The 17th District Court is committed to ensuring a judicial system that is both understandable and accessible to the public we serve. We pledge equality and fairness to all. In order to achieve our mission we shall utilize all available resources and technology. We will combine the dedication, cooperation and integrity of our Staff with the leadership of our Judges and Administrators to provide quality service in all facets of our Court System.

The Honorable Karen Khalil

For over twenty-five years, the Honorable Karen Khalil has served the people of Redford Township as one of their 17th District Court Judges. During her time on the bench, Judge Khalil has presided with distinction, and has been selected by the Michigan Supreme Court to serve as the court's Chief Judge for 19 years. The Supreme Court has ordered that she continue serving as the Chief for the next two years as well.

Raised in Redford from a young age, and a graduate of Redford Union High School, Judge Khalil is keenly aware of the real-life concerns of the Township's residents. As Redford's first female judge, she has earned a reputation for being firm, but fair, and highly committed to the Rule of Law. Her courtroom is widely recognized as a model of integrity and efficiency.

Judge Khalil was the founder of the Commission on Children's Issues and continues to actively serve on its board of Directors. In her courtroom, Judge Khalil shows extra concern for younger defendants who require special attention. She regularly schedules status conferences to discuss progress with these younger offenders and their parents.

In November of 2011, Judge Khalil dedicated a Veterans Court in Redford. This veteran's court, the fourth in the State of Michigan and the first in the suburbs of Wayne County, offers veterans who are involved in the criminal justice system a coordinated response to the unique problems they are facing. Specifically, Judge Khalil has worked closely with the VA and local veterans groups, prosecutors, veterans' defense counsel as well as probation staff and mentors to provide veterans with the tools they need to lead productive and law abiding lives. 

In March of 2017, Judge Khalil was asked to present as a faculty member at the New Judge's Seminar in Lansing.  Judge Khalil is also a board member of the Michigan Association of Treatment Court Professionals. 

In addition, Judge Khalil is deeply committed to serving the citizens of Redford Township and its neighbors through ongoing community outreach. For example, she has initiated programs to educate citizens on important legal issues, speaks regularly to community groups, and looks forward to frequent visits by students and educators in her courtroom.

During her tenure, Judge Khalil has presided over many high profile cases, including Jack Kevorkian's Redford Township assisted suicide and the murder of an on-duty Detroit Police Officer.

Judge Khalil is a graduate of Albion College and the University of Detroit School of Law.  

The Honorable Krista Haroutunian

Krista Haroutunian has been appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder to serve as a District Court Judge in the 17th District Court. 

“Krista has demonstrated a solid knowledge of the law and an ongoing commitment to the legal profession,” Snyder said. “These qualities will make her an excellent district court judge.”

Haroutunian has been in private practice as a shareholder with the firm Haroutunian Licata Haroutunian, PC since 1998 where she focuses on probate, estate planning, family law, and real estate matters. Since 2013, she has served as a Special Assistant Attorney General with the Michigan Department of Attorney General, handling contested guardianship and conservatorship petitions for the Audit Protective Services Division of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Haroutunian is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, serving on the Board of Commissioners since 2015. She is also a member of the Detroit Bar Association, the Oakland County Bar Association, the Wayne County Probate Bar Association, the Wayne County Family Bar Association, and the Armenian American Bar Association. She is on the board of the Armenian Relief Society and has been a member of the Michigan Women’s Commission since being appointed in 2011.

Haroutunian earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1993 and a law degree from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University in 1998.