• Arraignment

Plead Guilty or Not Guilty, and bond conditions are set. At this point, you should have a lawyer to advise you on the best decision to make given the circumstances of your case.

• Pre-Trial Conference

If plead not guilty, Pre-Trial is the next step. This is an opportunity for your attorney to discuss the case with the prosecutor in private to review evidence. This is your attorney’s chance to convince prosecutors to dismiss or reduce the charges.

• Plea Bargain

Your attorney works a plea deal based on their experience. A plea date is set, you will go in front of the judge and admit the offense. Later appearing in court to waive your constitutional rights based on the agreement.

• Jury Trial 

Prosecutors will use this time to present evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Defendants are not required to prove their innocence or to present any evidence but may challenge the accuracy of the prosecutor’s evidence.

• Pre-Sentence Report

Once pleading to the agreed charge, or having been found guilty at trial, you are sent to probation for a pre-sentence report. You will meet with a probation officer, where they will ask questions about your past, employment history, and family. This report will summarize the crime allegedly committed, as well as the defendant’s personal and criminal backgrounds.

• Sentencing

Judges will normally follow the recommendation of the pre-sentence investigator. They do not have to follow that recommendation though. Possible sentences can include fines and costs, probation, jail time, community service and/or counseling, victim impact panel and restitution.

• Arraignment

In District Court felony arraignments, you have the chance to plead guilty or not guilty. The arraigning judge will set bond conditions and may also consider a defendant’s request for a court-appointed attorney.

• Pre-Exam Conference

Just like a misdemeanor proceeding, a felony Pre-Exam Conference is a meeting between the prosecutor and the defendant’s attorney to discuss the case. This is also a chance for both parties to determine whether a resolution can be reached without subpoenaing witnesses for the Preliminary Examination.

• Preliminary Examination

Sometimes called a “probable cause hearing”, held within 14 days after arraignment. Prosecutors will present select witnesses and evidence to prove the defendant had probable cause; if proven, the case is sent to the Circuit Court for trial. If unable to prove probable cause, the Judge can bind the case over on different charges, reduce charges to misdemeanors for trial in District Court, or dismiss charges.

• Circuit Court Arraignment

Defendant will be arraigned again – formal notice of charges against you – you will again be advised of your constitutional rights and enter a plea to the charge(s).

• Pre-Trial Conference and Proceedings

Pre-Trial Conference – The Circuit Court may schedule a meeting between the assistant prosecuting attorney and the defendant’s attorney to determine whether your case will go to trial or resolve with a plea.

Pre-Trial Proceedings – The judge may need to resolve pre-trial issues that determine whether your case will continue at trial, resolve with a plea, or be dismissed.

• Trial (Bench or Jury)

Defendants and prosecutors both have the right to a trial by jury in Michigan. Sometimes both sides will agree to let a Judge listen to evidence without a jury, called a “bench trial”. In both cases, after evidence is presented, the Judge or jury will determine if the prosecution proved beyond a reasonable doubt the defendant committed the crime.

• Pre-Sentence Investigation & Report

The court’s probation department will prepare this report for the Judge, summarizing the alleged crime, and the defendant’s personal and criminal background. Generally, the victim is contacted for a recommendation of sentence. A probation officer will conclude the report with their recommended sentencing.

• Sentencing

The judge considers information provided in the Pre-Sentence Report, additional evidence offered by either party, comments by the victim, or any other relevant information. The Circuit Court judge will consult the “sentencing guidelines” which are used to evaluate elements of the defendant’s criminal conduct and prior record to determine the minimum jail/prison sentence. However, the judge may consider alternative resolutions.