| About the 18th District Court |
THE COURT:
The 18th District Court is one of the busiest courts in a vast network of Michigan trial courts. In 2006, the 18th District Court had a total case load of approximately 85,000 cases.
The judges at the 18th District Court have the authority to hear misdemeanor cases (where the maximum possible sentence is one year in jail) and civil cases in which damages claimed do not exceed $25,000. The 18th District Court also handles civil infractions (tickets) which carry monetary penalties and points on your driving record. In addition, the Court has jurisdiction over landlord-tenant disputes and small claims (disputes with damages up to $3,000).
Whether you passed by the courthouse or have been a recent visitor, you will have noticed that construction of a much-needed addition to the Court is complete. The new configuration has relieved some of the lines and congestion that for many years was experienced by those having business at the Court.
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THE BENCH:
HONORABLE C. CHARLES BOKOS, Chief Judge
The Honorable C. Charles Bokos was appointed by the Governor as district court judge in 1992 and subsequently elected to office in 1994, 1996 and 2002.
Born and raised in Detroit, Judge Bokos graduated from Redford High School. After high school, he attended Wayne State University where he majored in Political Science. Judge Bokos received his Bachelor of Arts degree from WSU in 1961 and attended Wayne State University School of Law, earning a Bachelor of Law and Juris Doctor degree in 1964.
As a practicing attorney for 27 years before becoming a judge, Judge Bokos gained extensive trial experience in both criminal and civil matters. He also served as prosecutor in several communities in Wayne County and was the General Counsel for various local police officer associations, the Nankin Transit Commission, the Central Wayne County Sanitation Authority (serving the cities of Garden City, Dearborn Heights, Inkster, Wayne and Westland), and the Elderly Housing Corporation.
As City Attorney, Judge Bokos handled the legal affairs for the City of Westland, City of Southgate, and Plymouth Township.
Primary among the many things Judge Bokos brought to the bench are a working knowledge of Michigan's trial court and appellate court systems, a successful background in business operations, and a lifetime of "people skills." Due in part to such attributes, the 18th District Court has become a model of efficient operation.
Judge Bokos is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Michigan District Judges Association, the Wayne County District Judges Association (also serving at its president), the Suburban Bar Association, the Livonia Bar and Helenic Bar Associations, and the American Judges Association. He also has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Wayne/Westland YMCA.
The father of three and grandfather of five, Judge Bokos lives in Westland with his wife, Hilda.
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HONORABLE SANDRA FERENCE CICIRELLI, District Judge
Judge Sandra Ference Cicirelli has served as Judge of the 18th District Court since January, 2007. Judge Cicirelli was elected to the bench in November 2006. Judge Cicirelli took the bench after serving the citizens of Westland as their Mayor for five years. She previously served the community as a member of the Westland City Council for twelve years. Prior to becoming Judge and Mayor she practiced law with her brothers and sisters at the firm of Ference, Ference, and Cicirelli P.C. She has been active in the community through various civic groups, including First Step, Women of Westland, and other organizations. She has received the Athena Award for outstanding contributions to the community. |
HONORABLE DONALD L. VANDERSLOOT, Magistrate
Magistrate Donald Vandersloot is a graduate of Livonia Bentley High School, Michigan State University (1964) and The Detroit College of Law (1976).
Mr. Vandersloot was employed as a police officer with the Livonia Police Department for 25 years, retiring in 1991 as a Detective Sergeant. He worked as a Westland Assistant City Attorney, handling prosecutions in the 18th District Court from 1992 to 1996 and was appointed as Magistrate in January, 1996.
As Magistrate, Mr. Vandersloot handles criminal arraignments, civil infraction tickets and hearings, small claims hearings, and performs weddings at the courthouse. In addition, he is authorized to sign arrest and search warrants.
Mr. Vandersloot lives with his wife Valda and an array of domestic pets.
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