalAssociation
TheMediationTribunalAssociation(MTA)isanon-profitagencyestablishedin1979thatprovidesalternativedisputeresolutionservicesfortheThirdJudicialCircuitofMichigan,theUnitedStatesDistrictCourtfortheEasternDivision,andmanydistrictcourtsinthecountyofWayne.MTAprovidescaseevaluationandmediationservicesforcivilcasesunderMCR2.403,MCR2.410andMCR2.411.MediationofdomesticrelationscasesisprovidedunderMCR3.216.In2005,MTAevaluatedapproximately10,000casesforthecombinedcourts,processingthelargestvolumeofcourt-orderedcasesinthestate.
22
2005
TotalCasesSetforCaseEvaluation 9,090 100%
CasesSettledPriortoCaseEvaluation 699 8%
CasesSettledAfterCaseEvaluation 170 2%
CasesNotEvaluated(RemovedforCause) 399 4%
CasesAdjournedbytheCourt 2,672 29%
TotalCasesEvaluated 5,150 57%
2005
TotalCasesEvaluated 5,150 100%
CasesAccepted 699 13%
TotalCasesRejectedandContinuingtoDisposition 4,463 87%
CaseEvaluationCaseload
CaseEvaluationDispositions
AdultDrugCourt
TheAdultDrugCourtProgramcurtailsdrugandalcoholabuse,therebyreducingrelatedcriminalactivity.TheAdultDrugCourtoffersasentencingalternativetomanyotherwiseprison-bound,“non-violent”,addictedfelonswhosecriminaljusticeinvolvementstemsfromalcoholand/ordruguse.Thiscomprehensiveprogramprovidesintensivejudicialsupervision,frequentandrandomdrugtesting,graduatedincentivesandsanctions,alongwithaccesstoneededcommunityresources.Thesuccessfulcompletionoftheprogramresultsinthedismissaloftheoriginalcharge,areducedsentence,nojailorprisontime,oracombinationoftheabove.
TotalParticipantsinProgram 200
NewAdmissions 111
ReturningParticipants 89
GraduatingParticipants 62
RemovedParticipants 77
AdultDrugCourt2005Statistics
23
ANCILLARYCOURTSERVICES
TheAncillaryCourtServicesDepartmentcoordinatesprogramsandpoliciesinvolvingoutsideagenciessuchastheWayneCountyProsecutor’sOffice,WayneCountyClerk’sOffice,WayneCountySheriff’sDepartment,MichiganDepartmentofCorrections,MichiganStatePolice,AttorneyGeneral’sOffice,theStateCourtAdministrator’sOffice,aswellasothercircuitanddistrictcourts.TheDirectorofAncillaryCourtServicesalsooverseesthefollowingdepartments:AdultDrugCourt,CourtCollections,JuryServices,andPretrialServices.
CourtCollections
TheCollectionsUnitisresponsiblefortheinteractionbetweentheCourtandallotheroutsideagenciesregardingthecollectionofcourt-imposedcosts,fines,fees,andrestitution.Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedtodevelopingandmaintainingcollectionpoliciesandprocedures,coordinatingandmonitoringcollectionactivitiesofallaccountsassignedtooutsideagencies,andaddressingandresolvingcomplaintsfrompayeesandagencies.
CourtDepartmentsandPrograms
CourtDepartmentsandPrograms
24
PretrialServices2005Statistics
PretrialServices
ThePretrialServicesDepartmentservesasthepretrialreleaseagencyforWayneCounty.Thisdepartmentprovidespertinentinformationregardingthedefendant’scriminal,personal,andemploymenthistorytothejudicialofficertoenhancetheCourt’sdecision-makingprocess.MichiganCourtRule6.106requiresthatbonddecisionsforpretrialreleasebemadeindependentofpoliticalpressuresandwithoutdiscriminationbasedonrace,sex,oreconomicstatus.Thecountyandcommunitybenefitfromthecostsavingsofdecreasedpretrialdetentionbyidentifyingthosedefendantswhocanbesafelyreleasedtothecommunitypendingdisposaloffelonycourtmatters.Furthermore,thedepartmentprovidestheCourtwithpreliminarySentencingGuidelineassessmentstoidentifythosedefendantseligiblefornon-jailornon-prisonsentences,andtodefensecounselandtheprosecutorasanaidtopleaconsideration.
