CRIMINAL JUSTICE TERMINOLOGY
Acquittal– Defendant is found “Not Guilty” after a jury trial.
Adjournment – A delay in the proceeding of a case, typically where a scheduled court hearing or trial must be rescheduled to another date and/or time.
District Court Arraignment – The first court hearing in a both misdemeanor and felony cases. At the District Court Arraignment, the Defendant is notified of the criminal charges he/she is facing, future district court dates are set and bond is established.
Bindover – In felony cases, a Bindover occurs when the District Court Judge determines that the Prosecuting Attorney has sufficient evidence to establish the Defendant’s guilt by a Probable Cause standard. The felony case then proceeds to Circuit Court for future hearings.
Bond – The amount of money that the Defendant must post to be released from jail while he/she awaits sentencing. While released, the Defendant must follow certain rules to continue his/her release.
Circuit Court – The court that handles all felony trials and sentencings.
Circuit Court Arraignment – The first court hearing in Circuit Court after a case is bound over from District Court. The Court schedules future hearings in Circuit Court. The Defendant usually waives his/her appearance at this hearing as it is administrative only.
Defendant – A person who is charged with a crime.
Dismissal – Charges dropped by order of the Judge.
District Court – Court which handles all misdemeanor cases, sentencings, traffic violations and the first hearings of felony cases.
Felony – A crime punishable by a maximum incarceration of more than one-year.
Misdemeanor – A crime punishable by a maximum incarceration of one-year or less.
Motion – A hearing scheduled by either the Defendant’s Attorney or the Prosecuting Attorney to address a legal issue before the Judge.
Parole – Supervision to a Defendant by the Michigan Department of Corrections after he/she has granted release from prison by the parole board.
Preliminary Examination – A hearing in felony cases held in the District Court to determine if the Prosecuting Attorney has sufficient evidence to establish the Defendant’s guilt by a Probable Cause standard. If the Prosecutor presents sufficient evidence that is called a bindover, and the felony proceeds to Circuit Court for future hearings.
Preliminary Hearing (Neglect & Abuse Cases) — In a child protective proceeding, the court must hold a preliminary hearing if the child has been taken into temporary custody or if a party has requested that the child be taken into custody. The court must two major decisions at a preliminary hearing: whether to authorize the petition and whether to order pretrial placement of the child. Alternatively, the court may order alleged abuser to leave the child’s home.
Presentence Investigation Report [PSI] – A report drafted by a probation officer and provided to the Judge before sentencing. The PSI Report gives a summary of the Defendant’s background, victim’s claims and incarceration recommendation.
Pretrials – A formal meeting between the Defense Attorney and Prosecutor to see if the case can be resolved without a jury trial.
Probation – Supervision ordered by a Judge after an individual is convicted of a crime.
Restitution – A court ordered sum of money to reimburse a crime victim for property loss or injuries resulting from the crime.
Subpoena – A legal order compelling a person to appear in Court to testify as a witness.
Warrant – A legal document issued by the Prosecuting Attorney and approved by a Judge allowing the police to arrest the accused.
Prosecuting Attorney
Melissa Goodrich
(231) 627-8450
Office
870 S. Main Street, Rm 143
P.O. Box 70
Cheboygan, MI 49721
(231) 627-8450
Fax: (231) 627-8405
Hours
Additional Staff
Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
Paige Miller
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
Anthony Juillet
Officer Manager/Clerk for District Court cases
Melanie Hansen
mhansen@cheboygancounty.net
Trial Support Specialist
Marie D. Coleman
mcoleman@cheboygancounty.net
Victim Advocate/Witness Coordinator
Jaimee Vizina
jvizina@cheboygancounty.net
Clerk for Circuit Court Cases
Juliet K. Rettell
jrettell@cheboygancounty.net
Clerk for Probate Court Cases
Matthew J. Friday, MA
mfriday@cheboygancounty.net
NON-EMERGENCY PUBLIC SAFETY NUMBERS
Cheboygan County Sheriff Department
County Building
870 S. Main St.
Cheboygan, MI 49721
231.627.3155
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Indian River Field Office
6984 S. Straits Hwy
Indian River, MI 49749
231.238.9313
Cheboygan Department of Public Safety
Cheboygan City Hall
403 N. Huron St.
Cheboygan, MI 49721
231.627.4321
Mackinaw City Police Department
Village Hall
102 S. Huron Ave.
Mackinaw City, MI 49701
231.436.7861
Tuscarora Township Police Department
Tuscarora Township Hall
3546 S. Straits Hwy
Indian River, MI 49749
231.238.9481
CONTACT US
Cheboygan County
870 S. Main St.
Cheboygan, MI 49721
231.627.8855