Below is a list of press releases, newsletters and announcements from the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan. Bookmark this page and visit for future updates.
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For questions or to get in touch with our communications department, contact:
Public Information Officer
313-967-3683
media@3rdcc.org
History of Third Judicial Circuit
The history of the court includes Detroit Recorder’s Court, one of the oldest courts of record in the U.S. Detroit Recorder’s Court traces its origins to Detroit’s Mayor’s Court established in 1824 and was formally created as a separate court in 1857. It functioned as a court of limited jurisdiction for decades with exclusive authority over felony criminal cases arising within the City of Detroit, as well as traffic and ordinance violations, but it did not hear civil matters.
Pursuant to state law, Detroit Recorder’s Court was abolished and merged into the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan effective October 1, 1997, with its judges becoming circuit court judges. Its final Chief before consolidation was the Hon. Vera Massey Jones. This merger integrated its criminal jurisdiction into Third Circuit Court, marking the end of a distinct institution that had handled many of Detroit’s most significant criminal cases for over a century.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 8, 2026
Contact: Michael Scott, Public Information Officer
Phone: 313-967-3683
Mia Grillier named Third Circuit Court of Michigan CFO
Mia Grillier has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan effective immediately. Mia brings more than two decades of experience in governmental accounting, financial planning, and public-sector finance to the Court. Most recently, she served as Deputy Chief Financial Officer, where she led the Court's budget and collection unit and played a key role in advancing fiscal accountability and operational effectiveness. Throughout her career, Mia has overseen multi-million-dollar budgets, large grant portfolios, and complex financial operations across the Third Circuit Court, Wayne County, and the City of Detroit. She is recognized for her strong analytical skills, ethical leadership, and commitment to transparency and operational excellence. |  |
Mia earned a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Talladega College and has also demonstrated a longstanding commitment to public service and community mentorship.
"Mia is an experienced and trusted member of the court’s executive team and has earned this promotion based on her performance," said Third Circuit Court Chief Judge Edward Ewell, Jr. “She is a tremendous asset to our court and has a long-standing relationship with our partners, including Wayne County.
As Chief Financial Officer, Mia will oversee the Court's financial operations, including strategic budgeting, financial planning, grants administration, fiscal reporting, and stewardship of public resources. She will work closely with Court leadership to support the Court's mission and ensure the continued responsible management of taxpayer dollars.
“Mia’s experience, background, and knowledge of the court and county operations will be very viable to the court,” said Third Circuit Court Executive Court Administrator Frank Hardester. “We are fortunate to have her in this role given her expertise.”
About the Third Judicial Circuit
The Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan is the largest circuit court in the state, with 60 judges and three operating divisions. It has jurisdiction over civil, criminal, and family matters arising in Wayne County. Learn more at www.3rdcc.org.