3B District Court Criminal Defense

Jurisdiction and Case Types in the 3B District Court

The 3B District Court serves as the entry point for criminal cases originating anywhere in St. Joseph County. Arrests made by the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department or local police departments in municipalities such as Three Rivers, Sturgis, Constantine, White Pigeon, Mendon, Nottawa, Colon, Burr Oak, Leonidas, and Sherman Township will result in charges initially filed in this court.

The court handles a broad array of case types, including:

• Felony Charges: The court handles the initial stages of all felony cases, including arraignment and the preliminary examination. A preliminary examination is a probable cause hearing where the prosecuting attorney must present sufficient evidence to show a crime was likely committed and there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed it. If probable cause is found, the case is “bound over” to the Circuit Court (45th Circuit Court) for further proceedings.
• Misdemeanor Offenses: The court has full and final jurisdiction over all misdemeanors, from minor infractions such as disorderly conduct or second/third-degree retail fraud, to more serious offenses like domestic violence, assault and battery, or first-offense operating while intoxicated (OWI). All phases of misdemeanor cases, arraignment through sentencing, occur within the 3B District Court.
• Traffic Violations: This includes civil infractions (e.g., speeding tickets, disregarding traffic signals) and criminal traffic offenses such as OWI/DUI, driving while license suspended (DWLS), reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident.
• Local Ordinance Violations: Alleged violations of municipal regulations (animal control, open container laws, conservation and watercraft regulations, etc.) are heard and adjudicated in this court.

Civil jurisdiction: The court also hears civil lawsuits with claims up to $25,000, small claims cases up to $7,000 (small claims limit increased to $7,000 on January 1, 2023), and landlord-tenant disputes including evictions and security deposit disputes.

The 3B District Court’s Role in the Michigan Judicial System

District courts in Michigan are trial courts of limited jurisdiction and serve as the first tier of the state judicial system. For criminal cases, the 3B District Court’s primary roles are:

1. Full Adjudication of Misdemeanors: The court handles all misdemeanors completely, from arraignment through any sentencing imposed.
2. Initial Processing of Felonies: The court conducts the arraignment and the preliminary examination for felony charges. If the judge finds probable cause at the preliminary exam, the felony case is bound over to the 45th Circuit Court for further proceedings, including potential plea negotiations, jury trials, and final sentencing. This screening function helps determine which felony cases proceed to the higher court.

The 3B District Court works closely with the St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, which prosecutes criminal cases on behalf of the State of Michigan and local municipalities within St. Joseph County. Understanding the local prosecutor’s policies and tendencies can be an important part of an effective defense strategy.

The Criminal Process in St. Joseph County

After an Arrest: Following an arrest in St. Joseph County, an individual is typically transported to the St. Joseph County Jail operated by the Sheriff’s Department at 650 E Main St., Centreville, MI 49032. Booking includes fingerprinting, mugshots, and property inventory. During this period, remember your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. Do not answer law enforcement questions without an attorney present.

Arraignment: This is the defendant’s first formal court appearance, usually within 24–72 hours of arrest (sooner if the defendant is held in custody). At arraignment the defendant is informed of the charges, advised of constitutional rights (including the right to counsel), and the judge sets bond and pre-trial release conditions. An attorney can be valuable at arraignment to argue for reasonable bond and favorable release conditions.

Bond and Pre-Trial Release: The 3B District Court judge will set bond conditions, which guarantee a defendant’s appearance at future court dates. Common bond types include:

• Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: Release on a promise to appear, often with minimal or no upfront cash required.
• 10% Cash Bond: The defendant pays 10% of the total bond amount to the court; this percentage is typically returned if all court appearances are made.
• Cash/Surety Bond: Requires the full bond amount in cash or through a licensed bail bondsman.

The court may also impose non-financial release conditions, such as no alcohol or drug use (often requiring PBTs or drug screens), no contact with victims or witnesses, GPS tethering, curfews, or travel restrictions. An experienced attorney can advocate for the least restrictive bond conditions possible.

Pre-Trial Proceedings: Between arraignment and a preliminary examination (for felonies) or trial (for misdemeanors), there may be multiple pre-trial conferences. These allow attorneys to discuss the case with prosecutors, negotiate plea agreements, address discovery, and file motions.

Plea Bargaining: Many criminal cases in the 3B District Court, especially misdemeanors, are resolved through plea bargaining. Negotiations between defense counsel and the prosecutor can result in reduced charges, dismissal of some charges, or agreed sentencing recommendations in exchange for a guilty plea. A skilled attorney can use knowledge of local court practices and prosecutor tendencies to pursue the best possible outcome.

Probation: If convicted and sentenced to probation, defendants are supervised by the 3B District Court’s Probation Division. Probation typically requires regular reporting to a probation officer and compliance with conditions tailored to the offense, which may include community service, counseling, drug/alcohol testing, fines, costs, and restitution. Violations of probation can lead to revocation and potential jail time.

Sentencing and Incarceration:

• Misdemeanor convictions: A judge in the 3B District Court can sentence an individual to a maximum of one year in the St. Joseph County Jail.
• Felony convictions: More serious felonies, handled in the 45th Circuit Court, may result in sentences to Michigan state prison. State prisons are located outside St. Joseph County; placement depends on the length and nature of the sentence. County jails are generally for shorter-term or misdemeanor sentences, while state prisons house longer-term felony sentences.

Problem-Solving Courts: The 3B District Court offers Problem-Solving Court programs (such as Drug Court and Veterans’ Court) that emphasize rehabilitation over traditional incarceration. These specialized programs address underlying issues like addiction or mental health that contribute to criminal behavior. Successful completion can lead to reduced sentences, dismissal of charges, or avoidance of jail time. An attorney can advise on eligibility and whether participation aligns with a client’s best interests.

Advice and Next Steps

Facing criminal charges in the 3B District Court can be overwhelming. It is crucial to seek experienced legal counsel immediately. An attorney familiar with the 3B District Court’s procedures, the tendencies of its judges, and the policies of the St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office can protect your rights and work toward the most favorable outcome for your case.