These are the highlights. In Michigan, misdemeanor trials are held in district court. So are preliminary exams for felonies. Juvenile cases are heard in probate court, unless the prosecutor asks to have the defendant tried as an adult. Then, the case moves to circuit court, where judges may decide whether convicted people will be sentenced as juveniles or adults.
Circuit courts handle the more serious crimes, the felonies.
The longest sentence anyone can receive in district court is one year. Circuit courts handle offenses with sentences ranging from one year to life. Michigan does not have the death penalty. Circuit courts also hear appeals of district and probate court decisions. Circuit court decisions may be appealed to the Michigan Court of Appeals, and from there to the Michigan Supreme Court.