Macomb County Jail

Use Macomb County Inmate Search first. It lists the booking and the bond or fine amount when one is set. Write down the inmate number if you see it, because the payment staff will ask for it.

A booking that is only minutes old may take a while to appear. Ask the arresting police department where the person was taken, then search again later.

During court hours, Macomb County wants bonds posted at the court. The two exceptions are Circuit Court cases and Friend of the Court cases, which follow different steps. Outside court hours, you pay at the Sheriff's Office instead.

The Sheriff's Office is at 43565 Elizabeth Road, Mount Clemens, MI 48043, and the payment counter hours can change. Call (586) 307-9612 before you drive, and ask which door to use.

In person you can use cash, a cashier's check, or a major credit card. The check must be made out to "Macomb County Prisoner Information." Cards carry a fee. A surety bond from a bonding agent is also accepted.

Personal checks and money orders are not on the county's list, so do not count on them.

Yes. The county uses AllPaid, run by Government Payment Services. You can pay on the website or by calling (586) 307-9612.

A bond paid this way is made out in the inmate's name. The court may take costs and fees out of it, so a refund can go to the defendant and not to the person who paid. Ask the court of jurisdiction about fees.

Gather the inmate's full name, the inmate number, the case number for each charge, and the bond or fine amount. The county also offers a bail information form on its page. Having these ready keeps the clerk from sending you away.

Release may take several hours. The county says timing depends on how busy the jail is and where the person is housed. Pick a spot to meet them, and keep your phone on.

A magistrate or judge decides, usually at the first court appearance. Under Michigan Court Rule 6.106 the starting point is release on a written promise to return, with no money. Money bail is allowed only when the court says on the record that nothing else will protect the public or make sure the person comes back.

The judge looks at prior record, past missed court dates, drug or alcohol use, mental health, the seriousness of the charge, ties to the community, and what the family can afford.

If the judge allows it, you can post 10 percent of the bail in cash instead of the full amount. Michigan law (MCL 780.66) sets the court's cut on such deposits. Since May 1, 2026, the court may keep 10 percent of a deposit only if the case is discharged, the offense falls under that statute, and the person was convicted. Otherwise the whole deposit returns, after any fines and costs.

Some older web pages still say the court always keeps 10 percent. That is out of date.

The 16th Circuit Court keeps an approved list of bonding agencies. Use only agents on that list. The state insurance department does not license bail bondsmen; agents hold insurance producer licenses, and each court approves them one by one.

We found no state rule that sets what an agent may charge. Ask for the fee and every other term in writing before you sign.

Michigan's court rule allows real property only with the court's consent and proof of its value. Whether the house must sit in Macomb County, and how the papers are filed, is up to the court that set the bond. Ask the clerk of that court before you gather deeds.

The Michigan Constitution lets a judge hold someone without bail only when the proof is evident or the presumption is great, and only for certain groups. These are murder and treason, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, armed robbery, kidnapping to extort, and some repeat or on-release violent felonies. A probation or parole hold also stops release.

If bail is denied, trial must start within 90 days unless the defense caused the delay. A lawyer can ask for a custody hearing.

Michigan requires arraignment without unnecessary delay. A person arrested without a warrant generally cannot be held past 48 hours without a judge finding probable cause. Each county must keep a judicial officer available every day of the year, and arraignment may be done by video.

Yes. The Macomb County Office of Public Defender is at 22 Market Street, Mount Clemens, and answers at (586) 466-8311 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. At arraignment the court asks if you need a lawyer, and you fill out a financial form.

For the state side of indigent defense, the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission is at 517-657-3066.

Macomb County Community Corrections, at 43565 Elizabeth Road, Mount Clemens, lists pre-trial release supervision among its options. Reach it at (586) 307-9443, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by email at communitycorrections@macombgov.org. The judge decides who qualifies.

Michigan law now treats 17-year-olds as juveniles and bars holding anyone under 18 in an adult jail unless completely separated from adults. Macomb County runs the Macomb Juvenile Justice Center, a 140-bed secure facility for ages 10 to 17. Call the county line at (586) 469-5100 and ask for the center.

The judge can issue a warrant and declare the bail forfeited. The court mails a notice, and the defendant then has 28 days to surrender before judgment can be entered. A surety agent must be told within 7 days. Call the agent and a lawyer the same day.

