Almost all misdemeanor offenses require a court appearance.  If you receive a ticket for a misdemeanor offense, you should call the court within 10 days of receiving the ticket to schedule a court date.

Arraignment

When charged with a misdemeanor offense, a person's first appearance is an arraignment.  At the arraignment the Judge or Magistrate will advise the person of the following:

• Criminal charges being brought against the person
• The penalties for the criminal charge being brought
• Advise a person of their constitutional rights
• Notify the person whether or not they are eligible to be released on bond and the amount of the bond 

On most misdemeanor offenses the defendant will enter a plea of either guilty or not guilty.  If a guilty plea is entered, the defendant may be sentenced by the Judge or Magistrate that day.  If a not guilty plea is entered and the charges require an attorney, the Judge or Magistrate will determine whether the defendant can afford to retain an attorney or if they are eligible for a court-appointed attorney.  The Judge or Magistrate will then set a bond and a date for the next hearing, which is a pretrial.  

Pretrial Hearing

A pretrial is a hearing between the defendant and/or the defendant's attorney and the City Attorney (prosecutor).  This hearing is an opportunity for both parties to discuss the case and possibly resolve the case by way of a plea, either to the offense charged or a reduced offense. 

Depending on the pretrial results, a case can take one of two paths in the judicial process.  If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, the plea will be accepted and the sentencing will follow.  If the defendant pleads not guilty and requests a trial, the court will schedule a jury trial.  The defendant may waive his/her right to a jury trial and request a bench trial. 

Per Michigan Court Rule 1.110 all fines and costs are due at the time of assessment. 

Resources

Email Criminal Clerk
Misdemeanor Forms
Bondsman (pdf)