Crimes that are specified as felonies, and crimes that carry punishment for more than one year in prison are defined as felonies. Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction of all felonies.

Felonies are initiated with a complaint and warrant in the District Court. A defendant may have a preliminary examination there to determine if there is probable cause to be tried in Circuit Court, or the exam may be waived. The defendant is then arraigned on a felony information in Circuit Court, where the defendant may plead guilty or request a trial. Sentencing requires a written pre-sentence report by the Department of Corrections.

Online access to criminal records is available through the Grand Traverse County website:

Related Links:
Online Criminal records