After more than two decades on the bench, 52nd-3rd District Court Judge Julie Nicholson is retiring, effective April 1.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to have served the citizens of the Court and the State of Michigan for more than 27 years,” Nicholson stated in a news release.
First elected as district judge in 1996, Nicholson served as chief judge for all courts in the 52nd district — 52-3 in Rochester Hills, 52-4 in Troy, 52-2 in Clarkston and 52-1 in Novi — from 2000 to 2004, and from 2012 to 2018. She’s also known for launching several programs in 52-3 District Court, including a special treatment court for those with alcohol-related offenses.
“I’m especially proud to have presided over the Specialty Treatment Court — sometimes called ‘Sobriety Court’ — for two decades,” Nicholson stated. “It has been very rewarding to assist and see defendants become productive members of society by attaining and maintaining their sobriety.”
Among her most notable cases were those of James and Jennifer Crumbley, parents of Oxford school shooter Ethan Crumbley, which Nicholson presided over until advancing them to Oakland County Circuit Court in 2022.
Two other programs she initiated focused on youth:
• Court in the School/Critical Life Choices – in-person court proceedings conducted before students twice monthly
• Have to Choose – for substance abuse prevention.
Nicholson has also served on the Board of Directors for Ascension-Providence Rochester Hospital, the Rainbow Connection, Detroit Zoological Society and the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce. In addition, she’s been adjunct professor at Thomas Cooley Law School, on the faculty of Michigan Judicial Institute and a member of various legal profession associations.
Nicholson is a graduate of Michigan State University and Detroit College of Law.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will appoint Nicholson’s successor to serve out the rest of her term, which expires at the end of 2026.
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