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

After arraignment at 51st Circuit Court of Mason County

In Mason County, the initial arraignment and the first bond determination occur in the 79th District Court (304 East Ludington Avenue, Ludington), not in the 51st Circuit Court. At arraignment, the district judge or magistrate informs the accused of the charges and sets bond, which under Michigan practice may be personal recognizance, an unsecured appearance bond, a 10% bond, or a full cash/surety bond, with conditions set at the judge's discretion based on flight risk and public safety. For felony charges, the 79th District Court conducts a probable-cause conference and preliminary examination. If the judge finds probable cause that a felony was committed, the case is bound over to the 51st Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over all felony and high-court-misdemeanor matters, trials, and sentencing. The circuit judge may review or modify bond at the circuit level. The 51st Circuit Court Records Office (231-845-1445) and Administration Office (231-845-0516) handle case inquiries; office hours are weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.