Grand Rapids, Michigan, September 14, 2026 – The 61st District Court has been awarded a grant through the State Court Administrative Office to establish Operation Drive, a new local program designed to help individuals resolve outstanding legal and financial obligations so they can regain their driving privileges. The Court is one of 12 district courts across Michigan selected to share in statewide Operation Drive funding.
Locally, the 61st District Court will bring together judges, the Grand Rapids City Attorney’s Office, the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, and retained and appointed defense counsel to form the Operation Drive Team. This team will collaboratively guide the program, working toward the shared goal of helping individuals become safe and valid drivers. Judge Kellen A. Dotson has been assigned as the program judge and will preside over cases proceeding through the program.
Operation Drive will focus on individuals with pending misdemeanor traffic offenses and offer support for resolving tickets, warrants, court appearances, and fines. What sets the 61st District Court’s program apart is a dedicated Program Coordinator, who serves as a single point of contact for participants from their first appointment through completion.
“We at the 61st District Court are appreciative to provide this opportunity to individuals in Grand Rapids and the surrounding area,” said Judge Kellen A. Dotson. “We recognize that a suspended license is a real hurdle for people who need to drive. Operation Drive is an opportunity to motivate participants to gain a valid license and keep them out of the criminal justice system by working with the Court and program partners to resolve what’s holding them back.”