An arrest does not give you time to prepare.
It can happen very fast. You hear the officer say you are under arrest. Your hands are behind your back. You are placed in a car. After that – You will feel like you are moving on someone else’s schedule.
Many people do not know what happens next. You may wonder:
- How long will I be here?
- When will I see a judge?
- Can I go home?
- What exactly am I charged with?
The period between arrest and arraignment is short – but it matters a lot. What happens during this window can affect your:
- bond
- court dates
- how your case unfolds
Here is what really happens inside Michigan courts once an arrest takes place.
The Arrest Itself
An arrest will happen in one of these ways:
- Police say they saw a crime happen
- A warrant was already issued
- A traffic stop leads to probable cause
You will be taken to a jail facility once you are arrested. Depending on where you are, this can be a city jail or a county jail.
Your booking will start at that jail.
Booking: What Happens Inside the Jail
Booking is a procedural formality. It happens to everyone who goes to jail.
Officers will:
- Ask for your legal name.
- Record your address and date of birth.
- Take fingerprints.
- Take your photo.
- Remove personal belongings.
The officials will log and store your property.
They can also ask you questions regarding your crime. This is important: you still have the right to remain silent. All jail phone calls are recorded. Conversations in holding areas are not private.
After booking – you wait.
Sometimes that wait is short. Sometimes it can last overnight.
How Charges Are Approved
Before you stand in front of a judge – a prosecutor will review your police report.
This is where formal charges are decided.
The prosecutor looks at:
- The officer’s statement
- Witness accounts
- Evidence collected
- Criminal history
At this stage – your charges can be:
- Approved as written.
- Reduced
- Increased
- Rejected
This is when the case officially enters the court system.
The Arraignment: Your First Court Appearance
Arraignment is your first time before a judge. It does not take much time. In some courtrooms – several arraignments happen in one session.
Here is what takes place.
1. The Judge Confirms Your Identity
You are asked basic questions to confirm who you are. This locks your information into the court record.
2. The Charges Are Read
The judge tells you what offense you are accused of committing.
You may hear legal terms you do not recognize. The formal name of the charge is read into the record.
This is often the first time you hear the official wording.
3. Your Rights Are Explained
The judge advises you of your rights, including:
- The right to an attorney.
- The right to remain silent.
- The right to trial.
- The right to a preliminary examination if charged with a felony.
If you cannot afford a lawyer – you may request a court-appointed attorney.
At this stage – many people start speaking with a criminal attorney Michigan residents rely on to review the case and prepare for the next hearing.
4. You Enter a Plea
The judge will ask how you plead.
Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment.
This does not mean the case goes to trial. It simply preserves your options and allows time to examine evidence.
Pleading guilty at arraignment is uncommon unless the situation is very specific and already negotiated.
5. Bond Is Set
Bond is often the most important moment during arraignment.
The judge decides:
- Whether you are released
- How much money is required
- What conditions apply
Bond types may include:
- Personal recognizance bond
- Cash bond
- Percentage bond
Conditions may include:
- No contact with certain people
- Drug or alcohol testing
- Travel limits
- No possession of weapons
Violating bond conditions can bring you back to jail.
What Happens in Misdemeanor Cases
Your case will stay in the district court if the charge is a misdemeanor.
After arraignment – the court schedules:
- A pretrial conference
- Possible motion hearings
- Trial if needed
Many misdemeanor cases resolve during the pretrial stage.
What Happens in Felony Cases
Felony cases begin in district court but may move to circuit court.
After arraignment, you may face:
- A probable cause conference
- A preliminary examination
At the preliminary examination, the judge decides if there is enough evidence to move the case forward.
If the prosecutor cannot show probable cause – the case may be dismissed or reduced.
This stage can be critical.
What You Should Do Before Arraignment
If you have an arraignment scheduled, prepare.
Bring:
- Identification
- Court paperwork
- Proof of employment if possible
- Proof of residence
You must arrive early and dress respectfully. Turn off your phone.
Do not speak about your case in hallways. Conversations are often overheard.
Common Early Mistakes
People often hurt their own case without realizing it.
Avoid:
- Posting about the arrest on social media
- Discussing details in jail phone calls
- Contacting alleged victims if bond prohibits it
- Missing court dates
- Trying to argue your case at arraignment
There will be time later for arguments and evidence.
Why the Arrest-to-Arraignment Window Matters
- The first few days set the tone.
- Bond decisions affect your freedom.
- Formal charges shape your exposure.
- Court dates begin the timeline.
- Once the arraignment ends – the case moves into negotiation and evidence review.
- The foundation is already laid.
What Happens After Arraignment
Your case will enter the pretrial phase after your arraignment.
This includes:
- Exchange of evidence.
- Review of police reports.
- Possible plea discussions.
- Motion hearings.
- Trial preparation if needed.
Each case moves at a different speed. Some resolve quickly. But others can take months.
Final Thoughts
An arrest is not the end of your story. It is the beginning of a legal process that follows a clear structure in Michigan courts.
From booking to bond – from charge approval to arraignment – every step has a purpose.
Understanding the process helps you avoid panic. It helps you make better decisions. It helps you know what comes next.
When you know how Michigan courts begin a criminal case – the situation becomes less confusing and more manageable. The system moves fast. But when you understand the stages, you are no longer walking into court blind.