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 All criminal cases prosecuted within the County of Muskegon are filed at the 60th District Court. The 60th District Court processes misdemeanor cases (less serious crimes), from arraignment through sentencing; and felony cases (more serious crimes), from arraignment through preliminary exam. A few key items: * Arraignment: Defendant is advised of his/her rights, advised of the charge, advised of possible penalties, bond is set, and a plea may be entered. * Pre-Trial: An exchange of information between the two sides. * Preliminary Exam: To determine if a crime was committed and if the defendant may have committed the crime, (probable cause). * Sentencing: The final step in the legal process, a penalty is assessed for someone who is convicted of, or plead guilty to a crime: Criminal cases are serious issues with the possible penalties of fines and/or jail time, and/or probation. Some examples of criminal cases are:
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