Arraignment and Bond
Michigan Criminal Procedure
Arraignment and Bond
Your First Court Date, Arraignment Before The District or Circuit Court
Arraignment is the first opportunity for a defendant to appear in court after being arrested or charged. At this stage, the charges and penalties are read and a plea is requested. A plea of "not guilty" or "standing mute" communicates to the court that the charges are being contested. The Judge will also set a bond at the arraignment. For felony cases, the preliminary examination date is scheduled on the date of arraignment. For misdemeanor cases, a pretrial conference may be scheduled at this time.
Bond For Michigan Criminal Offenses
The main components of bond are to insure the defendant's appearance at all court proceedings and to protect the public. In setting bond, the court may also set bond conditions upon a defendant which include limitations on travel outside of the State of Michigan and random alcohol/drug testing. The types of bond are as follows:
- Personal Bond: Money is not required unless a person fails to comply with the conditions of bond.
- Ten Percent Bond: A person can have 10% of the bond amount posted with the court. This amount is refunded upon performance of the bond conditions.
- Cash Bond: requiring the posting of cash only in the amount of the bond.
- Surety Bond: requiring the services of a bondsman. The bondsman will usually charge and retain 10% of the bond for the use of his surety status and require other collateral to the extent of the entire bond.
As criminal defense lawyers in Macomb County, the ABDO LAW FIRM can protect your rights at an arraignment or bond hearings in all district and circuit courts. We can make a difference in getting our clients out of jail with little or no cash and minimal bond conditions in many situations.
