Below is a list of press releases, newsletters and announcements from the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan. Bookmark this page and visit for future updates.
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For questions or to get in touch with our communications department, contact:
Public Information Officer
313-967-3683
media@3rdcc.org
History of Third Judicial Circuit
The history of the court includes Detroit Recorder’s Court, one of the oldest courts of record in the U.S. Detroit Recorder’s Court traces its origins to Detroit’s Mayor’s Court established in 1824 and was formally created as a separate court in 1857. It functioned as a court of limited jurisdiction for decades with exclusive authority over felony criminal cases arising within the City of Detroit, as well as traffic and ordinance violations, but it did not hear civil matters.
Pursuant to state law, Detroit Recorder’s Court was abolished and merged into the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan effective October 1, 1997, with its judges becoming circuit court judges. Its final Chief before consolidation was the Hon. Vera Massey Jones. This merger integrated its criminal jurisdiction into Third Circuit Court, marking the end of a distinct institution that had handled many of Detroit’s most significant criminal cases for over a century.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 4, 2026
Contact: Mike Scott, Public Information Officer
Phone: 248-766-9482 or by email at michael.scott@3rdcc.orgThird Circuit Court of Michigan Warns Public of Text Messaging Ticket Scam
The Third Circuit Court of Michigan has been made aware of a rise in fraudulent text messages and communications falsely claiming to be from the “Wayne County Traffic Division” regarding missed alleged traffic enforcement violations.
Wayne County residents should be wary of text messages claiming an official “notice of default and enforcement action”. This fraudulent message may threaten fines, arrest, or other legal consequences unless immediate payment is made or personal information is provided. Such text messages are scams and are not authorized by any Wayne County court or law enforcement agency.
Law enforcement and court officials have received multiple reports of individuals being contacted via text message on their mobile devices with this fraudulent message in recent days. Third Circuit Court does not contact residents about traffic citations or other infractions via text message.
The Third Circuit Court emphasizes:
- Court-related notifications are sent through official mail, not by unsolicited text messages
- The court does not request payment via phone, text, or electronic transfer methods for any fee
- Court personnel will not threaten arrest or escalated activity via text message
Anyone who receives such a message should never respond to or click on any links. They should never provide personal or financial information. The court recommends that residents report the incident to their local law enforcement agency.
Third Circuit Court is also working with law enforcement agencies in Wayne County on this issue.
Please contact Third Circuit Court at communications@3rdcc.org for any questions.
Our Mission: We serve the community by providing accessible and equal justice for all.
Our Vision: We are an exemplary and innovative Court leading with integrity in providing justice and public service.For more information, visit our website www.3rdcc.org.
