All criminal cases prosecuted within the County of Muskegon are filed at the 60th District Court.
Misdemeanor Cases
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.
Criminal Cases
A few key items:
- Arraignment: Defendant is advised of his or 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 there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the defendant has committed that crime.
- 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:
- Assault and battery
- DNR violations
- Dog violations
- Domestic violence
- Drug charges
- Murder
- Non-sufficient fund checks
- Theft or larceny