44th District Court

𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄

𝟒𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐠; 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰

The 44th District Court Judges and staff are proud to announce that a permanent memorial wall highlighting the life and career of the late 44th District Court Judge Jamie Wittenberg will be unveiled this spring at the courthouse.

“It is so important that Judge Wittenberg’s service be highlighted and preserved in this way,” said Chief Judge Derek Meinecke. “He made a real difference in the lives of so many who appeared before him, and we are all so grateful that he was our judge.”

After a distinguished career as an assistant prosecutor for both Wayne and Macomb Counties, Judge Wittenberg was elected in 2008 to serve as the 45-A District Court Judge for the city of Berkley. In 2015, after state legislation merged the 45-A District Court with the 44th District Court serving Royal Oak, Judge Wittenberg became a judge of the newly created 44th District Court, serving Berkley and Royal Oak.

His positive impact was felt immediately. Judge Wittenberg endeared himself to staff and community members with his kindness and friendly nature, while spearheading the expansion of the highly successful Sobriety Court program and introducing a Teen Court that was aimed at supporting at-risk youth.

In May of 2019, Judge Wittenberg was diagnosed with glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. Combining traditional medicine with a disciplined keto diet and intermittent fasting, Judge Wittenberg was able to survive three times longer than his initial diagnosis suggested. Amazingly, despite multiple brain surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy, he continued to handle his full docket. Judge Wittenberg would often remark that he believed he was a better judge having gone through his illness, because he gained even greater perspective and found an even greater connection with those that appeared before him.

“He maintained his dignity and decency despite the ravages of his illness, showing that when he swore his oath to serve Royal Oak and Berkley, he meant it with every ounce of his being,” said Judge Meinecke.

After Judge Wittenberg’s passing on November 20, 2022, an effort to preserve his legacy was initiated by a collaboration between the Royal Oak Historical Society, the Berkley Historical Committee, the Wittenberg Family and the 44th District Court Judges. All funding for the memorial wall came from private contributions from family, friends, attorneys, and judges who wanted to pay tribute to Judge Wittenberg’s career in service.

“Judge Wittenberg left a legacy of unfailing commitment to service,” said Judge Andrew Kowalkowski, who was appointed in March 2023 to fill Judge Wittenberg’s seat on the bench. “This wall will stand as a reminder to all who visit that his vision of compassionate justice still guides our Court.”

The contributions received have exceeded the original project goal, inspiring the Royal Oak Historical Society to channel their energy into a new opportunity to continue Judge Wittenberg’s positive impact for generations to come.

“The generosity and gratitude expressed by so many through donations shows there is more good that can be done in Judge Wittenberg’s memory,” said Tom Toggweiler, President of the Royal Oak Historical Society. “Later this month we plan on launching a drive to establish a scholarship fund that will support Royal Oak and Berkley students interested in public service, law, government, history, or civic engagement. Our aim is to encourage the next generation of community leaders in Judge Wittenberg’s honor.”

A dedication ceremony will take place at Royal Oak City Hall, located at 203 S. Troy Street, Royal Oak, MI 48067, on May 27, 2026, at 5 p.m., followed immediately by an unveiling at the 44th District Court, 400 East 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067. All are welcome to attend.

𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝟐𝟒𝟖-𝟐𝟒𝟔-𝟑𝟔𝟓𝟒.

𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐚𝐤 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫@𝐫𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐤𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲.𝐨𝐫𝐠

A nice talk about Justice 101 on the Shaking the Tree podcast with Dr. Tafelski! Thank you Royal Oak Schools for an incredible partnership!

Episode 13 of the Shaking the Tree Podcast is live!

This week, Dr. Tafelski sits down with 44th District Court Judge Derek Meinecke to discuss the Justice 101 program, a hands-on learning experience that helps Royal Oak students better understand how the court system works and why civic education matters. You’ll also hear directly from students about what they learned through the program.

