What is an Arraignment in Michigan?

An arraignment is the first formal step in the criminal justice process after you’ve been charged with a crime. If you're arrested or issued a ticket that requires court appearance, the arraignment is where you’ll first appear before a judge in the district court—here in Plymouth, that's the 35th District Court located at 660 Plymouth Rd.

Here's what happens at an arraignment:

• Reading of Charges: The judge tells you what you’ve been charged with and reads the official allegations.
• Plea Entry: You may enter a plea—typically not guilty at this stage.
• Bond/Bail Conditions: The judge sets bond and conditions of release, which can include no contact orders, alcohol or drug testing, GPS monitoring, and more.
• Appointment or Hiring of an Attorney: The judge ensures you understand your right to counsel.
• Scheduling of Future Dates: Pre-trial conferences and motion dates are scheduled.

Arraignment is not a minor court date—it marks the beginning of your legal proceedings. So, if you missed it, you need to act fast.

What Happens if You Miss Your Arraignment in Plymouth?

If you fail to appear at your arraignment date in Plymouth without prior approval or legal excuse, the court considers it a failure to appear, which is a separate criminal offense in Michigan. Here’s what can happen next:

1. A Bench Warrant Will Be Issued

The judge will likely issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This means any interaction with law enforcement—from a traffic stop to an unrelated incident—could result in you being taken into custody. A warrant in Michigan is statewide, so even if you're outside of Plymouth, it still applies.

2. Additional Criminal Charges

Under Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 780.62, failure to appear as required by a court order can result in additional charges. For example, if the original charge was a misdemeanor, the failure to appear itself can also be classified as a misdemeanor. If the underlying charge is a felony, then failing to appear is a felony, too.

3. Bond May Be Revoked or Increased

If you were previously released on bond, the court may revoke that bond and hold you in custody or impose stricter conditions when you reappear. You might face a higher bond amount or requirements like tether (GPS monitoring) or frequent alcohol and drug testing.

4. Compromised Legal Standing

Judges don’t look fondly on missed court appearances. It can damage your credibility in front of the court, making plea discussions or sentencing more difficult later. It can also affect how your attorney can negotiate on your behalf.

Valid Excuses vs. Poor Excuses for Missing Court

Certain circumstances can be accepted by a judge as valid reasons for missing arraignment. However, that doesn't mean you're off the hook—you still must appear and clear the warrant. Here’s how courts generally view missed appearances:

Valid Reasons (Still Require Proof):

• Medical emergency, such as hospitalization or surgery
• Incarceration in another jurisdiction
• Car accident or adverse weather (especially in Michigan winters)
• Death of a direct family member

Common but Unaccepted Excuses:

• “I forgot.”
• “I didn’t get the notice.”
• “I was at work.”
• “I had no ride.”

No matter the reason you missed court, the next step is to proactively address the situation through the right legal channels.

Steps to Take Immediately After Missing Your Arraignment

Time is of the essence. If you’ve missed your August arraignment, here are the immediate steps you should take to protect yourself under Michigan law:

Step 1: Call a Local Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately

A knowledgeable local attorney can contact the court on your behalf and file the proper motions to quash the bench warrant and schedule a new arraignment. Do not attempt to resolve the issue alone—walking into court without representation could result in being taken into custody on the spot.

Criminal defense lawyer Aaron J. Boria has extensive experience helping clients resolve missed court dates and bench warrants in the Plymouth area. Call (734) 453-7806 for a free consultation. We may even be able to resolve the issue without you having to spend the night in jail.

Step 2: Gather Proof for Your Absence (If Applicable)

If you have documentation—such as medical records, hospital paperwork, or evidence of incarceration—get it ready for your attorney. This makes it easier to explain to the judge why you missed court and can support a motion to quash the warrant.

Step 3: Avoid Further Legal Issues

Now is not the time to take risks. Avoid any behavior that could lead to more charges or another court date. Focus on resolving the warrant and getting your case back on track with legal help.

Step 4: Appear at the Rescheduled Hearing

Don’t miss court again. It’s much harder to get leniency a second time. Appear with your attorney, be on time, dress respectfully, and follow courtroom protocol. An experienced lawyer will prepare you for what to expect and may be able to negotiate favorable bond conditions to keep you out of custody.

How an Attorney Can Help After You Miss Your Court Date

You don’t have to face the court alone. Here’s how a local criminal defense lawyer in Plymouth can help you navigate a missed arraignment:

• Motion to Quash the Warrant: Your attorney files a formal request with the court to cancel the bench warrant and set a new hearing date.
• Representation at Court: Your lawyer will appear in court with you and provide an explanation for your absence. This can significantly improve your standing with the judge.
• Negotiate Bond Conditions: Your attorney can argue for lower bond or personal recognizance release, particularly if you’ve voluntarily resolved the issue before arrest.
• Build Your Defense: Time missed isn’t a defense for the initial charge, but it will add context. Your attorney focuses on minimizing damage and building the strongest case going forward.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to proceed, reach out for help. Our legal team at Plymouth criminal attorney has helped numerous clients handle missed court appearances quickly and effectively. Call us at (734) 453-7806 to discuss your options today.

Additional Notes on Michigan Law

Under Michigan court rules, failing to appear when ordered, even for a misdemeanor charge, can result in the issuance of a bench warrant under MCR 6.106. If you later appear voluntarily and with legal representation, the court may be more forgiving, especially if this is your first missed appearance.

Keep in mind that this missed arraignment doesn’t make your original charges disappear. In fact, unresolved warrants can prevent future employment, driver’s license renewals, passport applications, and even custody cases.

If you plan to travel, especially out of state, be aware that a bench warrant can result in you being detained in another state and extradited back to Michigan. This is not an uncommon scenario and can be entirely preventable with proper legal help up front.

Conclusion

Missing your August arraignment in Plymouth's local courts is a serious issue, but it doesn’t have to ruin your case. The most important thing you can do is act quickly, get legal help, and approach the court on your own terms—before you’re picked up on a bench warrant. With the right defense strategy and an experienced local attorney, you can resolve the warrant, reset your course in the legal process, and fight the underlying charge.

At Boria Law, we’ve helped many clients handle missed court dates with minimal disruption to their lives. Whether it’s your first legal issue or not, we treat every client with respect, confidentiality, and aggressive legal representation. 

Don’t wait with a bench warrant hanging over your head. Get back in control of your case today.