1. On both felonies and misdemeanors the accused is taken before
the judge/magistrate for arraignment. The charges and maximum
penalties are read. The judge will make sure the defendant
understands the charges and penalty as well as the defendant’s right
that go with the charge.
2. On misdemeanor offenses, the defendant is allowed to plead
guilty at arraignment and be sentenced.
3. If the defendant pleads not guilty he/she will be given a
pretrial conference date where he/she will meet with the city
attorney/prosecutor.
4. If the misdemeanor is not resolved at the pretrial conference,
the case would be set for trial by either a judge or jury.
5. On felony arraignments, the court will not allow the defendant
to plead guilty without an attorney representing him/her.
6. Upon arraignment of a felony, the defendant is given a court
date for a preliminary examination which is typically held within
fourteen (14) days.
7. The examination’s purpose is to weed out weak cases not fit
for a full blown trial, thus the prosecutor must prove to the
judge’s satisfaction that there is probable cause a felony was
committed and probable cause that it is "this" defendant. If this is
established, the defendant is bound over to Circuit Court by the
District Judge for a full trial.
The City
of Walker, Michigan