If you’re arrested for a criminal offense in Ingham County, you will need to appear in court at some point in your case. Depending on the severity of the charged criminal offense, you may have an initial appearance or arraignment followed by one or more pretrial hearings before the court holds a trial on your charge(s). When you face the criminal justice system for the first time, you may feel anxious and stressed about the idea of going to court. Knowing what to expect in criminal court in Ingham County can help make facing criminal charges less frightening.

Overview of the Court System in Ingham County

In Michigan, the court system has two levels of trial courts for criminal cases. Each level handles different grades of criminal offenses or various aspects of criminal cases. The district court typically handles misdemeanor cases all the way through trial and also oversees arraignments or preliminary hearings for various types of criminal cases. Conversely, the circuit court normally presides over felony criminal cases.

Ingham County has three district courts and one circuit court, which serve different parts of the county:

  • 54A District Court – Serves Lansing residents
  • 54B District Court – Serves East Lansing City residents
  • 55 District Court – Serves all other Ingham County residents
  • 30 Circuit Court – Serves all of Ingham County

You will receive a citation or court summons that informs you of the court you must attend for your initial appearance.

The Stages of a Criminal Case in Ingham County

A criminal case in Ingham County will go through several stages. However, some cases may skip some steps due to less severe criminal charges or a quick resolution of the case. The main stages of a criminal case include:

  • Arraignment/Initial Appearance – A defendant will first appear in court during an arraignment or initial appearance, where the trial court reads the charges against the defendant, takes the defendant’s initial plea, and determines whether to release the defendant pending trial and whether to impose bail or bond conditions for release.
  • Pretrial or Preliminary Examination – In a felony case, the trial court may conduct a preliminary examination to determine whether the prosecution has sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
  • Pretrial Hearings – Trial courts may hold one or more pretrial hearings to resolve discovery disputes or rule on various pretrial motions. Pretrial hearings may also allow parties to negotiate plea agreements.
  • Trial – Unless the trial court dismisses the case or the parties reach a plea agreement, a criminal case will proceed to trial. Depending on the nature of the charges and the defendant’s decision, a court may hold a jury or bench trial. The prosecution must present evidence that proves each element of a criminal charge beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense may present a case to assert factual or legal defenses or challenge aspects of the prosecution’s case.
  • Sentencing – If a trial results in a conviction, the trial court will hold a sentencing hearing, which may occur immediately after the trial or in a separate proceeding.

What to Expect During a Court Appearance

When appearing in court for criminal charges, things that defendants should know include:

  • Courtroom Etiquette – Defendants should dress respectfully for a courtroom appearance, arrive early before their scheduled hearing, and ensure they have their cell phones off while in the courtroom.
  • Schedule – Depending on the nature of the hearing, the court may handle multiple cases at the hearing, requiring you to wait for the court to call your case. Alternatively, the court may schedule a hearing specifically for your case.
  • Parties in the Courtroom – Parties you can expect to be present in the courtroom include the judge, prosecutor, your defense attorney, court officers, court reporters, clerks, jurors (at trial), and members of the public in the gallery.

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Following an arrest, hiring legal counsel can help you prepare for a court appearance. Contact DeBruin Law, PLLC, today for a free, confidential consultation with a criminal defense lawyer to learn more about what to expect when going to court for criminal charges in Ingham County.