If you have been arrested or charged with a crime in Michigan, it is easy to feel like you are in over your head. The system can be intimidating. Courtrooms, formal procedures, legal documents—they all start to blur together. But even though things may seem stacked against you, there are clear steps in the process. Knowing what they are makes a difference.
And if you are feeling unsure about what to do next, talking with a lawyer like James Fillmore early on can help. The sooner you understand your rights and the road ahead, the more control you have over the outcome.
Arrest Process in Michigan: What to Expect
An arrest can happen quickly. Maybe an officer sees something happen in real time, or maybe there is a warrant signed by a judge after a complaint or investigation. Either way, the process begins the moment you are taken into custody.
From there, booking follows. You are fingerprinted, photographed, and logged into the system. The police will likely ask you questions, but this is not the time to explain your side. It is the time to stay quiet and ask for a lawyer. Your rights include silence and legal counsel. Both protect you more than anything you could say at that moment when facing criminal charges.
Michigan Arraignment Hearings: Your First Court Appearance
Usually within a day or two, you are brought before a judge for what is called an arraignment. The court tells you what you have been charged with and asks how you plead. You can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Depending on the charge and your background, the court will also decide whether you can be released and under what conditions. Sometimes bail is set. Sometimes you may be allowed to go home under personal recognizance. Either way, this is a moment where having legal support helps guide what happens next.
Felony Criminal Charges in Michigan
If you are facing a felony, Michigan law requires two specific steps after the arraignment in district court. First, there is a Probable Cause Conference. This meeting happens within a week or so and gives both sides a chance to review the case and discuss whether to move forward.
If no resolution comes from that, a Preliminary Examination is scheduled. This is a short hearing where the judge listens to limited evidence and decides if there is enough to send the case to circuit court for trial. Most felony cases do move forward at this point, but occasionally, a case can be dismissed.
Misdemeanor Cases in Michigan: What Happens After Arraignment
For misdemeanor charges, things tend to move a little faster. There is no preliminary hearing. Once arraigned, the case heads straight to pretrial in district court. That is where lawyers start looking at the details, exploring possible motions, and negotiating plea deals if they make sense.
Criminal Pretrial Hearings in Michigan
Many criminal cases do not go to trial. During the pretrial phase, both sides gather and exchange evidence. Your lawyer will review everything from police reports to video footage. They may also challenge whether certain evidence should be used or even ask the court to dismiss the charges entirely.
Sometimes a plea offer is made. It might reduce the charge or lower the penalties. Sometimes it makes sense to accept one. Other times it does not. A strong attorney can help you understand the risks either way.
Trials Happen When No Agreement Is Reached
If no deal is reached, your case moves to trial. This can be a bench trial with a judge or a jury trial with citizens deciding the verdict. Trials have a predictable rhythm: opening statements, witnesses, cross examination, closing arguments, and then a verdict.
The burden is always on the state to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. That means the judge or jury must be nearly certain before returning a guilty verdict. If that does not happen, the result is a not guilty verdict.
What to Expect After Conviction
If you are convicted, whether through a plea or a trial, then comes sentencing. The court will look at many factors: your background, what happened in the case, and recommendations in a pre-sentence report.
Michigan uses a set of sentencing guidelines for felonies, but judges can go higher or lower with a good reason. Sentences can range from probation and community service to fines or time in jail or prison.
A Lawyer Makes a Difference From Start to Finish
The truth is, the criminal court process is not designed to be easy. But you do not have to face it alone. A good Michigan criminal defense lawyer helps you understand what is coming, pushes back when the system overreaches, and helps protect your future.
At the Law Office of James Fillmore, we walk people through every step of this process. Whether it is a misdemeanor in district court or a serious felony in circuit court, we give each case the time, attention, and strategy it deserves.
Take the First Step Now
If you or someone you care about is facing criminal charges in Michigan, now is the time to act. Understanding the process is one thing, but having the right defense makes all the difference.
Contact the Law Office of James Fillmore to schedule a private consultation. We are ready to listen and ready to help.
