86th District Court Criminal Defense

Navigating the 86th District Court: A Guide for Antrim, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau Counties

If you are facing criminal charges in Northern Michigan, your case will likely begin in the 86th District Court. This court serves as the judicial hub for Antrim, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau counties, handling a wide array of local legal matters. Understanding the court's locations, functions, and key procedures is the first step toward building a strong defense. However, navigating these complexities effectively requires the expertise of a qualified criminal defense attorney, who can guide you through each stage and advocate for your rights.

Court Locations and Local Facilities

The 86th District Court operates in three separate locations, one for each county it serves. It is crucial to know the correct address for your required appearance:

• Grand Traverse County: The main branch is located at 280 Washington Street, Suite 206, Traverse City, MI 49684.
• Antrim County: Court proceedings are held at 203 E. Cayuga St., Bellaire, MI 49615.
• Leelanau County: The courthouse is situated at 8527 E. Government Center Dr., Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

Defendants who are taken into custody before trial are typically held at the local county jail corresponding to where the alleged offense occurred:

• Grand Traverse County Correctional Facility
• Antrim County Jail
• Leelanau County Jail

District Courts also preside over initial bail/bond hearings, which determine whether a defendant can be released from custody while their case is pending.

For individuals convicted of felonies and sentenced to prison, they will be transferred to a facility within the Michigan Department of Corrections system, which is determined by the state, not the local court. It's important to note that if convicted of a misdemeanor, any jail sentence would typically be served at the respective county jail. Only felony convictions resulting in prison time lead to transfer to the state's correctional system.

How the 86th District Court Fits into Michigan's Judicial System

In Michigan, the court system is tiered. District Courts are the entry point for nearly all criminal cases. They have jurisdiction over misdemeanor offenses, crimes where the maximum penalty is one year or less in jail and/or a fine. While seemingly less severe than felonies, misdemeanor convictions can still carry significant, long-lasting consequences, including driver's license sanctions (e.g., for OWI), firearm restrictions (for certain domestic violence convictions), employment difficulties, and other impacts on your personal and professional life. This includes common charges like drunk driving (OWI), domestic violence, and various traffic offenses.

For more serious felony charges, the 86th District Court's role is to handle the initial stages of the case, including the arraignment and the preliminary examination. The purpose of a preliminary exam is to determine if there is enough probable cause evidence for the case to be "bound over" to the higher-level Circuit Court for trial. This examination is a crucial stage for the defense, as an experienced attorney can challenge the prosecution's evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and potentially argue for the case's dismissal or reduction in charges before it ever reaches the Circuit Court.

The court also manages civil cases where the amount in dispute is $25,000 or less, landlord-tenant issues, and traffic violations.

Criminal and Traffic Cases Handled by the Court

The 86th District Court is divided into several divisions, including a Criminal Division and a Traffic Division, to manage its caseload efficiently.

• Criminal Charges: The court presides over all misdemeanor cases from arraignment through sentencing. Sentences can range from fines and probation to jail time, community service, and restitution. This includes everything from retail fraud to assault and battery.
• Felony Preliminary Examinations: If you are charged with a felony, your first appearances will be here, where a judge decides if the prosecutor has sufficient evidence to "bind over" the case to Circuit Court. This stage is critical for the defense to assess the prosecution's case and strategize for future proceedings.
• Traffic Tickets and Civil Infractions: The Traffic Division primarily handles civil infractions, which are non-criminal violations like speeding or improper lane use, resulting in fines and points on your driving record. However, it's crucial to distinguish these from criminal traffic offenses (e.g., OWI, Driving While License Suspended/Revoked, Reckless Driving), which are misdemeanors or felonies and are handled by the Criminal Division, carrying potential jail time and more severe penalties. Many of these civil infraction fines can be viewed and paid online.

Key Local Agencies Involved in Your Case

Your case will involve several local government bodies. The prosecuting attorney's office for the county where the alleged crime occurred is responsible for bringing charges against you.

• Grand Traverse County Prosecutor's Office
• Antrim County Prosecutor's Office
• Leelanau County Prosecutor's Office

Cases are investigated and brought to the prosecutor by local law enforcement agencies, including:

• Grand Traverse County: Traverse City Police Department, Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office, and the Michigan State Police.
• Antrim County: Antrim County Sheriff's Office, local police departments such as the Bellaire Police Department, Elk Rapids Police Department, Mancelona Police Department, Central Lake Police Department, and the Michigan State Police.
• Leelanau County: Leelanau County Sheriff's Office and the Michigan State Police.

Unique Procedures of the 86th District Court

The 86th District Court has adopted several modern practices to manage its docket across three counties:

• Virtual and Remote Operations: The court strongly encourages conducting business virtually. While offering convenience and reducing travel, it's essential for participants to have reliable internet access, a private and appropriate setting, and to be prepared for the technical requirements. Although many proceedings are virtual, some critical hearings or trials may still require in-person appearance. Many proceedings are held online, and filings can be submitted via email. The court also offers live streaming of its courtroom proceedings for public viewing.
• Magistrate Hours: Each county has specific walk-in hours to meet with a magistrate: Magistrates play a vital role in the District Court, handling various duties such as setting bail, conducting arraignments for minor offenses, signing warrants, and presiding over civil infraction informal hearings. While they cannot conduct trials or accept pleas in felony cases, their office is often the first point of contact for individuals needing to address court-related matters.
  1. Grand Traverse: Mondays, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  2. Leelanau: Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
  3. Antrim: Mondays, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Specialty Courts: The court operates specialty dockets, including a Domestic Violence Court, to address specific types of cases with tailored supervision and resources. These courts, often referred to as problem-solving courts, utilize a therapeutic jurisprudence approach, aiming to address the underlying issues contributing to criminal behavior rather than simply imposing punitive measures. For instance, the Domestic Violence Court focuses on perpetrator accountability, victim safety, and rehabilitation through intensive probation, regular court appearances, counseling, and substance abuse treatment. Participation in such programs, while rigorous, can offer defendants an opportunity for rehabilitation and potentially lead to more favorable outcomes, including reduced sentences or dismissal of charges upon successful completion.
• Online Access Limitations: Access to online criminal case records may be limited as the court works to reconcile its public records and due to privacy considerations, especially for ongoing investigations or sensitive cases. While some basic case information for criminal matters might be available, detailed records may require an in-person visit to the courthouse. Civil infractions, however, remain accessible for online payments.

For more official information, please visit the 86th District Court's official website.

Given the complexities and potential long-term impacts of criminal charges, it is always strongly advised to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney specializing in Michigan law. They can provide personalized advice, represent your best interests, and help you navigate the 86th District Court system effectively.