51st Circuit Court of Lake County Bail Bonds & Bond Information

After arraignment at 51st Circuit Court of Lake County

In Lake County, a defendant's first appearance and initial bond determination occur in the 78th District Court (Lake County Courthouse, 800 10th Street, Baldwin). At arraignment the judge or magistrate sets bond, considering the charge, criminal history, ties to the community, and risk of flight or danger, and may order a PR, cash, 10%, or surety bond. The 78th District Court handles misdemeanors through disposition. For felonies, the district court conducts a probable-cause conference and preliminary examination; if probable cause is found, the case is bound over to the 51st Circuit Court, which serves both Lake and Mason Counties and sits in the same Baldwin courthouse. In circuit court the defendant is arraigned on the information, and the court may continue or modify bond. The 51st Circuit Court handles felony trials, sentencing, and major civil matters. Public case information is available through the statewide MiCOURT Case Search. Verify hearing dates and bond amounts directly with the court at 231-745-4614.