2005
DefendantsInterviewed 10,083
TotalBondRecommendationsSubmitted 12,521
WrittenRecommendations 2,247
OralRecommendations 10,274
Supervision(YearlyAverages)
TotalDefendantsMonitored 9,318
ComplianceRate 85%
CapiasRate 11%
SentencingGuidelinesSubmitted 13,360
PercentageofCasesGuidelined 93%
L.E.I.N.Queries 18,755
ANCILLARYCOURTSERVICESCONTINUEDJuryServices
TheJuryServicesDepartmentprovidesfullservicesfortheCircuitandProbateCourtinWayneCounty,aswellasprospectivejuryselectionandqualificationservicesforalldistrictcourtsinWayneCounty.JuryServices,alongwithCourtAdministration,developsprocessesandprocedurestoefficientlyandeffectivelyutilizetheservicesofcitizenscalledtoserveonjuryduty.Thedepartment’sresponsibilitiesincludeallaspectsofqualifying,evaluating,selecting,summoning,andprocessingpayrollforjurors.TheJuryServicesDepartmentalsoreportsandrecordstheprogressofeachjurytrialandprovidesotherstatisticalinformationtoCourtAdministration.
TotalQuestionnairesMailed 370,582
TotalQuestionnairesReturned 186,176
TotalSummonsMailed 95,146
TotalJuryPanelsRequested 2,456
TotalJurorsUtilized 53,531
TotalJurorsOrderedtoShowCause 132
JuryServices2005Statistics
CourtDepartmentsandPrograms
25
FRIENDOFTHECOURT
TheThirdCircuitFriendoftheCourt(FOC)isthelargestFOCinMichigan,withover250,000activedomesticrelationscases.TheFOCisanadjunctoftheCircuitCourt,whichhasasitsprimaryresponsibilitiesinvestigating,reporting,andmakingrecommendationstotheCourtonmattersofcustody,parentingtime,andsupportofminorchildren;andprovidingmediationasanalternativemethodofdisputeresolution.
ChildSupportEnforcement2005FiscalYearStatisticsIV-DCasesOpenwithSupportOrdersEstablished
Total 230,939
ActiveTemporaryAidtoNeedyFamilies(TANF) 27,227
NonActiveTANF 203,712
TotalSupportOrdered $440,884,330
TotalSupportCollected $332,628,886
IncomeWithholding $242,436,093
FederalTaxIntercepts 23,255,215
UnemploymentCompensation 10,537,668
FinancialInstitutionDataMatch(FIDM) 5,079,009
ReceivedfromOtherStates 4,003,240
StateTaxIntercepts 2,699,696
Receiverships 1,521
Worker’sCompensation 1,112
AllOtherPayments 44,615,332
TotalSupportDisbursed $331,672,443
CustodialParents $279,544,876
StateofMichigan-TANF 37,304,636
StateofMichigan-Medicaid 8,561,213
Out-of-StateAgencies 2,404,271
OtherRecipients 3,857,447
CourtDepartmentsandPrograms
CourtDepartmentsandPrograms
26
CaseEstablishment
TheCaseEstablishmentDepartmentisresponsiblefortheinitiationofpaternity,familysupportandinterstatecases,whichresultintheestablishmentofpaternityandchildsupportorders.Thedepartmentisresponsibleforavarietyoftasksincludingcreatingdocuments;recordinganddocketingevents;schedulingallinterviews,hearings,andgenetictestingappointments;interviewinglitigantstoassistindeterminingchildsupportobligations;andappearingathearingsbeforetheRefereeandJudge.Thedepartmentcompletesitstasksbydividingtheresponsibilitiesintothreeareas,includingclericalsupport,domesticrelations,andtheSpecialAssistantProsecutingAttorney.
FRIENDOFTHECOURTCONTINUED
FamilyAssessment,Mediation,andEducation
TheFamilyAssessment,Mediation,andEducationDepartmentiscomprisedoftheFamilyEvaluation,Mediation,andCounseling(FEMC)UnitandtheDisputeResolutionUnit(DRU).TheFEMCUnitprovidescourt-orderedevaluationsandmediationforfamilieswheretheparentsareinconflictregardingcustodyand/orparentingtime.FEMCalsooccasionallyprovidessupervisedparentingtimeandcourtesyhomeassessmentsforotherjurisdictions.TheDRUservestheincreasingneedformediationservicesindomesticrelations.ItprovidesavarietyofmediationservicestotheFriendoftheCourtandtodomesticrelationsjudges.DRUalsocoordinatesbothcourt-fundedandgrant-fundedfamilyeducationprograms.
FinancialServicesUnit
TheFinancialServicesUnit(FSU)processespaymentsintotheMichiganChildSupportEnforcementSystem(MiCSES)andmanagesmoneyinthesuspenseaccounts.TheFinancialServicesstaffreviewswhythemoneyisnotbeingdisbursedandthentakesthenecessaryactiontoensuretheappropriatedisbursement.TheFSUconductsresearchandassiststhevariousagenciesinresolvingfinancialissues.
