Charged in Sterling Heights? Here Is What You Are Facing.
Sterling Heights is the largest city in Macomb County, with a population of over 130,000 residents. It is also one of the most active law enforcement jurisdictions in the county. According to the Michigan State Police Annual Drunk Driving Audit, Sterling Heights recorded 299 OWI/DUI arrests in 2024, more than any other city in Macomb County, including Warren, Clinton Township, and Shelby Township combined.
OWI/DUI arrests are just the beginning. Sterling Heights police and Macomb County Sheriff's deputies actively patrol Mound Road, Van Dyke Avenue, Schoenherr Road, and Hall Road, arresting residents for domestic violence, drug possession, retail fraud, assault, and felony offenses every day.
When you are charged with a crime in Sterling Heights, your case begins at the 41A District Court, Sterling Heights division. If you are facing a felony, it will eventually move to the 16th Circuit Court in Mt. Clemens. Scott appears in both courts regularly, and his office is located right here in Sterling Heights at 38600 Van Dyke Ave., Suite 200.
The 41A District Court, Sterling Heights Division
Court address
40111 Dodge Park Rd. Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Jurisdiction
Handles misdemeanor charges and felony arraignments and preliminary examinations for Sterling Heights and Shelby Township
Felony cases go to
16th Circuit Court 40 N. Main St. Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
The Judges of the 41A District Court
Every judge runs their courtroom differently on bond, sentencing, plea negotiations, and trial management. Scott appears in the 41A District Court and understands how it handles criminal cases.
Hon. Annemarie M. Lepore
Judge, 41A District Court
Hon. Stephen S. Sierawski
Judge, 41A District Court
Hon. Kimberley A. Wiegand
Judge, 41A District Court
What are you facing in Sterling Heights?
Find your situation below. Each one links to a plain-language page on what it means in Sterling Heights and Macomb County, what is at risk, and what can be done about it.
OWI/DUI
One bad decision behind the wheel should not define the rest of your life. Your license, your record, and your job are on the table, and all three are defensible.
Learn More →Domestic Violence
These cases move fast and hit close to home, including where you live and whether you can see your kids. The earliest hours matter most.
Learn More →Drug Crimes
Michigan's penalties are stiff, but first-offender options and other defenses can change the outcome.
Learn More →Felony Charge
A felony follows you. You need someone who treats your case with the seriousness it deserves and tells you the truth about it.
Learn More →Misdemeanor Charge
Even a misdemeanor can show up on a background check for years. It is worth defending.
Learn More →Pre-Charge or Under Investigation
If detectives have reached out, you still have options, and they are widest right now, before anything is filed.
Learn More →Traffic Offense
From speeding to reckless driving, handled at every level of severity.
Learn More →Juvenile Petition
Your child made a mistake. That does not have to define their future.
Learn More →Why people charged in Sterling Heights rely on Scott E. Rabaut
A name these courthouses already know
Scott is a second-generation defense attorney, nine years into his own practice. He clerked for his father, Stephen T. Rabaut, a respected Southeast Michigan criminal defense attorney who has defended the rights of Michigan residents for decades.
He has seen it from every side
Scott worked in loss prevention, at the Michigan Department of Corrections, and as an extern with the prosecutor's office. He knows how the other side builds a case.
Criminal defense is all he does
Scott practices criminal defense only, never a general practice. His full-time focus stays on your charges.
You sit down with Scott
The person who hears your story is the person who handles your case.
Start with a free conversation
Your first consultation costs nothing. A straight answer about where you stand from someone who does this every day, not a guess from Google or advice from a friend.
Flat-fee pricing, no surprises
You know your full fee up front. No surprise invoices later.
24/7 live answer
Day or night, your call reaches a real person, not a recording.
A real conversation, and an honest assessment.
Some lawyers will say whatever it takes to get you in the door. Scott will not. When you sit down with him, he tells you the truth about your case: what is possible, what is likely, and what it will take to get there. If he is the right person to defend you, he will say so. If he is not, he will tell you that too.
This is your future. You deserve someone who is honest with you from the very first call.
Call Now — (586) 243-4140What Happens After You Are Charged in Sterling Heights
The criminal process in Sterling Heights follows a specific sequence. Understanding each stage, and having an attorney at every step, significantly affects the outcome.
Arrest and booking
You are taken to the Sterling Heights Police Department or Macomb County Jail. You may be released on a provisional bond the same night or held until arraignment. Do not make statements to police without an attorney present.
Arraignment at the 41A District Court
Your first court appearance. You are formally told what you are charged with, and the judge sets your bond. Having Scott present at arraignment often results in a lower bond than you would receive without legal representation.
Pre-trial conference
Scott meets with the Macomb County prosecutor assigned to your case. He reviews the evidence, identifies weaknesses, and begins negotiating for a reduction, diversion, or dismissal.
Preliminary examination (felonies only)
For felony cases, the prosecution must present evidence to justify binding your case over to Circuit Court. Scott can challenge witnesses and evidence at this stage, and sometimes gets felony charges dismissed here.
Circuit Court (felonies) or trial / plea (misdemeanors)
Felony cases move to the 16th Circuit Court in Mt. Clemens. Misdemeanor cases resolve at the 41A District Court through a plea agreement or trial. Scott prepares every case as if it is going to trial, which is the strongest negotiating position.
Sentencing
If the case resolves with a plea or guilty verdict, sentencing follows. Scott advocates for the most favorable outcome: probation over jail, treatment programs over incarceration, and minimal long-term impact on your record and your life.
Frequently asked questions
The Right Move Is the One You Make Right Now.
Every day that passes without the right attorney in your corner is a day the other side uses to build their case.
Free initial consultation
Prefer to Call?
A live person answers every call — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
(586) 243-4140Law Offices of Scott E. Rabaut
38600 Van Dyke Ave., Suite 200
Sterling Heights, MI 48312
Callback within 24 hours — sooner when urgency requires it.