After an arrest, knowing the difference between District Court and Circuit Court can make the next steps less confusing. In Macomb County, Michigan , lower-level criminal charges and the opening stages of felony cases are in most situations handled in District Court . Most felony trials and felony sentencing belong in Circuit Court . Juvenile delinquency cases usually go through the Family Division of Circuit Court. The Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney represents the state. Mount Clemens is the county seat.

• 16th Circuit Court — 40 N. Main St., Mt. Clemens, MI 48043. 586-469-5351.
• 37th District Court (Warren) — 8300 Common Rd., Warren, MI 48093. 586-574-4900.
• 37th District Court (Center Line) — 7070 E. Ten Mile Rd., Center Line, MI 48015. 586-757-8333.
• 41B District Court — 22380 Starks Dr., Clinton Township, MI 48036. 586-469-9300.
• 38th District Court — 16101 E. Nine Mile Rd., Eastpointe, MI 48021. 586-445-5020.
• 42-2 District Court — 35071 23 Mile Rd., New Baltimore, MI 48047. 586-725-9500.
• 42-1 District Court — 14713 33 Mile Rd., Romeo, MI 48065. 586-752-9679.
• 41A District Court (Shelby) — 52420 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township, MI 48316. 586-739-7325.
• 40th District Court — 27701 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores, MI 48080. 586-445-5280.
• 41A District Court (Sterling Heights) — 40111 Dodge Park Rd., Sterling Heights, MI 48313. 586-446-2500.

• District Court: Hears most misdemeanors and holds the first hearings in felony cases, including arraignment and preliminary examination.
• Circuit Court: Handles felony trials, pleas, sentencing, and appeals assigned by Michigan law.
• Family Division of Circuit Court: Handles juvenile delinquency proceedings and related matters.
• Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney: Represents the state in local criminal prosecutions.
• Appointed defense lawyer: People who cannot afford counsel in qualifying criminal cases can request an appointed attorney.
• Local jail and custody: County sheriffs normally manage local jail custody; a court may order release with conditions or continued detention.

Where does a case start? A person arrested in Macomb County may first be booked by police and brought before a judge or magistrate. The criminal accusation determines which court hears the court matter, and the court paperwork controls where the defendant must appear. Michigan District Courts decide most misdemeanors and handle the first steps of felonies. Circuit Court in most situations takes over a felony after a waiver or a finding of probable cause at the preliminary examination.

What happens to someone waiting in jail? The Macomb County sheriff or another authorized jail may hold the defendant while a court considers release. Custody and release decisions are recorded as part of the criminal matter. A courthouse and a detention center are not necessarily on the same property.

This guide explains the usual criminal court process in Macomb County in plain language. The exact charge, criminal history, and judge’s findings affect the outcome. It is general information, not personal legal advice.

For a person new to the court system: In Macomb County, a misdemeanor may start with a ticket or a notice to appear, while a more serious situation can lead to arrest and booking. Examples include certain assaults without serious injury, shoplifting and some impaired-driving charges. The criminal accusation written on the paperwork matters because Michigan has different penalties for different misdemeanors.

Arraignment: what the judge decides about bail

During arraignment, the judge tells the defendant what offense is charged, explains important rights and addresses a plea and release conditions. Some people can leave on a personal promise to return; others may have money bond, supervision, travel limits or no-contact orders. A judge can also deny release where the law permits. Bail is not a punishment or proof of guilt.

The next steps once charges are read

The Macomb County District Court may schedule a pretrial hearing. Lawyers review police reports, videos and other evidence. The prosecuting attorney may offer an agreement, dismiss a charge or proceed to trial. The person charged can contest the evidence rather than accept a plea. Jury-trial rules depend on the offense and the legally available punishment.

When the court pays for an attorney

If the person charged faces a charge that qualifies for appointed counsel and does not have enough money to hire an attorney, the judge is permitted to determine eligibility for a public defender or assigned lawyer. Request this help promptly; do not assume a defender is automatically assigned after booking.

Possible misdemeanor results

Michigan misdemeanors have different maximums. Common statutory limits include 90 or 93 days, one year, and in certain cases two years, with fines fixed by the particular statute. Some offenses also require driver-license action, restitution, classes or probation. The exact charge and prior record matter more than the county name.

