Real Help, Not Handcuffs: How Judge King Is Rewriting Detroit’s Traffic Court Story
In a city where too many people associate traffic court with fear, fines, and jail time, Judge King is flipping the script. His mission at 36th District Court isn’t about…
Car accident. Judge gavel and car bleeding with alarm. Car Insurance Solution. Buying or selling a car by auction.
In a city where too many people associate traffic court with fear, fines, and jail time, Judge King is flipping the script. His mission at 36th District Court isn’t about punishment—it’s about restoration.
Appearing on 105.9 KISS-FM with Mason and Angie Starr, Judge King didn’t mince words:
“We’re not putting people in jail on traffic tickets. We’re reserving jail for people who really need to be there—child molesters, murderers. That’s not what we’re about.”
Instead, he’s focused on getting Detroiters back behind the wheel legally—and back into the workforce, their families, and their lives. And it starts with compassion.
“We’re wrapping our arms around our people,” he said. “You need a license to get a job. You need a license to vote. It’s not just about driving—it’s about opportunity.”
Judge King explained that if a person walks into court—even with multiple violations or bench warrants—they won’t be arrested. In fact, they’re more likely to walk out with a payment plan or dismissed tickets.
“Contact the court. Come down. Don’t worry if you have warrants. We’re not locking you up when you walk through the door. That’s not happening.”
His docket sees hundreds of cases. But the sad truth? Most people don’t show up—because they assume jail is waiting.
“I have about 250 tickets on my docket at any time. But most of those folks don’t come in. They’re scared. They don’t know they have options.”
Mason called the approach “huge,” and Angie said what many were thinking:
“That’s the real deal. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.”
From wiping out dozens of old tickets to setting up plans where you only pay 25% down, Judge King is leading a quiet revolution—one that puts people before punishment and makes the courtroom feel like a place for progress, not fear.
If you’ve got old tickets hanging over your head, don’t wait. Judge King and the 36th District Court are offering real help—and a real second chance.
