TYPES OF CASES
 

FELONY CASES

A felony is a major crime that is punishable by a minimum of one year in prison. In a felony case, there are two court dates on which you may be summoned to testify. The first will be the preliminary hearing, in General District Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, and the second will be trial in the Circuit Court. You will receive a subpoena for the dates you are needed to testify. The guilt or innocence of the defendant will be decided either by the judge or by a jury at trial.

MISDEMEANOR CASES

A misdemeanor is a less serious crime that is punishable by confinement in the county jail for a maximum of twelve months, a fine of not more than $2,500.00, or both. In misdemeanors there is one court date, unless the case is later appealed to Circuit Court. As a crime victim or witness you will receive a subpoena to appear in General District Court or the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court to testify. The judge then makes the final decision and sentences the defendant, if found guilty.

JUVENILE AND FAMILY CASES

Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court handles criminal and traffic violations by persons under 18 years of age and any crime committed within the immediate family.