Criminal Division

The 59th District Court has authority to process felony and misdemeanor criminal charges that are alleged to have occurred in the City of Grandville or the City of Walker.

• A felony is generally defined as a crime punishable by more than one year in prison.
• A misdemeanor is generally defined as punishable by one year or less in county jail.

Misdemeanor and felony proceedings begin in the same manner, with arraignment:  The defendant's charges and maximum possible penalties are read; defendant's rights are reviewed; a plea of guilty or not guilty is entered; and if applicable, bond is set and next proceedings are scheduled.

A list of approved bonding companies if bonding assistance is needed.

Misdemeanors proceed through and, if applicable, are sentenced in district court.  Sentencing options include:

• Probation
• Fines and costs 
• Jail
• Counseling
• Residential treatment
• Community service and/or work crew
• Tether
• Psychological evaluation
• No contact with individuals or premises
• Any combination of the above

Felonies proceed with a probable cause conference and if needed, preliminary examination in district court, then continue through 17th Circuit Court.