Wayne County Judges: Active Members & Developments

19 May, 2025

Could a single gavel's tap signal the end of an era? Wayne County, Michigan, recently witnessed the emotional departure of a long-serving judge, marking a significant moment in the city's legal history. The story of Judge Vonda Evans, her impact, and the cases she presided over offers a compelling glimpse into the intricacies of justice and the individuals who shape it.

The legal landscape of Detroit, Michigan, is often defined by the dedicated individuals who serve within its courts. Among those figures, Judge Vonda Evans has long been a prominent name. Her recent announcement of retirement, made in a heartfelt video posted on social media, has left a void within the Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court. Her departure is not just a change in personnel; it represents the close of a chapter for many in the community. Described as an active member in good standing, her legacy is deeply intertwined with the lives she touched and the cases she handled.

Category	Details
Full Name	Vonda Evans
Position	Judge, Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court, Criminal Division (Retired)
Date of Retirement Announcement	Monday (Exact Date Not Specified in Source)
Previous Positions	Judge, 36th District Court of Michigan
Education	Juris Doctorate, Thomas M. Cooley Law School (1990)
Career Highlights	Served as a judge for the 3rd Circuit Court in Michigan. Elected to the bench on November 8, 2016. Served as a judge for the 36th District Court of Michigan (appointed in 2013). Previously worked as a foster care worker and probation officer. Served in the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.
Key Cases and Events	Presided over numerous criminal cases in Wayne County. Involved in the handling of high-profile cases and appeals. Retirement announcement made via a Facebook video. Reportedly known for her emotional connection to the community.
Community Involvement	Active in the community
Known For	Her contributions to the justice system in Wayne County. Her influence on legal proceedings and the community. Known as "Detroit's Judge Judy"
Professional Associations	Linked to the @3rdccorg
Notable Actions	Instructed the jury on providing a safe environment Ended courtroom with a gavel encrusted in rhinestones
Related Information	Wayne County Criminal Justice Center: 5301 Russell, Courtroom 602 Detroit, MI 48211
Reference	Wayne County Official Website

Judge Evans' departure, announced on a Monday, marks the end of her service in the Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court. Her words, Its time now for me to close the book, resonate with a sense of finality and reflection. The impact of her decisions and the presence she held within the courtroom are now left for history to evaluate. The physical setting of her work, the courtroom, permanently in recess, holds echoes of her presence.

The details of her career show a journey that includes her election to the bench on November 8, 2016. Before her time on the 3rd Circuit Court, she served as a judge for the 36th District Court of Michigan, a position she was appointed to in 2013. Evans career path also includes serving in the Wayne County Prosecutor's office after obtaining her Juris Doctorate degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1990. Judge Evans' profile on LinkedIn provides further insights into her professional life, highlighting her experience within the Wayne County Circuit Court and her prior role in the 36th District Court.

The legal field is rarely without its controversies. The cases she oversaw in the Wayne County Circuit Court, Criminal Division were often complex and the legal challenges were numerous. For example, prosecutors successfully appealed Judge Wanda Evans' denial to allow an aiding and abetting jury instruction on the tenth day of the trial. Cases related to the community and its impact on society have to be reviewed and considered. Judge Evans, along with other judicial figures, were required to provide justice and maintain community.

Beyond the courtroom, Judge Evans was a familiar face to the community. Serving as a judge of the Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court, Criminal Division since before her election, she was active in the community. Prior to her judgeship, she worked as a foster care worker and probation officer, experiences that shaped her understanding of the justice system.

The cases that came before Judge Evans reflect the complex realities of the local population. Judge Wanda Evans erroneously instructed the jury that (peterson) had a legal duty to provide a safe environment to the victim, the court said Thursday. The details of any given case, including the location of the Wayne County Criminal Justice Center at 5301 Russell, Courtroom 602 Detroit, MI 48211, can be critical.

The case of Aiyana Jones and the involvement of Detroit police is a tragic example of the difficult situations a judge is forced to review. Aiyanas mother, Dominika Stanley, and two toddler brothers were in her grandmother Mertilla Jones home when a Detroit police special response team shot Aiyana in the head. This horrific incident is one of the many situations that shaped the judicial decisions within the city and impacted the local community.

Another name of note, Shane Evans, also took a plea deal in the 2017 murder of Covington. This illustrates the varied nature of cases in the Wayne County court system. The courtroom of the honorable Judge Vonda Evans provided a formal setting, and she banged a gavel encrusted in rhinestones to signify the permanence of her decisions. Her departure also follows the appointment of McClory as Wayne County Probate Court judge, effective November 1, 2022, who won a term to serve as probate judge commencing on January 1, 2023. Vonda Bailey is also a newly elected judge and is a licensed attorney in the state of Texas who handled child and spousal support cases.

The influence of judges extends beyond the courtroom, touching the lives of countless individuals and the community as a whole. Her long service in the Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court, Criminal Division, including her election to the bench on November 8, 2016, demonstrates her impact. "Detroits Judge Judy" is what she was often known as.

In the end, Judge Vonda Evans' story is a narrative of dedication, service, and the impact one individual can have on a community. Her retirement marks a transition, not just for her, but for the entire legal system in Wayne County. Her legacy, built on years of service and countless decisions, continues to resonate within the city she served.

3rd Circuit Court MI on Twitter "Judge Wanda A. Evans was elected to

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Wanda Evans Judge Of Circuit Court prntbl.concejomunicipaldechinu.gov.co

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