Moneka Sanford is a proud Farmington Hills resident with over 23 years of legal experience in Oakland County. Before establishing her practice, she interned with the Honorable Joan Young (Ret.) and the U.S. Attorney Office and served as a Foster Care Case Manager. She holds degrees from University of Michigan-Dearborn (B.A. Psychology/Sociology 1994), University of Michigan (M.S.W. 1998), and Wayne State University (J.D. 2003).
Her practice spans criminal defense, family law, juvenile delinquency, adoptions, guardianships, probate, and civil litigation. She served as Oakland County Juvenile Drug Court Defense Attorney and volunteers at expungement clinics. Member of the Oakland County Bar Association, Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, and Straker Bar Association, endorsed by Mayor Theresa Rich, Mayor Pro-Tem Jackie Boleware, Councilman Michael Bridges, and 25-plus regional judges.
For over 23 years, Ms. Sanford has maintained a private practice serving individuals and families across Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb Counties and Federal Court. Her practice encompasses criminal defense, family law, probate, civil litigation, and mediation, representing clients from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
She has represented clients in felony and misdemeanor matters, abuse and neglect proceedings, guardianships, conservatorships, adoptions, estates, and landlord-tenant disputes. As a Guardian Ad Litem, she has provided independent recommendations in high-conflict divorce and neglect cases. For 15 years, she proudly served as the Oakland County Juvenile Drug Court Defense Attorney. Her background as a licensed social worker gives her a unique ability to understand the full circumstances behind every case.
Voters should elect Moneka Sanford because she brings experience, education, and genuine human understanding that is rare in any judicial candidate. With over 23 years of legal experience in the very courtrooms, she seeks to serve, she has dedicated her career to advocating for Oakland County residents.
Before earning her Juris Doctor from Wayne State University, she earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and worked as a social worker, giving her the ability to see the whole person before the court, not just the case file.
Raised in Oakland County since age 11, she has built her career here, raised her family here, and served these neighborhoods for over two decades. Moneka Sanford has the temperament, experience, compassion, and integrity this community deserves. She is ready to serve.
Jan 2003- present Michael E. Sawicky, P.L.L.C. - President
Oct 2006-present 47th District Court - Magistrate
Nov 2021-present Art Therapy Credentials Boad - Compliance Officer
Sep 2001-Jan 2003 Lavigne & Sawicky, PLLC - Partner
Mar 2001-Sep 2001 Michael E. Sawicky, Attorney at Law
Mar 2000-Mar 2001 Law Offices of Raymond A. Cassar - attorney
May 1996-Mar 2000 Oakland County Prosecutor's Office - assistant prosecutor
Fordham University - B.A. Economics June 1991
State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly - 6th Circuit (elected 2021)
Oakland County Bar Association MIDC Advisory Group (appointed 2022)
Farmington/Farmington Hills Xemplar Club (Past President)
Farmington Elks BPOE Lodge #1986
I am a sole practitioner specializing in criminal defense work, mostly in Oakland County. I used to be on the felony court appointed list in the Oakland County Circuit Court but since the advent of the MIDC system I have focused mostly on practicing in the district courts. I am an active public defender in the 43rd District Courts (Hazel Park and Madison Heights), the 45th District Court (Oak Park), the 52-2 District Court (Clarkston), and 52-1 District Court (Novi). I am also a defense advocate with the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Court in the 52-1 District Court as well as the Mental Health Treatment Court in the 52-2 District Court. I also work as a Compliance Officer with the Art Therapy Credentials Board (located in Greensboro, North Carolina) where I review complaints and self-reports of potential violations of the organization's code of ethics and compliance. I also work as a Magistrate in the 47th District Court where I was appointed in 2006.
Voters should elect me because I bring well-rounded experience and a proven ability to handle difficult matters with balance and integrity. I am not learning the courtroom from one narrow perspective; I have already seen how the system works in practice, which makes me better equipped to decide cases fairly and efficiently. That combination of courtroom experience, judicial temperament, and commitment to justice is exactly what voters should look for in a judge.
I have the qualities voters should want in a judge: temperament, fairness, diligence, judgement, and a deep understanding of the justice system from every side. Because I have served as an assistant prosecutor, a criminal defense attorney, and a Magistrate, I can credibly say that I understand how cases look to the prosecutor, the accused, and from the bench.
This combination of experience shows balance, not bias. A prosecutor learns responsibility, preparation, and the need to protect the public while respecting rights...
