Metro Detroit can be a rather complicated area when it comes to geographic boundaries and local ordinances. While some laws are applicable throughout Michigan, others are specific to a certain city. When it comes to the jail and court process, where you will go depends on where you were arrested or where the alleged crime occurred. Therefore, in the event of an arrest, you need to know how bail works in Detroit and the metro Detroit area. Each case has its specific circumstances, but here are a few basics.
Basics about the Bail Process
The first thing you should know about how bail works in Detroit is that you should find the best bail bond agency. You want someone trustworthy, readily available, experienced, responsible, helpful and compassionate. In short, you want Detroit Bail Bonds.
After an arrest, you will be temporarily held in the local police station where the alleged crime occurred. That could mean that you might be arrested in one city and then transferred to another. During the booking process your fingerprints and photo will be taken.
In the case of some common crimes and misdemeanors, the bail amount is predetermined. If you have the money to bail yourself out of jail, that’s an excellent option. If you can’t afford it, a bail bond agent will help ensure you get out of jail until your court dates. A bail bond agency will charge a non-refundable fee for the service, which is usually about 10 percent of the bail amount.
In other cases, your bail amount will be determined at your bail hearing or arraignment, which must be held within 72 hours after the arrest. The judge will set the bail depending on factors such as the type of crime and the defendant’s criminal history. In Michigan, there are four types of bonds: cash bond, 10 percent bond, cash or surety with no 10 percent option, and personal recognizance.
How Bail Works in Detroit
Generally, arraignments are held at the district courts, either in person or by video. Many district courthouses can be found throughout Michigan. Oakland County alone, for example, has 14 district courts.
Then, a preliminary examination of the evidence against the person who was arrested is held about two weeks after the arraignment. Often, the preliminary examination is waived and the case is sent to the circuit court for that county, listed as follows.
∙ Wayne County Circuit Court/Third Judicial Circuit Court:
- Civil Division (Family Division/Domestic Relations): Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 2 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226
- Criminal Division: Frank Murphy Hall of Justice, 1441 St. Antoine, Detroit, MI 48226
- Family Division/Juvenile: Lincoln Hall of Justice, 1025 E. Forest Avenue, Detroit, MI 48207
∙ Oakland County Circuit Court/Sixth Circuit Court: 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341
∙ Macomb County Circuit Court/16th Judicial Circuit Court: 40 N. Main St., Mount Clemens, MI 48043
∙ St. Clair County Circuit Court/31st Circuit Court: 201 McMorran Blvd., Port Huron, MI 48060
(For a listing of jail locations, see our “Jails in the Detroit Area” blog here.)
See our Blog Page for More Information
We know you have plenty of questions about how bail works in Detroit. The answers to many of these questions can be found in the blog section of our Detroit Bail Bonds website. Otherwise, feel free to contact us to ask us any questions you may have or for assistance to get someone out of jail. We can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through our website or by phone at 313-244-0669.
Tags: Detroit Bail, metro Detroit bail