Criminal Defense FAQs – Triton Legal PLC

Your Questions Answered by Bay City’s Trusted Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Bay City, Midland, Saginaw, or elsewhere in Northeast Michigan, you likely have questions about what comes next. Our experienced team at Triton Legal PLC is here to help. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the criminal defense process in Michigan.

What Should I Do If I’m Arrested in Michigan?

If you are arrested at the time of the alleged offense, you will likely be taken to jail for booking. This includes fingerprinting, photographing, and being asked for basic personal information. Depending on the seriousness of the charge, you may be:

• Released on your own recognizance (PR bond)

• Held until bond is posted

• Held without bond if deemed a flight risk or danger

Your first step should always be to contact a qualified criminal defense attorney. At Triton Legal PLC, we fight to protect your rights and secure your release as quickly as possible.

What Is a Bond in a Criminal Case?

A bond is a financial guarantee to ensure you return for future court dates. There are several types of bonds in Michigan, including:

• Cash bond – You pay the full amount to the court.

• 10% bond – You pay 10% of the total bond amount.

• Surety bond – A bondsman posts bail for you, usually for a 20–25% nonrefundable fee.

• Personal recognizance (PR) bond – No upfront payment, but penalties apply if you miss court.

Bond amounts are based on the nature of the crime, your criminal history, ties to the community, and flight risk.

What If I Can’t Afford My Bond?

If your bond is too high, a bondsman may help. For a nonrefundable percentage of the total bond amount, a bondsman will pay the court on your behalf. Alternatively, your attorney can request a bond reduction hearing.

It’s important to weigh your options: paying the court directly means most of the money is refunded or credited toward fines. Using a bondsman means you will not get your payment back.

What If I Wasn’t Arrested at the Scene?

In cases involving drug charges or delayed investigations, law enforcement may:

• Collect evidence and submit it for lab testing

• Wait for test results before pursuing charges

You may later receive a notice to appear or be eligible for a walk-in arraignment. If you receive notice from a court, contact a defense lawyer immediately to protect your rights.

What Happens at Arraignment in Michigan?

The arraignment is your first formal court appearance, where:

• The judge reads your charges

• Maximum penalties are explained

• Bond may be set or reviewed

• Release conditions (no-contact orders, drug testing, etc.) are imposed

You can plead guilty at this stage, but we strongly advise against it. Instead, have a criminal defense lawyer attend the arraignment—Triton Legal PLC can often waive the arraignment to reduce exposure and avoid excessive conditions.

What’s Next After Arraignment?

After your arraignment, your case will follow one of two paths:

For Misdemeanors:

• The court schedules a pre-trial conference

• Evidence is reviewed and plea deals are discussed

• You decide whether to:

  • Accept a plea offer

  • Continue negotiating

  • Take the case to trial

For Felonies:

• You’ll attend a pre-exam conference or status hearing

• A preliminary exam must be held within 21 days of arraignment unless waived

Felony cases are subject to stricter timelines and procedures under Michigan law, making skilled legal representation even more critical.

What Is a Preliminary Exam?

A preliminary examination (prelim) is a hearing before a district court judge to determine if probable cause exists to believe you committed the felony. At this hearing:

• The prosecutor presents evidence

• Witnesses may testify

• The judge—not a jury—decides whether to bind the case over to circuit court

You can waive the prelim or use it to preview the state’s evidence. The decision should be made with your attorney based on your defense strategy.

What Happens After the Preliminary Exam?

If the judge finds probable cause:

• Your case is “bound over” to circuit court

• Additional motion hearings or plea negotiations may occur

• If unresolved, your case proceeds to trial

If the judge finds no probable cause (rare), the case may be dismissed. However, the prosecutor may refile under certain circumstances.

What Is a Motion in Criminal Defense?

A motion is a formal request for the judge to make a decision about an aspect of your case. Common motions include:

• Motion to reduce bond

• Motion to suppress evidence

• Motion to dismiss charges

• Motion for discovery

Motions are heard by a judge—not a jury—and can significantly influence your case’s direction. In felony matters, district court rulings can be appealed to circuit court for review.

Why Hire Triton Legal PLC for Criminal Defense in Bay City?

At Triton Legal PLC, we offer:

• Honest, straightforward legal advice

• Aggressive courtroom advocacy

• Experience in felony, misdemeanor, DUI, drug, and violent crime defense

• Local knowledge of Bay County, Saginaw, Midland, and Tri-Cities courts

We believe everyone deserves a powerful defense. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Get Legal Help Now

Call Triton Legal PLC at (989) 439-9600 for a confidential consultation with a trusted criminal defense attorney in Bay City, Michigan. We proudly serve clients in Saginaw, Midland, Arenac, and throughout Northeast Michigan.