A more serious criminal offense accusation in Macomb County normally starts with a District Court arraignment, even when the eventual trial would be in Circuit Court. Prosecutors must establish the legal basis for moving the case forward. A felony carries the possibility of a state-prison sentence, although not every conviction results in prison time.

Probable cause conference and preliminary examination

Michigan usually sets a probable cause conference 7 to 14 days after felony arraignment and schedules the preliminary examination roughly 5 to 7 days after that conference, unless a legal waiver, adjournment or exception changes the schedule. At the preliminary examination the state's attorneys must show probable cause that a crime occurred and that this defendant committed it. That decision is not a finding of guilt.

The handoff from District Court to Circuit Court

When the charge is bound over, Macomb County Circuit Court handles the felony case. The person facing charges may be arraigned again, and the attorneys involved exchange evidence, negotiate, file motions or set a trial. The prosecutor has to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. Defendants who cannot afford legal counsel should request that the court about appointed representation.

What a felony sentence can involve

Michigan sentencing rules look at the offense statute, a record of earlier convictions, the sentencing guidelines when applicable, and any mandatory minimum. A nonviolent first offender might be eligible for probation or another lawful alternative, but some violent or repeat offenses require custody. Do not use a single felony-class chart to predict all Michigan sentences.

Murder, armed robbery, criminal sexual conduct and assaults causing serious harm are examples of grave charges that could be prosecuted in Macomb County. Seriousness by itself does not turn a Michigan crime into a federal case. Most such charges remain in the state Circuit Court unless federal law independently applies.

Detention and defense

A judge considers Michigan’s release rules, risk of flight, safety and legally relevant facts. A no-contact order or other condition may be imposed. Some defendants remain in jail while lawyers examine records, DNA or other scientific evidence. These charges need careful legal advice and frequently involve complicated court motions.

Trial and possible prison terms

First-degree murder carries mandatory life without parole for adults under Michigan law, subject to legally applicable exceptions and youth-sentencing rules. Second-degree murder can carry a sentence up to life imprisonment. Armed robbery and several serious criminal sexual conduct crimes can also carry very long terms. Other violent offenses have their own penalty sections. Michigan does not have the death penalty.

Victim and family support

The Macomb County Prosecuting Attorney may have a victim-witness unit that explains hearing notices and available services. The defense attorney protects the legal rights of the person charged. The amount of time a case takes depends on witnesses, evidence, motions and the court calendar.

A youth accused of breaking a criminal law in Macomb County in most situations appears in the Family Division of Circuit Court instead of an adult District Court. Michigan juvenile proceedings emphasize the child’s age, the offense, safety, and whether services can address the problem.

Intake and the first decision

After police contact, juvenile court intake may review a complaint and decide whether it needs a formal petition. Some matters can be diverted or handled through services without a full court trial. If a youth is held, the law provides for prompt judicial review, and parents or guardians should ask where the child is housed.

Hearings and possible outcomes

If a formal petition is filed, the court explains the allegations and the child’s rights. An adjudication hearing decides whether the state's lawyer proved the allegation under the applicable legal standard. Outcomes can involve supervision, probation, counseling, treatment, restitution, or placement through the youth-services system where authorized.

When a juvenile might face adult-style prosecution

Special laws permit designation or waiver for certain serious offenses and ages; an adult criminal matter is not automatic simply because someone is charged with a felony. Juvenile and youthful-offender rules are complicated, so ask for an attorney experienced in youth cases. Many juvenile records are not open to the public.

Someone arrested in Macomb County does not receive a sentence just because the police wrote a charge on a report. The prosecutor must prove the case or the person charged must enter a valid plea. If there is a conviction, the judge uses the exact charge and Michigan statute. The amounts below are legal limits for the listed offenses, not a promise that the judge will order those amounts. Fines can be accompanied by court costs, assessments and restitution to a victim.

