Court and Community News from the Third Judicial Circuit

January 2025

Celebrating a Great Team at the Third Judicial Circuit

As we begin another year at Third Circuit Court, I want to thank our judges, referees and staff for their hard work and commitment to public service. The Court continued to reduce its case backlog and fill open positions in numerous departments last year, which is not an easy task.

With more than 460 employees, we have the lowest positional vacancy rate since before the COVID pandemic. Many of you worked long hours throughout the year to accomplish these and other goals. Your experience, professionalism and hard work is appreciated.

We have many key initiatives at the Court in 2025, from addressing Juvenile Justice Reform in the state to further reduction of case backlogs. I’ll provide more details in this newsletter and through other communications throughout the year. I’m excited about the progress we’ve made and the structure of our Court, by far the largest Circuit Court in Michigan.

Please know that I am open to your ideas and suggestions so we can continue to improve our operational efficiency at the Court on behalf of not just Wayne County residents, but our community stakeholders, attorneys and staff. We strive to be the most service-oriented Court not just in Michigan but anywhere in the U.S. while providing accessible and equal justice for all. Your input is critical to getting this done.

Feel free to email me at chiefjudge@3rdcc.org if you have suggestions or want to provide feedback. Every communication will be read and considered. Thank you in advance for your input, ideas, and commitment to the Court. 

Sincerely,

Judge Patricia Perez Fresard

Third Circuit Court is helping to Reduce Crime in the City of Detroit

Violent crime in 2024 in Detroit continued to plummet at historic rates, according to Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, and the Third Judicial Circuit played an important role.

Detroit ended 2024 with 203 criminal homicides, a 19% drop from 2023, and its fewest homicides since 1965, a coalition of city, county, state, federal and community leaders announced on January 3.

Preliminary 2024 numbers also show that Detroit ended the year with 606 non-fatal shootings – a 25% drop from the previous year and a 48% drop from just two years ago. Carjackings saw a 15% decline in 2024, capping a 71% reduction since 2015.

Duggan and Detroit Police Department Chief Todd Bettison credited numerous partners for the support, including the Third Circuit Court. For example, the Court reduced the backlog of felony gun cases by 3,000 cases, bringing justice and closure to victims and those accused. 

Hon. Qiana D. Lillard elected to serve on the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission

Third Circuit Court Judge Qiana D. Lillard has been elected by her fellow court judges to serve as their representative on the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission for a three-year term that started on January 1 and ends December 31, 2027. This is Judge Lillard’s first term on the commission. 

“Judge Lillard has consistently demonstrated her commitment to judicial integrity,” said Third Circuit Court Chief Judge Patricia Perez Fresard. “We’re proud to have her as a representative of our court on this important commission.”

Judge Lillard was an assistant prosecuting attorney for Wayne County before her appointment by then Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder to the Third Judicial Circuit in 2013. She has served continuously for 12 years and is a member of the court’s Civil Division.

The Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission is the independent state agency responsible for investigating complaints of judicial misconduct and judicial incapacity, and for recommending discipline of judicial officers by the Michigan Supreme Court. Its jurisdiction includes all active judicial officers as that term is defined in the Michigan Court Rules, including justices, judges, magistrates and referees working in the Michigan state court system.

We thank Judge Lillard for serving on the commission and congratulate her on this prestigious role.

Referee Stacey Selleck joins the Court

Pictured from left to right are Hon. Carla G. Testani, Referee Stacey L. Selleck, Hon. Melissa A. Cox, and Hon. Helal A. Farhat.

Stacey L. Selleck is the newest Domestic Relations Referee joining the Family Division of the Court. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University and her Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. 

With a distinguished 16-year career in private practice, Referee Selleck specialized in family law where she was deeply passionate about advocating for the well-being of children and families. Her commitment to making a broader impact in the community led her to pursue this position with the Court. 

Referee Selleck is dedicated to promoting fair and just outcomes in family law cases grounded in her belief that, when properly applied, family law can be a powerful tool for healing and transformation. We welcome Referee Selleck to the Third Judicial Circuit! 

ECA Frank Hardester named to Michigan Judicial Council

The Michigan Supreme Court appointed Executive Court Administrator Frank Hardester, of the Third Circuit Court in Wayne County, to the Michigan Judicial Council (MJC) through a recent administrative order. Hardester’s appointment fills one of four slots on the MJC designated for trial court administrators and runs through December 31, 2027.

The MJC is charged with making recommendations to the Michigan Supreme Court on matters pertinent to the administration of justice, including developing a strategic agenda for the judicial branch and suggesting proposals that would enhance the work of all courts.

“Frank Hardester has demonstrated a longtime commitment to improving court functions and increasing access to our courts in every community he has served,” said Chief Justice Elizabeth T. Clement, who chairs the MJC. “I have no doubt that his expertise and keen vision will benefit the efforts of the Judicial Council as we work to strengthen our judiciary for all Michigan residents.”

Since its inception in April 2021, the MJC has outlined a strategic planning process, identified its mission and vision statements, and long-range goals for the judicial branch. Learn more on the Michigan Judicial Council webpage. 

Wayne County Child Support Payments can be made in person at the Criminal Justice Center

Child support payers with the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan can now make payments at the new Wayne County Criminal Justice Center, located at 5301 Russell Street, 1st Floor Room C.1132 in Detroit.

