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Eaton County Trial Courts - District Court Traffic

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1. Where is District Court Traffic located?

The 56A District Court is located on the first floor of the Eaton County Courthouse, which is located at:
1045 Independence Boulevard
Charlotte, MI 48813

2. How much is my traffic ticket?

To determine the amount of your ticket, view our list of fines and points (PDF).

3. How can I pay my traffic ticket?

There are a variety of methods for paying tickets, including by mail, phone, or online.

4. How can I make payments on my traffic violation fine?

You can set up a payment plan with the court to settle your violation.

5. When does the court close for payments?

The court closes for payments at 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

6. Can I write a check for my traffic violation?

Yes, unless your license has been suspended. Checks should be made payable to 56A District Court. Please include your ticket or case number on the check.

7. What is the mailing address for District Court Traffic?

The mailing address for the court is:
56A District Court
Traffic Division
1045 Independence Boulevard
Charlotte, MI 48813

8. Can I pay the court online?

Yes, you can pay online through AllPaid. A fee is added for using this service. Learn more about making payments.

9. Can I pay the court by phone?

Yes, you can by telephone through GovPayNow at 888-604-7888. You will need pay location code (PLC) number PLC 6701 to use this GovPayNow service. A fee is added for using this service. Find more information about making payments.

10. Can I make partial payments to the court?

Yes, you can make partial payments by setting up a payment plan.

11. How many points are on this violation?

To determine how many points are on a violation, view our list of fines and points for traffic violations (PDF).

12. How many days do I have to contact the court about my ticket?

You usually have 10 to 14 days to contact the court regarding your ticket. Check out contact information for the court.

13. The court tells me they don't have the ticket yet. What do I do?

Re-contact the court every two to three days until you are advised the court does have your traffic violation. Find contact information for the court.

14. When can I see the Judge or Magistrate?

The hours for the court are the following:

• Magistrate Hours
  Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
  1 to 4:30 p.m.
  Tuesday and Thursday
  8 to 11:30 a.m.
• Traffic Court Hours
  Monday through Friday
  8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

15. What time are walk-in arraignments?

Walk-in arraignment hours are as follows:
Monday
1:15 to 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday and Friday
8:15 to 11:30 a.m.

16. How do I get a court-appointed attorney?

You may request a court-appointed attorney after your arraignment and usually at your first Pre Trial Conference. The Judge or Magistrate will explain your options at your arraignment.

17. Why do I have a warrant, and how do I take care of the warrant?

A warrant was issued because you failed to contact or come into court. You will need to appear at the court during business hours along with photo identification. 

A warrant for failing to pay may be recalled upon payment made by email, phone, in person or by mail. A warrant for failing to appear requires a personal appearance.

18. Why did the officer tell me the ticket was waivable?

Some violations are waivable. Read details about these types of violations and how to have them waived.

19. I got a default notice from the court. What does that mean?

You failed to contact the court in the appropriate time period after you received a traffic violation. If you wish to dispute this ticket, you will need to post a bond in cash or by money order within 14 days of the default date.

20. I got a show cause notice from the court. What do I do?

You need to appear in court to explain why you haven't paid your fines or costs. If you pay the fines and costs in full, the hearing is removed off the docket and you do not need to appear. Please contact the court for a current balance.

21. Why do I need to appear at the court?

Some hearings require you be personally present. View a list of these violations.

22. When are jail arraignments?

Jail arraignments are held at the discretion of the court. There is no specific time. They are held throughout the day.

23. How long does it take for a credit card transaction to post?

The court is aware of your payment almost immediately, but it may take 48 to 72 hours to process.

24. How much do I owe for a balance on my account?

Please contact the court for this information.

25. When is my next court date?

To find out your next court date, please contact the court.

26. Can I get something removed from my criminal record?

State law has specific requirements as to how and when anything can be removed from a criminal record. You may only have one prior conviction (misdemeanor or felony), though certain types of crimes are prohibited such as:

• Traffic offenses
• Criminal Sexual Conduct
• Felony offenses where life imprisonment is the possible penalty

It must be at least 5 years since the date of your conviction/sentencing. The process takes approximately 3 to 4 months from the application date to the hearing before the Judge. You may hire an attorney or handle the application yourself. 

More Information

Please refer to the Michigan State Police for further information on the application to Set Aside or Expungement of criminal history records.