In felony cases (cases that are punishable by more than one year in prison) the district court will set the bail amount and hold a preliminary examination to determine if a crime was committed and if there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed the crime. If the defendant is charged with a misdemeanor that is punishable by not more than one year in jail, the district court will conduct a trial and sentence the defendant if found guilty. The court also determines the bail amount and collects bail. The district court explains to the defendant the charges, his or her rights, and the possible consequences if convicted of the charge. Civil disputes seeking money damages cannot exceed $25,000 in district court.Īll criminal cases, for persons 17 years or older, are started in the district court. The district court also hears both criminal and civil cases including small claims and landlord-tenant disputes. The district court handles most traffic violations. The court that most people have contact with is the district court. There are approximately 100 district courts in Michigan. In 1968 the Legislature in Lansing established District Courts in Michigan to help relieve the overcrowded State Circuit Court.
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