Specific Michigan charges and their statutory punishments

• Simple assault or assault and battery (MCL 750.81(1)): Up to 93 days in jail and/or a fine up to $500 A basic assault charge without a different applicable enhancement.
• First domestic assault (MCL 750.81(2)): Up to 93 days in jail and/or $500 Prior offenses or added facts can raise penalties.
• Second domestic assault (MCL 750.81(4)): Up to 1 year in jail and/or $1,000 Prior qualifying conviction is required.
• First ordinary drunk-driving offense (OWI) (MCL 257.625(9)(a)): Up to 93 days in jail; $100–$500 fine; up to 360 hours community service Driver’s-license consequences and other costs may also apply.
• First high-BAC OWI, BAC at least .17 (MCL 257.625(1)(c), (9)(a)): Up to 180 days in jail; $200–$700 fine May include ignition-interlock and license restrictions.
• OWI with one prior conviction within 7 years (MCL 257.625(9)(b)): $200–$1,000 fine plus a lawful jail or community-service penalty Specific mandatory minimums and alternative sanctions apply.
• Home invasion, third degree (MCL 750.110a(4), (7)): Up to 5 years in prison and/or $2,000 A felony; the precise grade depends on conduct.
• Home invasion, second degree (MCL 750.110a(3), (6)): Up to 15 years in prison and/or $3,000 A felony; may involve entering a dwelling to commit certain crimes.
• Home invasion, first degree (MCL 750.110a(2), (5)): Up to 20 years in prison and/or $5,000 Aggravating factors include a dangerous weapon or someone lawfully present.
• Felony with no specific punishment stated (MCL 750.503): Up to 4 years in prison and/or $5,000 Default rule only: does not replace a statute that sets its own penalty.
• Misdemeanor with no specific punishment stated (MCL 750.504): Up to 90 days in jail and/or $500 Default rule only: many offenses set different limits.
• First-degree murder (adult conviction) (MCL 750.316): Life imprisonment without possibility of parole, subject to applicable constitutional/youth exceptions Michigan does not have the death penalty.

Why a felony's sentencing-guidelines range may be different

Michigan does not have one statewide table saying all Class A felonies get one sentence and all Class B felonies get another. For eligible felonies, the judge calculates an offense-variable score based on how the crime happened and a prior-record-variable score based on the person's record. Those scores, the crime's offense category and its sentencing classification produce a recommended minimum prison-term range. That recommended range is different from the statutory maximum, which is the most prison time allowed for that crime. Courts can depart from a recommendation when lawful and must explain a reasonable departure. Mandatory minimums can override ordinary guideline calculations.

For example, a five-year maximum for third-degree home invasion does not mean that everyone convicted must serve five years. A particular defendant may receive a lower prison minimum, probation or another lawful sentence depending on the sentencing law and case facts. Michigan prison sentences frequently state both a minimum and a maximum; parole eligibility and release do not automatically happen on the minimum date.

What about probation, restitution and jail?

A judge may order reporting to a probation officer, drug or alcohol testing, classes, treatment, community service, and repayment of a victim's proven losses. Violating probation can lead to another court hearing and a new penalty. Some people serve a local jail term instead of being sent to state prison; others qualify for an alternative sentence. A defendant's lawyer can request the sentencing-information report and explain the actual scored range before sentencing.

Macomb County is part of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division. This court handles violations of federal criminal law; it is separate from Michigan District Court, despite the similar names. The southeastern Lower Peninsula location of the county determines its federal judicial assignment.

Federal courthouse and contact

• Federal court: U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division
• Courthouse: United States District Court — Eastern District of Michigan, Detroit courthouse. 231 W. Lafayette Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48226.
• Clerk’s office telephone: 313-234-5000.

What makes a crime federal?

Examples may involve trafficking drugs in violation of federal law, bank robbery involving a federally insured institution, certain firearm violations, federal tax crimes, fraud that uses interstate communications, immigration crimes, and offenses on federal property. Crossing a state line may be relevant to some laws, but is not required for every federal charge. A serious local assault or theft is not federal simply because it is serious.

Steps in a federal criminal case

A person may be arrested on a federal complaint or indictment and then appears before a U.S. magistrate judge. The judge reviews rights, counsel and detention or release. Serious federal charges ordinarily involve grand jury indictment unless a lawful exception applies. Discovery and motions follow; a plea or jury trial determines the outcome. A federal judge imposes sentence under federal statutes and sentencing rules, with any mandatory minimums applying where required.

Federal custody and sentences

The U.S. Marshals Service handles federal pretrial custody and transportation, frequently through contracted local facilities. People receiving federal prison sentences are generally placed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. A person arrested within a Michigan county may therefore be housed far from the county jail and may need to be found through federal channels.