InvestigationandModificationReview
TheInvestigationandModificationReviewDepartmentissuesrecommendationstotheCourtregardingcustody,parentingtimeandchildsupportonpendingdivorceandchildcustodymatters.Italsoissuesrecommendationsonallpost-judgmentchildsupportmatters.
InterstateCommunicationsUnit
TheInterstateCommunicationsUnithandlesallpost-judgmentrequestsfrominterstateandintrastateIV-Dagencies.TheseagenciesincludeInterstateCentralRegistry,InternalRegionalOffices,andInterstateForeignOffices.Thisunitrespondstoinquiriesconcerningcasestatus,certifiedpaymentrecords,arrearageaffidavits,interstatepaymentprocessingissues,taxinterceptcreditsreceivedbyout-of-stateagencies,paymentredirects,andcaseclosurereviews.
CourtDepartmentsandPrograms
27
LegalDepartment
TheLegalDepartmentisresponsibleforhandlingallinternallegalmattersfortheFriendoftheCourt(FOC).TheLegalDepartmentispresentlycomprisedoffourunits.TheLitigationUnitincludesateamofFOCattorneysandclericalstaffresponsibleforhandlingissuesincludingworkers’compensationclaims,litigatingcourt-orderedliensonlargesums,employercontemptactions,bankruptcyissues,estates,andpropertymatters.Theattorneysarealsoassignedtojudicialdocketsinprocessingshowcauseproceedingsandhandlingallde novoreviewsarisingoutofFOCrefereehearings.
TheBenchWarrantUnithandlesallbenchwarrantmatters,includingcontempthearingsheldbeforetheCourt,processingbondorders,andresolutionofbenchwarrantsissuedonindividualsheldasaresultoffailuretoappearatshowcausehearings.
TheCourtServicesUnitisresponsibleforprocessingallFinancialInstitutionDataMatchcaseswhereapayer’sbankaccountisheldforpaymentonarrearages.TheCourtServicesUnitalsohandlestransfercasesandassiststheCourtinmotionsregardingstatuteoflimitationsandcancellationofarrearages.
TheCaseEstablishmentUnithasSpecialAssistantProsecutingAttorneys(SAPA)whoareresponsibleforprocessingthosecasesthatrequireahearingbeforeaRefereeregardingestablishmentofapaternityorsupportcase.SAPAsarealsoresponsibleforhandlingdenovorequestsbeforetheCourt,andpro permotionstosetasideOrdersofFiliationandSupport.
OmbudsmanOffice
TheThirdCircuitFriendoftheCourthasanOmbudsmanUnitthatisresponsibleforexpeditingandresolvingcomplexchildsupportissuesthatmayoccurasaresultofasystemoroperationserror.TheofficealsorespondstoandresolvesallgrievancesfiledbythepublicwiththeStateCourtAdministrativeOffice.
OrderEntryDepartment
TheOrderEntryDepartmentisresponsiblefortheentryofalldomesticrelationscourtordersintotheMichiganChildSupportEnforcementSystem(MiCSES).Theseincludetemporaryorders,judgments,modifiedorders,andthirdpartyorders.
RefereeDepartment
TheFriendoftheCourt(FOC)RefereeDepartmentincludeseightrefereeswhoheardomesticrelationsdisputesandmakerecommendationstothejudges.Therefereedocketsconsistofin-pro permotions,privatebarmotions,FOCchildsupportmodifications,medicalshowcauses,parentingtimemotionsandshowcauses,licensesuspensions,andinterstatesupportactions.Refereesalsoholdevidentiaryhearingsondisputedmattersaswellasconsenthearingswhenpartiesagreeonadomesticrelationsorsupportmatters.
FRIENDOFTHECOURTCONTINUED
CourtDepartmentsandPrograms
CourtDepartmentsandPrograms
28
SpecialProjectsDepartment
TheSpecialProjectsDepartmentsupportstheFriendoftheCourtoperationsbyservingastheliaisonwithstatepartneragencies:MichiganStateDisbursementUnit,theDepartmentofHumanServicesOfficeofChildSupport,andotherchildsupportofficeswithinthestate.ThedepartmentisresponsibleforaddinganddeletingstaffaccesstotheMichiganChildSupportEnforcementSystem,transferringcasesfromothercounties,andensuringthatallstaffareassignedtheappropriateroleswithinthesystem.Conversiontoastatewidesystemhasledtodataclean-uprelatedprojectsatthelocallevel.Thisdepartmentistheentrypointforalldataclean-upprojects.
