5th Circuit Court of Barry County Bail Bonds & Bond Information

After arraignment at 5th Circuit Court of Barry County

Felony criminal cases in Barry County begin in the 56-B District Court (206 W. Court St., Ste. 202, Hastings), which has jurisdiction to issue arrest and search warrants, set bail and accept bond, conduct misdemeanor and felony arraignments, and preside over preliminary examinations. At the initial arraignment the District Court judge or magistrate advises the defendant of the charge and sets bond, considering factors under Michigan Court Rule 6.106 such as the seriousness of the offense, prior record, and risk of flight; the judge may grant release on personal recognizance, set an unsecured appearance bond, or require a cash, 10%, or surety bond. For a felony, the District Court conducts a preliminary examination; if the judge finds probable cause that a felony was committed, the case is bound over to the 5th Judicial Circuit Court, which tries all felonies (offenses punishable by commitment to a state penitentiary). Once in Circuit Court, the defendant is arraigned on the information and bond may be continued or modified. Confirm hearing dates and bond status with the court.