Facing a criminal charge in Michigan

Bond and pretrial release in Michigan

Article I Section 15 of the Michigan Constitution provides a right to bail except as otherwise provided. MCL 765.6 directs that, except as otherwise provided by law, a person accused of a criminal offense is entitled to bail, that the amount shall not be excessive, and that the court must make findings on the record considering the seriousness of the offense, protection of the public, prior record and dangerousness, and probability of appearance. Michigan Court Rule 6.106 governs pretrial release and lists release options including personal recognizance, unsecured appearance bond, conditional release, cash or surety bond (with 10 percent deposit permitted), and detention without bail for certain enumerated offenses. Under MCR 6.106(B) the court must order release on personal recognizance unless that release will not reasonably assure appearance or will present a danger. Individualized review occurs at first appearance, and many county district courts publish interim bond schedules used between arrest and arraignment under MCR 6.102.

Bond amounts, conditions, and timelines vary by county and judge. Confirm with counsel or the court.

Criminal defense attorneys serving Michigan

Our directory is still building in Michigan. Public-defender intake is available now.

Record clearing in Michigan

Michigan Clean Slate Act (effective April 2023) provides automatic set-aside for eligible misdemeanors and some felonies after a waiting period. Petition-based set-aside under MCL 780.621 remains available for matters the automatic process does not cover.

Eligibility, waiting periods, and the petition vs. automatic pathway depend on the conviction class and the date of the offense. Confirm with counsel or the court record.

Public defender intake in Michigan

Michigan Indigent Defense Commission serves STATEWIDE County. Public defenders are appointed by the court based on financial eligibility. We do not refer you to a specific public defender and we do not represent you.

Public defenders are appointed by the court based on financial eligibility. LawSensai does not refer you to a public defender and does not represent you. This packet is a courtesy summary you can share with your public defender or their intake staff. You remain responsible for applying to the court for appointed counsel.