The new payment window is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Customers must bring their case number and be in line by 3:45 p.m. The Friend of the Court accepts cash, money orders or certified checks (payable to Wayne County Friend of the Court), and credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, American Express or Discover). Free parking is available in Lot C at the Criminal Justice Center.

The Friend of the Court continues to accept payments at their offices on the first floor of the Penobscot Building, 645 Griswold Street, Detroit, MI 48226. 

Additional details on how to make child support payments can be found on the Third Circuit Court’s website at www.3rdcc.org. Call the Wayne County Friend of the Court at 1-844-785-7593 for questions. 

Civil Division has much to celebrate at its December Bench meeting

Pictured left to right: Judge Lawrence Elassal, Judge Adel A. Harb, Judge Kevin J. Cox, Judge Karen Y. Braxton, Judge Edward Ewell, Jr., Judge Pro Tem Leslie Kim Smith, Judge Annette J. Berry, Judge Dana Margaret Hathaway, Judge Kathleen Marie McCarthy and Judge Bridget Mary Hathaway.

There was much to celebrate at the Civil Division's December Bench Meeting. It included a presentation to the Hon. Judge Deborah Thomas (right, with Chief Judge Patricia Perez Fresard), who retired at the end of the 2024, recognizing her more than 30 years on the Bench with the Third Judicial Circuit.

Chief Judge Fresard also administered the Oath of Office for the following Third Circuit Court judges at the December Civil Division Bench meeting:

• Hon. Annette J. Berry                                 
• Hon. Karen Y. Braxton                                
• Hon. Kevin J. Cox                                    
• Hon. Lawrence Elassal                                
• Hon. Edward Ewell, Jr.                                
• Hon. Adel A. Harb                                    
• Hon. Bridget Mary Hathaway                           
• Hon. Dana Margaret Hathaway                         
• Hon. Kathleen Marie McCarthy                         
• Hon. Leslie Kim Smith                                                                                                    

Celebrating the Holidays with the Third Judicial Circuit

Top row: Juanita Hawkins, Vickie Huguley, Tonya Allen, Darrell Adams, Dayna Crenshaw, Myeshia Cole, and Jonn Walinske.

Second row: Danny Dordeski, Carmelita Williams, Munita Blair, Lynette Brinson, Renee Nash, Myeshia Cole, LaShan Bradley, Anita Jennings, Dominique Peacock, Shani Sanders, Jillian Fitzgerald, Jonn Walinske, Tealia Woodfox, Keila Harvey, Adrienne Rucker, Johnnye Robinson, Erin Lincoln, and Dayna Crenshaw.

Third Row: Beverly Rodgers, Tracy Calhoun, and Chloe Lucas.



Fourth Row: Allana Jones, Cheryl McGill-McNeary, Renee Nash, Doris Thomas, Erin Lincoln, Nicole Walters, Shani Sanders, Tylynn Puller, Talia Goetting, Julie DeGeorge, Anita Jennings, Lynette Brinson, Carmelita Williams, LaDonna Cato-Floyd, Janice Cooks, Daydrea Dennard, Latonya Lowery, Jennifer Shelton, and Tealia Woodfox. 

With the generosity of contributions from the Family Domestic Judges, the Friend of the Court was able to host a weeklong celebration of the end of 2024. The week included theme dress up days, a few chances to play some games and enjoy fellowship with colleagues, a lunchroom decorating contest and daily raffle drawings for prizes. 

Staff enjoyed dressing like twins, celebrating Detroit spirit with their apparel and wearing ugly holiday sweaters. The week allows staff to have some fun and celebrate all the hard work they put in throughout the year. The Friend of the Court thanks the Family Domestic Judges for their generosity and recognition of all the hard work throughout the year. 

Court staff attend Family Law Institute Conference

Pictured left to right: Referee Christina McPhail-Stockdale, Referee Daniel Ferency, Jillian Fitzgerald, Judge Regina Triplett, Judge Carla Testani, Heather Lutz, Referee Alicia Bianchi, Judge Kelly Ramsey.

Several Third Circuit Court judges, referees, staff attorneys and Friend of the Court employees attended the 23rd Annual Family Law Institute Conference in Novi in November. Such sessions featuring updates on case law and statutes, the potential role of artificial intelligence in family law, and upcoming changes to the Michigan Child Support Formula effective this year drew more than 600 attendees in all.

• Third Circuit Court Judge Carla Testani, presented with 37th Circuit Court Judge Tina Yost Johnson on the new Extreme Risk Protection Order Act. That presentation detailed how to decide if your client needs a Personal Protection Order or an Extreme Risk Protection Order.
• Wayne County Assistant Friend of the Court – Legal Director, Jillian Fitzgerald, presented with recently elected 17th Circuit Court Judge Matthew DeLange on the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act focusing on jurisdictional rules on how to establish or modify child support when parties live in different states.

The annual two-day family law conference brings judicial officers and attorneys together to stay abreast of changes in the law, learn best practices, and network with one another. 

ECAT is coming to a Court location near you

The Third Circuit Court's leadership team, otherwise known as ECAT, will take it's monthly internal meetings to all four Court buildings this year.

Starting in January at the Lincoln Hall of Justice, the monthly ECAT meeting will rotate among our four Detroit-based locations, which also include the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center (CAYMC), Criminal Justice Center and Penobscot Building. These monthly meetings are held so that executive team members can provide departmental updates and discuss strategic initiatives as set by Chief Judge Fresard.