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.

For paying Criminal fines and fees, visit our Payment page.

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
• Murder
• Embezzlement
• Criminal Sexual Conduct
• Drug Charges
• Home Invasion
• Uttering and Publishing
• Weapons Charges

Terms/Definitions

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.

Probable Cause Conference
This conference occurs the week prior to the preliminary exam on all felony matters. The purpose of the Probable Cause Conference is for the prosecutor, defendant, and defense attorney to have discussions regarding plea negotiations, bond modifications, stipulations regarding the case or any matters relevant to the case.