The episode is available now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Find the direct link in the comments.

👻 Happy Halloween from the 44th District Court! 🎃

🌱 Groundbreaking for Wellspring Recovery Housing 🌱

Yesterday, Judge Andrew Kowalkowski joined state and local leaders in celebrating the groundbreaking of Wellspring in Southfield — a new 72-unit recovery housing community that will provide safe, supportive homes for individuals and families rebuilding their lives in recovery.

Wellspring represents a powerful partnership between Oakland County, MSHDA, and local organizations to address addiction, homelessness, and the need for stable housing. Sixty of the units will serve residents in recovery from substance use disorders, with on-site supportive services to help them thrive.

Judge Kowalkowski was honored to take part in this important milestone, recognizing that lasting recovery and successful re-entry begin with stability, dignity, and community.

Nice piece on the positive work being done by Operation Drive and Road to Restoration clinics.

Our very own Court Administrator Tami Bone has brought her talent and experience to four different clinics across the Metro Detroit area, and has become a recognized expert at helping citizens navigate both the court system and the Secretary of State process to get back on the road legally.

Great job Tami and the whole Operation Drive team!

Road to Restoration: Michigan “Living in the Motor City and not having a motor vehicle sucks”, says a Detroit resident in the short documentary, Road to Restoration: Michigan. In cities a...

For years, some residents had to wait three full years before they could even apply to get their license back after minor traffic violations.

That rule is now officially gone, thanks to leadership in Lansing and strong advocacy from our own Judge Derek Meinecke, who testified several times to support the change.

This is more than just a law—it’s a lifeline.

At the 44th District Court, through Operation Drive, Judges Meinecke, Kowalkowski, and the rest of the team are helping community members clear the path to legal driving.

Whether it’s addressing outstanding court fines, studying for written and road tests, or connecting people with MDOS Road to Restoration clinics, we’re committed to giving people the information, structure, and encouragement they need to move forward.

Secretary Benson celebrates new law to help Michiganders regain driving privileges at Saginaw Road to Restoration event Today, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson visited a Road to Restoration clinic in Saginaw to celebrate the repeal of the state’s 3-year ban on applying for a driver’s license for people cited for driving without a license.

Today's the day! If you have challenges with your license please come to this event and learn how to manage the path to a valid license. This is a mobile SOS branch with free expert attorney advice and so much more! The reality of being an unlicensed driver, and the virtual prison it creates, can be over sooner than you think. Come and find out how! Walk-ins are welcome!

Today, we are honored to host the Michigan Department of State’s Road to Restoration Clinic at the Jack & Patti Salter Center in Royal Oak!

In partnership with the Michigan Secretary of State, 44th District Court, City of Royal Oak, Detroit Justice Center, DTE Energy, and United Way, this event gives individuals a real second chance—offering free, in-person support to help restore driver's licenses. With help from volunteer attorneys and dedicated staff, attendees will be able to review their driving records, ask legal questions, and take meaningful steps toward restoring their independence and mobility.

As Judge Meinecke shared: "This effort is about creating a fair pathway back for people who are ready to move forward."

The changes in Michigan law that went into effect this month, championed by Judge Meinecke and Judge Kowalkowski, now remove the burden of suspensions for non-driving offenses, clearing the way for thousands of Michigan residents to get back on the road legally and safely.

We are honored to stand with Judge Meinecke and Judge Kowalkowski and so many committed partners in helping so many people. A license isn’t just a plastic card—it’s access to work, family, health, and a future.

Thank you to all who made today possible!

Great article about our Operation Drive program and information about the Secretary of State Road to Restoration clinic we are co-hosting on April 9 at the Salter Center in Royal Oak.

State Driver’s License Clinic—and a Change to Michigan Law—Create Path for License Restorations A newly reformed Michigan law and an upcoming State driver's license clinic are setting the stage for two Royal Oak judges on a mission to help residents restore their licenses.