Waivers of Arraignment
The District Court accepts
Waivers of Arraignment on misdemeanor cases with the exception of the following: alcohol or controlled substance related charges, assaultive charges, stalking, indecent exposure, outstanding warrant matters, or any other case as determined by the District Court Judge or Magistrate.
Please download the form in the link above before filling it out.
Misdemeanor Offenses
Crimes of a less serious nature that usually carry a maximum jail term of 1 year, including traffic misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are handled by the District Court where the offense occurred. Drunk driving is considered a criminal offense, not a traffic offense.
Some misdemeanors are punishable by more than 1 year, but are processed in the same manner as felonies.
Felony Offenses
Felony offenses are the most serious category of criminal offenses punishable by more than 1 year in prison.
In felony cases involving persons 17 years or older, the District Court where the offense occurred typically handles the initial stages of arraignment on the complaint and preliminary examination. If the District Court finds sufficient evidence, the case is bound over or transferred to Circuit Court. The Circuit Court then typically handles the case after it's bound over.
Note: Misdemeanor and felonies involving persons under 17 years of age are usually handled as
juvenile delinquency cases in the Family Division of the Circuit Court where the minor resides. In some situations, the charge may be handled the same as an adult charge.
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