District Court

Criminal

Allegan County 57th District Court
113 Chestnut St.
Allegan, MI 49010
Phone: (269) 673-0400
Fax: (269) 673-0490

HOURS: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Monday - Friday

Criminal Division

All criminal cases prosecuted within the County of Allegan are filed at the 57th District Court. The 57th District Court processes misdemeanor cases (less serious crimes), from arraignment through sentencing; felony cases (more serious crimes), from arraignment through preliminary exam.

For paying Criminal fines and fees, visit our Payment page.

Terms

	Term	Definition
	Arraignment	Defendant is advised of his/her rights, advised of the charge, advised of possible penalties, bond is set and a plea may be entered.
	Pre-Trial	An exchange of information between the two sides.
	Preliminary Exam	To determine if a crime was committed and if the defendant may have committed the crime, (probable cause).
	Sentencing	The final step in the legal process, a penalty is assessed for someone who is convicted of, or pled guilty to a crime.
	Probable Cause Conference	This conference occurs the week prior to the preliminary exam on all felony matters. The purpose of the Probable Cause Conference is for the prosecutor, defendant, and defense attorney to have discussions regarding plea negotiations, bond modifications, stipulations regarding the case or any matters relevant to the case.

Criminal cases are serious issues with the possible penalties of fines and/or jail time, and/or probation.

Some examples of criminal cases are:

Theft or Larceny
Non-sufficient Fund Checks
Domestic Violence
Assault and Battery
Murder
Embezzlement
Criminal Sexual Conduct
Drug Charges
Home Invasion
Uttering and Publishing
Weapons Charges