19th Circuit Court of Benzie County Bail Bonds & Bond Information

After arraignment at 19th Circuit Court of Benzie County

In Benzie County, the initial arraignment and the initial setting of bond occur in the 85th District Court (448 Court Place, Beulah; 231-882-0019), which handles misdemeanor matters and the early stages of felony cases. At arraignment the judge or magistrate advises the defendant of the charges and sets release conditions, choosing among Michigan's bond options: a personal recognizance bond, an unsecured appearance bond, a cash bond, a 10% bond, or a surety bond, and may add conditions of release. For a felony, the 85th District Court conducts a preliminary examination to determine probable cause. If probable cause is found, the defendant is bound over to the 19th Circuit Court, the trial court for felony criminal cases in Benzie County (which also serves Manistee County). Once in Circuit Court, the assigned judge handles the felony arraignment on the information and may review, continue, or modify the bond originally set by the District Court based on the offense, the defendant's history, and risk factors.