All criminal cases prosecuted within the County of Allegan are filed at the 57th District Court. The 57th District Court processes misdemeanor cases (less serious crimes), from arraignment through sentencing; felony cases (more serious crimes), from arraignment through preliminary exam.

A few key terms:

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 pled 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:

• Theft or larceny
• Non-sufficient fund checks
• Domestic violence
• Assault and battery
• Dog violations
• Murder
• DNR violations
• Drug charges