Total Case Dispositions Covering 2004 - 2009
Case Loads
New Filings Covering 2004 - 2009
HONORABLE CARL F. GERDS III
Annual Report
Meet the Judge
Judge Carl Gerds was elected district judge in November, 2008 and began his first six-year term on January 1, 2009. Prior to his election to the bench, he worked in private practice for over 30 years.
Judge Gerds is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, American Bar Association and Michigan District Judges Association. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from the University of Detroit and a Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of Michigan Law School.
Judge Gerds has been married to Roslyn for 35 years and they have three children. A life-long resident of Eastpointe , Judge Gerds has a long record of civic community involvement which includes being a past Eastpointe Mayor Pro Tem, twice elected to Eastpointe City Council, former member of 8 Mile-Kelly Homeowners Association, current member and past president of Eastpointe Chamber of Commerce and a former member Eastpointe Senior Citizen Advisory Commission.
Courts Mission
The Mission Statement of the 38th Judicial District Court is to ensure the prompt and fair adjudication of all cases and to improve public confidence in the Courts through accessibility, communication and education. Jurisdiction As part of Michigan’s “One Court of Justice”, the 38th District Court has jurisdiction over the following case types arising in the City of Eastpointe: · Criminal Felonies (exam only) · Criminal Misdemeanors · Traffic Infractions · Zoning/Building Infractions · General Civil Lawsuits up to $25,000 · Landlord/Tenant · Small Claims Cases
Core Values
The Court strives to ensure the following: Access to Justice; Efficiency and Timeliness; Equality, Fairness and Integrity; Independence and Accountability; and Public Trust and Confidence.
Court Vision
Since taking the bench, Judge Gerds has begun the process of “Vision and Strategic Planning” for the 38th District Court. This includes his goals and objectives to improve day-to-day court management.This process requires a constant review of: case management practices; technology within the court; community outreach involvement; fiscal responsibility and motivation of employees.Setting a vision and strategic plan for the 38th District Court helps shape the court management team by fostering, developing and enhancing court-related communications and increasing public awareness of the community’s system of justice.
2009 Court Funding
The State of Michigan contributes to the Court budget as follows:
ALL OTHER COURT FUNDING COMES FROM THE CITY OF EASTPOINTE The State of Michigan receives the following revenue from court cases:
The COUNTY LIBRARY receives the penal fine portion of the assessment on all cases written under state law and 30% of the penal fine on motor carrier cases written under local ordinance. In 2009 Judge Gerds implemented the Show Cause Docket which is one part of the court’s new comprehensive collections strategy of delinquent payments. Each month, new delinquent payers are notified to appear in front of him to explain why they haven’t paid their fines and costs. Many of the defendants come in prior to receiving their notice; others appear for their hearing and resolve their account. Those that fail to appear are held in contempt and a bench warrant is issued for their arrest. Upon arrest, the defendant will have to post a bond in the amount owed to close the case or they are brought before the Judge.
Court Revenue
ALL OTHER REVENUE GOES TO THE CITY OF EASTPOINTE
PROJECTS & PROGRAMS
In 2009 Judge Gerds contacted U of D Law School to see if they would be interested in implementing a law clinic at the court. This law clinic would allow third year law students to practice under a licensed attorney. During the year they handled over 200 cases for the court. This saves defendants and the court the cost of paying court appointed attorneys.
- Express Payment
The court has installed a terminal at the end of the clerk’s counter. As a result, individuals no longer have to wait in line to pay a clerk. The court still offers the options to the public to pay in person, on-line and via mail.