SupportEnforcementDepartment
TheSupportEnforcementDepartment’sprimaryfocusistoenforcechildsupportobligations.ThedepartmentmonitorsandmaintainsmajorenforcementremedieswiththeintentionofincreasingcollectionsandreimbursementsfortheCourt.EnforcementprogramsmanagedbythisdepartmentareTaxIntercept,LicenseSuspension,PassportDenial,CreditReporting,Auditing,InterstateChildSupportEnforcement,andMedicalSupportEnforcement.TheMedicalEnforcementstaffensuresthatobligorsmaintaincourt-orderedhealthinsurancecoverageandpayuninsuredmedicalexpenses.TheEnforcementstaffalsoassistswiththeFelonyNon-SupportprogramsrunbytheAttorneyGeneralandtheWayneCountyProsecutor.
FRIENDOFTHECOURTCONTINUED
JUVENILEADMINISTRATION
Adoptions
TheAdoptionsUnitisresponsibleforprocessingalladoptionsforWayneCountyresidents.Theunithelpsensurepermanentlybondedfamiliesthroughthetimelyterminationofparentalrights,formalplacementofchildrenintoapprovedhomes,adoptionfinalization,andthedeliveryofefficientpost-adoptionservices.Theunitalsoprocessesvoluntaryreleasesofparentalrightsstemmingfromneglect,abuse,orothercasesforthepurposeofadoption.
Adoptions2005Statistics2005
AdoptionPetitionsFiled 883
Dispositions 940
Releases 149
Consents 186
Reports:Non-Identifying&IdentifyingReports 30
TheOfficeofJuvenileAdministrationmanagestheadministrativefunctionsoftheFamilyDivision-JuvenileSection.TheDirectorofJuvenileAdministrationoverseesthefollowingCourtDepartments:Adoptions,CourtAppointedSpecialAdvocates,Intake,JuvenileServicesandReferees.
CourtDepartmentsandPrograms
29
CourtAppointedSpecialAdvocateProgram
TheCourtAppointedSpecialAdvocatesProgram(CASA)fortheThirdCircuitCourtplaysavaluableroleinchildprotectiveproceedingsandserviceschildreninout-of-homeplacementinWayneCounty.Theprogramprovidestrainedcommunityvolunteerswhoareappointedbythejurists.Theirresponsibilitiesincludegatheringinformationonthechildrenbyreviewingrecords,interviewingparents,talkingtoteachers,neighbors,andmostimportantlythechildren.Thevolunteersalsoappearincourttomakerecommendationsregardingwhatisinthebestinterestofthechildren.
CourtAppointedSpecialAdvocateProgram2005Statistics
ProgramActivity 2005
CasesAssigned 72
CasesClosed 32
ActiveCases 48
VolunteersTrained 32
ChildrenServed 203
NewChildren 119
ChildrenWhoseCaseClosed 73
JUVENILEADMINISTRATIONCONTINUEDClinicforChildStudy
TheClinicforChildStudyprovidesfamiliesandyouthunderthejurisdictionoftheFamilyDivision-JuvenileSectionwithtimelycomprehensiveassessments,effectivetreatment,earlyintervention,mediation,andclientservicesmanagement.ItalsoprovidestheCourtwithevaluations,recommendations,reports,andexpertwitnesstestimony.TheClinicforChildStudyhassixservicedeliveryunits,whicharefundedbytheDetroit-WayneCountyCommunityMentalHealthAgency.ThesesixunitsareFamilyAssessmentUnit,Child/AdolescentAssessmentUnit,JuvenileSocialAssessmentUnit,ClinicTreatmentUnit,IntensiveProbationUnit,andStatusOffendersUnit.
ClinicforChildStudy2005Statistics
CasesReferredtoClinicforAssessment 2005
FamilyAssessmentforProtectiveHearings 850
Child/AdolescentAssessment 1,116
Guardianships 46
AdoptionStudies 0
Total 2,012
EarlyIntervention(Walk-inParentComplaints) 1,508
ClientServicesManagement(IntensiveProbation) 760
ClinicTreatmentUnit 537
ScheduledTreatmentSessions 3,675
CourtDepartmentsandPrograms
CourtDepartmentsandPrograms
30
JuvenileDrugCourt
JuvenileDrugCourtisformallynamedtheSupervisedTreatmentforAlcoholandNarcoticsDependencyProgram(STAND).Theprogramutilizestherapeuticjurisprudenceandcasemanagementtodevelop,coordinate,andmonitorajuvenile’streatment.STANDusesasystemofgraduatedincentivesandsanctionstoencourageprogresstowardcompliance,negativedrugscreens,schoolattendanceoremployment,andnoadditionaldelinquencypetitions.Whenajuvenileintheprogramsuccessfullycompletesallrequirementsandgraduates,theCourtdismissestheoriginalcharge.
