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 arrests in 2024 — more than any other city in Macomb County, including Warren, Clinton Township, and Shelby Township combined.
OWI 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 41-A District Court. If you are facing a felony, it will eventually move to the 16th Circuit Court in Mt. Clemens. Scott Rabaut appears in both courts regularly — and his office is located right here in Sterling Heights at 38600 Van Dyke Ave., Suite 200.
Court address
40111 Dodge Park Rd Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Jurisdiction
Handles all misdemeanor charges and felony arraignments / preliminary examinations for Sterling Heights and Shelby Township
Felony cases go to
16th Circuit Court 40 N. Main St. Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
Every judge in the 41-A District Court has their own approach to bond, sentencing, plea negotiations, and trial management. Scott has appeared before all three and understands how each one runs their courtroom.
Judge Annemarie M. Lepore
Known for thorough examination of evidence and close attention to procedural compliance.
Judge Stephen S. Sierawski
Experienced with a wide range of criminal matters from misdemeanors through complex felony preliminary exams.
Judge Kimberley A. Wiegand
Focuses on rehabilitation and diversion options for first-time and eligible youthful offenders.
Scott handles the full range of criminal cases filed in the 41-A District Court and 16th Circuit Court — from first-offense misdemeanors to serious felonies.
OWI / DUI →
First offense, second offense, High BAC (.17+), drugged driving (OWPD), and felony OWI third offense. Sterling Heights had 299 OWI arrests in 2024 — the highest in Macomb County.
Felony Charges →
Drug delivery, felonious assault, home invasion, criminal sexual conduct, weapons charges, and more. Felony cases from Sterling Heights go to the 16th Circuit Court in Mt. Clemens after preliminary examination.
Domestic Violence →
First, second, and aggravated domestic violence. Once charges are filed in Sterling Heights, the victim cannot simply drop them — the prosecution controls the case from that point forward.
Misdemeanor Charges →
Retail fraud, assault and battery, disorderly conduct, driving on a suspended license, malicious destruction of property, and more. Misdemeanor convictions appear on background checks.
Drug Crimes →
Possession, possession with intent to deliver, delivery, and manufacturing. First-time offenders may be eligible for Section 7411 deferral — a program that can result in dismissal.
Traffic Offenses →
Reckless driving, driving while license suspended (DWLS), fleeing and eluding, and civil infraction tickets. Scott can often appear in court on your behalf so you don't miss work.
There is no shortage of criminal defense attorneys in Macomb County. Here is what makes the difference.
His office is in Sterling Heights
Scott's primary office is at 38600 Van Dyke Ave., Suite 200 — minutes from the 41-A District Court. He is not a Metro Detroit attorney who occasionally appears here. This is his home court.
He knows the 41-A District Court
Scott regularly appears before Judges Lepore, Sierawski, and Wiegand. He understands how each one runs their courtroom, what matters to them at sentencing, and how to position your case most effectively.
Prosecutor's office experience
Before building his defense practice, Scott worked in the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office. He understands exactly how the prosecution builds its case — and where the weaknesses are.
Second-generation defense attorney
Scott clerked under his father, Stephen T. Rabaut, one of Michigan's most experienced criminal trial attorneys. The Rabaut family has been serving Macomb County for over 46 years.
Live answer 24/7 — no voicemail
A live person answers the phone every hour of every day. If you were just arrested at 2 AM, you can call right now and speak to someone immediately. Most firms send you to voicemail.
Flat fee pricing — no surprises
You know exactly what you are paying before you commit. No hourly billing anxiety. No surprise invoices at the end of a hard month. Clear pricing from the start.
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 41-A 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 41-A 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.
Criminal cases in Sterling Heights are handled first at the 41-A District Court, located at 40111 Dodge Park Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48313. Misdemeanor cases conclude there. Felony cases are bound over from the 41-A District Court to the 16th Circuit Court in Mt. Clemens after a preliminary examination.
The 41-A District Court in Sterling Heights has three judges: Judge Annemarie M. Lepore, Judge Stephen S. Sierawski, and Judge Kimberley A. Wiegand. Each judge has their own approach to sentencing, bond, and case management — local court experience matters significantly.
According to the Michigan State Police Annual Drunk Driving Audit, Sterling Heights had 299 OWI arrests in 2024 — the highest total in Macomb County. OWI is the single most frequently charged criminal offense in Sterling Heights, followed by domestic violence, retail fraud, and drug possession.
After an OWI arrest in Sterling Heights, you will typically be taken to the Sterling Heights Police Department, processed, and released on bond. Your case will be scheduled for arraignment at the 41-A District Court on Dodge Park Rd. At arraignment, you will be formally charged and a bond amount will be set. Pre-trial conferences and motion hearings follow. An attorney should be retained before the arraignment whenever possible.
Yes. An OWI charge in Sterling Heights can be reduced or dismissed depending on the facts of the case. Common grounds for challenge include an unconstitutional traffic stop, improper breathalyzer calibration, irregular blood draw procedures, and insufficient evidence of impairment. An experienced Sterling Heights DUI attorney can evaluate these issues before your first court date.
Jail is possible but not guaranteed for a first-offense OWI in Sterling Heights. Under Michigan law, a first-offense OWI carries a maximum of 93 days in jail. In Macomb County, jail on a first offense is possible but unlikely with strong legal representation. However, a High BAC (.17 or above) charge carries a maximum of 180 days. The outcome depends heavily on the judge, the facts, and your attorney's approach.
A felony case originating in Sterling Heights typically takes 4 to 12 months from arraignment to resolution. The case begins at the 41-A District Court for the arraignment and preliminary examination, then moves to the 16th Circuit Court in Mt. Clemens for pretrial conferences and potential trial or plea. More serious charges, complex evidence, or jury trials extend this timeline.
Yes. Scott Rabaut regularly appears in the 41-A District Court in Sterling Heights and Shelby Township. His office is located in Sterling Heights at 38600 Van Dyke Ave., Suite 200. He is familiar with the court's judges, prosecutors, and procedures, which directly benefits his clients' cases.
Every day that passes without the right attorney is a day the other side uses to build their case. Scott's office is in Sterling Heights. A live person answers 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