Michael Sawicky, a magistrate and criminal defense attorney with more than 31 years of legal experience, is running for judge of the 47th District Court serving Farmington and Farmington Hills.

The nonpartisan seat appears on the Tuesday, Nov. 3 general election ballot. Sawicky wrote in a Surround Sound News candidate questionnaire that he is running because he has seen "how profoundly a judge's character, experience, and judgment affect individuals and the community."

Sawicky faces Moneka Sanford for the six-year seat currently held by Judge Jim Brady, who is retiring at the end of 2026.

Candidate information

  • Office sought: Michigan 47th District Court Judge (non-incumbent seat)
  • Party affiliation: Nonpartisan race; candidate identifies as independent
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in economics, Fordham University, 1991; Juris Doctor, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, 1994
  • Family: Spouse Dianna; daughter Catherine; son Daniel
  • Community involvement: Fellow of the Oakland County Bar Foundation; member of the Farmington Elks; defense advocate in sobriety, drug treatment and mental health courts; author of a chapter in the Michigan Criminal Procedure Handbook

Experience and public service

Sawicky said in his Surround Sound News questionnaire that he has served as a magistrate in the 47th District Court since 2006. He has practiced law since 1995 and currently operates a solo practice focused primarily on criminal defense in Oakland County.

He previously worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Oakland County. As a public defender, he has handled cases in the 43rd District Courts in Hazel Park and Madison Heights, the 45th District Court in Oak Park, the 52-1 District Court in Novi and the 52-2 District Court in Clarkston. He also serves as a defense advocate for the 52-1 Alcohol and Drug Treatment Court and the 52-2 Mental Health Treatment Court.

In 2021, Sawicky was elected to the State Bar Representative Assembly representing the 6th Circuit. He also works as a compliance officer for the Art Therapy Credentials Board, reviewing ethical and compliance matters.

His endorsements include Judge Jim Brady of the 47th District Court, former Farmington Mayor Sara Bowman, the Police Officers Association of Michigan, the Farmington Hills Firefighters Association (IAFF Local 2659), former state Rep. Christine Greig and Farmington Hills City Council members Valerie Knol, Jon Aldred, Charlie Starkman and Bill Dwyer, according to his endorsements page.

On the issues

Judicial philosophy: Sawicky said on his campaign website that politics should play no role in the courtroom. He wrote that every person who appears before a judge deserves decisions grounded in facts and law, not political influence or personal bias.

Consistency in rulings: Sawicky identified consistent rulings as a key challenge facing the court system. He said in his questionnaire that confidence in the judiciary erodes when outcomes vary without clear legal reason. "Consistent rulings show that judges are applying the law, not personal preferences, politics, or emotions, which is a core condition for public trust in the judiciary," he wrote.

Access to justice: Sawicky said unequal access and inconsistent treatment make it difficult for self-represented litigants to navigate small claims, landlord-tenant and traffic matters. He proposed dedicated clerk assistance for forms and scheduling, plain-language multilingual online guides, reliable Zoom and technology-support options, and public dashboards to promote accountability.

Qualifications: Sawicky said his experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney and magistrate gives him a practical understanding of the justice system from multiple perspectives. He described that range of experience as "balance," not bias, and said he is prepared to handle difficult matters with the temperament and integrity voters should expect.

The 47th District Court serves Farmington and Farmington Hills.