ANATOMY OF A MICHIGAN PROSECUTION
Felony Misdemeanor Juvenile
In order to familiarize yourself with the criminal justice system, please review the following sketches, flowcharts and definitions.
Felony:
6. Preliminary Exam/ Bind Over to Circuit Court.
1. Crime is committed.
7. Arraignment in Circuit Court.
2. Crime is reported to police.
8. Pretrial is held.
3. Police investigate.
9. If trial, victim/witness may testify.
4. Prosecutor evaluates case; warrant issued.
10. Defendant is acquitted or convicted of crime.
5. Suspect arrested and arraigned.
11. Defendant is sentenced.
Misdemeanor:
6. Pretrial is held.
7. If trial, victim/witness may testify.
8. Defendant is acquitted or convicted of crime.
9. Defendant is sentenced.
Juvenile:
5. Preliminary inquiry or hearing. Court determines to/not authorize petition.
6. Juvenile pre-trial conference pleads guilty or trial is held.
7. Trial, victim/witness may testify.
8. Juvenile disposition hearing.
4. Prosecutor evaluates case; petition issued.
9. Review hearing.