Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Michigan Court of Appeals

Press Release

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointments of Judges Kristina Robinson Garrett and Noah P. Hood to the Michigan Court of Appeals District 1 and Sima Patel to the Michigan Court of Appeals District 2.

"Appointing three skilled, highly-qualified Michiganders to the second highest court in our great state is an honor," said Governor Whitmer. "Judge Garrett, Judge Hood, and soon to be Judge Patel each bring an essential perspective and impressive record of experience to the bench. I applaud them for stepping up to serve the public on the Michigan Court of Appeals."

Michigan Court of Appeals - District 1

Kristina Robinson Garrett currently serves as a Judge with the 36th District Court of Detroit, appointed by Governor Whitmer in 2019. In her role, she serves as a judge for various specialty courts including the Street Outreach Court Detroit, Mental Health Treatment Court, Drug Treatment Court, and Veterans Treatment Court. Judge Garrett also presides over traffic cases involving misdemeanor citations, city ordinance violations, and civil infractions. Before her appointment to the bench, Judge Garrett served as general counsel for the Wayne County Sheriff's Office.

Judge Garrett earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan. She currently serves as a member of the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, Judicial Education Board, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Judge Garrett lives in Detroit with her husband, Judge Austin W. Garrett of the 36th District Court.

"I am truly grateful to Governor Whitmer for this opportunity to further serve the citizens of the State of Michigan," said Judge Garrett. "I will continue to uphold my commitment to listen, learn, and ensure that our state's legal system is fair and accessible in the pursuit of justice."

This appointment was made to fill a partial term, which expires at twelve o'clock noon on January 1, 2023, after the retirement of Judge Cynthia Stephens effective March 31, 2022. If Judge Garrett wishes to seek a full six-year term, she would be required to run for reelection in November 2022.

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