Oakland County Jail

Search on Oakland County Inmate Search. Oakland processes about 12,000 arrests a year, so a busy night can delay the screen. The county says a shift supervisor answers Prisoner Information at 248-858-1800 at all hours, and the general jail number is 248-858-5000. Have the full legal name and birth date ready.

The 48th District Court says bond may be posted at the jail or at the court itself, 4280 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302. The court is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 248-647-1141 or 248-647-8955. The court takes bonds only for its own cases and cannot accept a bond filed in another court.

Cash, a cashier's check, or a credit card. A bondsman can also post a surety bond by filing the paperwork with the court. For hours and payment methods, and for an evening or weekend payment ask the Prisoner Information supervisor at 248-858-1800.

Oakland County has several district courts, and each one can run its own bond practice. Find the court named on the record, then phone it and ask where it accepts bonds. The 48th District Court cannot take a bond on another court's case.

On a $1,000 bond with a 10 percent option, the court page says you pay $100. That court's page says the court keeps $10. A court rule changed on May 1, 2026. Now the court may keep 10 percent of a deposit only after a conviction for an offense under MCL 780.66, which the state court office describes as traffic offenses and misdemeanors.

The court's page was written before that change. Ask the clerk at 248-647-1141 how the court treats the deposit today.

The 48th District Court says a bond posted by a third party is returned after fines and costs are paid in full, and sometimes after the defendant is discharged from probation. A bond posted by the defendant is applied to fines and costs. If the person fails to appear, a third-party bond is forfeited. If the case is unconditionally dismissed, the full bond goes back to the person who posted it.

Oakland County Pretrial Services interviews adults before the first court date, checks records, and gives the judge a recommendation. It is at 250 Elizabeth Lake Road, Suite 1520, Pontiac. Call 248-451-2310, or 248-452-2155 for the jail pretrial office. Hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The judge makes the final choice. Pretrial staff can also supervise a release with reporting, testing or electronic monitoring when the court orders it, and fees can apply.

A person must be arraigned without unnecessary delay. The firm outer line is 48 hours without a judge's finding of cause for an arrest made without a warrant. That 48-hour limit comes from a court decision, not a Michigan statute.

Some websites say Oakland requires arraignment within 72 hours. No court source supports that figure.

Yes, when the bond type allows a surety. The 48th District Court says a bondsman files the paperwork with the court. Michigan licenses bail agents only as insurance producers and each court approves them on its own. Another point: a person charged while on bail, or with two recent felony convictions, may be limited to cash or a surety who is not an applicant. No state price rule was found, so ask for the fee and security in writing.

The Michigan Constitution limits who can be refused bail. It covers murder, treason, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, armed robbery, kidnapping for extortion, and certain violent felonies by repeat offenders or people on release. The judge must find the proof strong. If bail is denied, trial must begin within 90 days unless the defense causes delay.

Michigan's court rule says yes, if the judge consents and the owner proves value and ownership. No Oakland page says if the land must be inside the county. Ask the court that has your case before you hire an appraiser.

Oakland County Children's Village is at 1200 North Telegraph Road, Building 63W, Pontiac, MI 48341. Its number is 248-858-1151. It offers secure detention and other youth programs. The county says nothing about ages, so ask the staff. Since 2021 no person under 18 can be jailed with adults.

Oakland County Indigent Defense Services handles appointed lawyers. The office is at 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 14E, 2nd Floor, Pontiac, and the number is 248-452-9396. Hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The judge asks about a lawyer at the first appearance.

Stop. The jail and the courts accept payment only in the ways listed above. Call 248-858-1800 yourself to check.

A court date is easier to prepare for once you know what the first hearing actually decides. In Oakland County, Michigan , lower-level criminal charges and the opening stages of felony cases are generally handled in District Court . Most felony trials and felony sentencing belong in Circuit Court . Juvenile delinquency cases generally go through the Family Division of Circuit Court. The Oakland County Prosecuting Attorney represents the state. Pontiac is the county seat.

• 6th Circuit Court — 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Dept. 404, Pontiac, MI 48341. 248-452-8643.
• 48th District Court — 4280 Telegraph Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302. 248-647-1141.
• 52-2 District Court — 5850 Lorac Dr., Clarkston, MI 48346. 248-625-4888.
• 50th District Court — 70 N. Saginaw St., Pontiac, MI 48342. 248-758-3800.
• 52-3 District Court — 700 Barclay Circle, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. 248-853-5553.
• 44th District Court — 400 E. Eleven Mile Rd., Royal Oak, MI 48067. 248-246-3600.
• 46th District Court — 26000 Evergreen Rd., Southfield, MI 48076. 248-796-5870.
• 52-4 District Court — 520 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI 48084. 248-528-0400.
• 51st District Court — 5100 Civic Center Dr., Waterford, MI 48329. 248-674-4655.

• 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.
• Oakland 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? Someone arrested in Oakland 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 written notice controls where the defendant must appear. Michigan District Courts decide most misdemeanors and handle the first steps of felonies. Circuit Court generally 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 Oakland County sheriff or another authorized jail may hold the person charged while a court considers release. Custody and release decisions are recorded as part of the criminal case. A courthouse and a detention center are not necessarily on the same property.

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

In Oakland 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.

The opening hearing and release from jail

At arraignment, the judge tells the person charged 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.

Pretrial conferences and what comes next

The Oakland 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.

What to do if hiring an attorney is unaffordable

The main point for families is: If the defendant faces a charge that qualifies for appointed counsel and does not have enough money to hire an attorney, the court can determine eligibility for a public defender or assigned lawyer. Request this help promptly; do not assume a defender is automatically assigned following 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 Oakland 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 court matter 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 generally 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.

Circuit Court after the preliminary stage

For someone dealing with an arrest for the first time: When the charge is bound over, Oakland 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 must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. Defendants who cannot afford legal counsel should ask 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 Oakland 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

What this means for someone waiting on a court date: 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 Oakland 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 Oakland 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

In everyday terms: 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 Oakland County does not receive a sentence just because the police wrote a charge on a report. The prosecutor must prove the court matter or the defendant 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.

Oakland 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

For someone dealing with an arrest for the first time: 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, often through contracted local facilities. People receiving federal prison sentences are in most situations 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.