TotalParticipantsinProgram 84
NewAdmissions 51
ReturningParticipants 0
GraduatingParticipants 14
RemovedParticipants 23
JuvenileDrugCourt2005Statistics
JuvenileIntake
TheIntakeUnitisresponsiblefortheinitialprocessingofalldelinquencyandchildprotectiveproceedingsmattersthatcometotheattentionoftheCourt.ThisincludesthescreeningandprocessingofbothadmissionstotheWayneCountyJuvenileDetentionFacilityandcomplaintsregardingjuvenileswhoarenotincustody.TheunitisresponsibleforconductingConsentCalendarhearingsandTrafficandOrdinancehearings,anddivertingcasestovariousagencieswithinWayneCounty.TheunitisalsoresponsibleformonitoringAdultDesignatedcasesandPleaUnderAdvisementcases.RegardingChildProtectiveProceedingsmatters,theIntakeUnitprocessesandmaintainsrequestsforOrderstoTakeIntoProtectiveCustody,policecustodymatters,andAWOLPcasesinvolvingchildrenwhomaybetruantfromtheirfostercareplacements.
JUVENILEADMINISTRATIONCONTINUED
InterviewsonAdmittanceIntoJuvenileDetentionFacility 4,421
Police/AgencyCallsforPlacementAuthorization 534
InterviewswithDHSWorkers
OriginalPetitionsw/PlacementAuthorizations 577
SupplementalPetitionsw/PlacementAuthorizations 77
OriginalPermanentCustodyPetitions 116
FamilyInterviews
ConsentProbation 16
ConsentDocketsHeld 104
Traffic/OrdinanceDocketsHeld 70
CourtDepartmentsandPrograms
EXECUTIVECOURTADMINISTRATORBernardJ.Kost
THIRDCIRCUITCOURTMANAGERS
DEPUTYCOURTADMINISTRATORKelliD.Moore
DIRECTORANCILLARYCOURTSERVICES
SidneyMcBride
DIRECTORASSIGNEDCOUNSELSERVICES
LeonardBranka
DIRECTORCASEPROCESSING
JeromeFekin
CHIEFCOURTREPORTERDebraD.McGinnis
DIRECTORJUVENILEADMINISTRATION
JohannaO’Grady-Ward
CHIEFREFEREEThomasDoetsch
DIRECTORBUILDINGSANDFACILITIES
TheresaPlotzke
CHIEFFINANCIALOFFICERThereseM.Lisowski
DIRECTORCLINICFORCHILDSTUDY
JosephAvore
DIRECTORHUMANRESOURCES
PamelaE.Griffin
DIRECTORINFORMATIONTECHNOLOGY&
SYSTEMSBUREAUJeromeWysocki
JUDICIALASSISTANTGregoryKocab
EXECUTIVEDIRECTORMEDIATIONTRIBUNAL
ASSOCIATIONLisaTimmons
FRIENDOFTHECOURTJosephSchewe
ASSISTANTFRIENDOFTHECOURTDorisRyans
DIRECTORCASEESTABLISHMENT
SusanBuckley
DIRECTORINFORMATIONSERVICES&FINANCIALSERVICESUNIT
ZenellBrown
DIRECTORINVESTIGATIONS&RECORDS
RETENTIONCarolCotter
DIRECTORLEGALSERVICESCamilleDennis
SENIORREFEREENancyDonohue
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
InadditiontotheCourt’sManagersandSupervisors,Iwouldliketothankthefollowingemployeesfortheircontributiontotheannualreport:MichelleA.Esterbrook,KayFarrell,KathleenFleming-Clark,FrancesFogel-
Gibson,CheriJ.Holland,MichaelR.Navin,AlisaShannon,RolandSmithandMaryKayWimsatt.
IwouldalsoliketothankElizabethShumateforthegraphics,designandformatofthereport.Finally,aspe-cialthankstoKelliMooreforassumingresponsibilityforthecontent,editingandlayoutofthereport.Itruly
appreciateherhardworkanddedicationtotheCourt.
BernardJ.KostExecutiveCourtAdministrator
31
CourtManagers/Acknowledgments
CourtManagers/Acknowledgments
ColemanA.YoungMunicipalCenter
FrankMurphyHallofJustice
LincolnHallofJustice
PenobscotBuilding