45-A District Court

The 45-A District Court has jurisdiction in general civil litigation matters up to $25,000 and in small claims matters of $3,000 or less. The court also hears cases involving garnishment proceedings, evictions, land contract disputes and mortgage foreclosures.

Arraignments and preliminary exams for felony cases are heard in the 45-A District Court, as are bench trials, jury trials, and sentencing on all misdemeanor cases. The court also sets bonds and issues search warrants in criminal matters.

Traffic Violations

All traffic cases violations (civil infractions and traffic misdemeanors) occurring in the City of Berkley are heard in the 45-A District Court.

Questions? Call the Court for questions on:
Jury Duty	248-658-3400
Traffic Tickets	248-658-3402
Parking Tickets	248-658-3402
Small Claims Court	248-658-3405
Criminal Cases	248-658-3403

Jury Duty
Traffic Tickets
Parking Tickets
Small Claims Court


Meet Your Judge:
	In November of 2008, Judge Jamie Wittenberg was elected by the citizens of Berkley to the 45-A District Court. He is the first new judge in Berkley in the last 18 years. Judge Wittenberg is a proud second generation Berkley High School graduate. While at Berkley, he participated in varsity football and varsity tennis. He was also a youth basketball coach and member of the National Honor Society. Jamie received his undergraduate degree in public affairs from Indiana University, and his law degree from Wayne State University. While in law school he clerked for United States District Court Judge Bernard A. Friedman.
The Honorable James Wittenberg
Prior to attending law school, Judge Wittenberg opened his own retail/wholesale bakery business and later worked as a district manager for Elaine's Bagels in Berkley. Judge Wittenberg has spent his entire legal career working as a public servant. After law school he worked as an Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor under Kym Worthy, and most recently at the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office under Eric Smith. As a prosecutor, Jamie handled a number of high profile homicide cases. When Judge Wittenberg officially took office on January 1, 2009, he became the youngest judge in Oakland County and the second youngest elected judge in the entire State of Michigan. Judge Wittenberg is a resident of Berkley and a married father of two children.
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Meet Your Magistrate & Court Administrator:
	Hailing from Missouri, Jodi graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in Psychology. After graduating, she worked as a caseworker/intake officer in a juvenile detention facility, later extending her career in juvenile law as an evaluator, a legal assistant to a local prosecutor and also as a victim advocate for a women's shelter, law enforcement unit and court. While working, she also pursued her graduate degree in Human Development/Family Studies, Public Policy and Mediation. It is these experiences that finally led her to attending law school at the University of Missouri. A politically conscious individual, Jodi served as a registered lobbyist in Missouri, successfully lobbying legislation eventually signed into law by the late Governor Mel Carnahan.
The Honorable Jodi R. Debbrecht
She also served as an intern for a local representative as well as serving on several legislative committees working to improve the lives and laws for victims of domestic violence/sexual assault and their families. While in law school, she focused her interests in the area of criminal, family and juvenile law. Jodi excelled in a number of these areas (to include trial practice), receiving numerous awards for outstanding achievement. Prior to her appointment as Court Administrator and Magistrate in January of 2009, Jodi worked as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Macomb County under both Carl Marlinga and Eric Smith. A proud resident of Berkley since 2003, Jodi resides here with her husband, a long time resident of Berkley and graduate of the University of Michigan, and their children.
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Contact Us:
45-A District Court 3338 Coolidge Highway Berkley, MI 48072 (248) 658-3400 (248) 658-3401	Counter Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
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