45th Circuit Court of St. Joseph County Bail Bonds & Bond Information

After arraignment at 45th Circuit Court of St. Joseph County

In St. Joseph County, criminal cases are initiated in the 3B District Court (125 W. Main St., Centreville, 269-467-5627), a court of limited jurisdiction. Initial arraignment and bond-setting occur there, typically within 24-72 hours of arrest. At arraignment the judge or magistrate informs the defendant of the charges and sets bond, weighing the offense, prior record, ties to the community, flight risk, and public safety; bond may be personal recognizance, cash, 10% deposit, or surety. Misdemeanors are handled to completion in the District Court. For felonies, the 3B District Court conducts a preliminary examination to determine probable cause; if found, the case is bound over to the 45th Circuit Court, which sits in the same Courts' Building at 125 W. Main St., Centreville (269-467-5542). The Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over felonies and hears appeals from the District and Probate courts; it conducts further arraignment on the information, trial, and sentencing, and may review or modify bond.