Your Guide to Legal Issues in Eaton County

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 Facing a legal issue in Eaton County? You're not powerless. Whether you're dealing with criminal charges, family court matters, or need to help someone who's been arrested, this guide gives you the knowledge to navigate the system confidently.

56th District Court

• Location: 1045 Independence Blvd, Charlotte, MI 48813
• Handles: Misdemeanors, traffic tickets, small claims up to $7,000, preliminary hearings for felonies
• Covers: All of Eaton County including Charlotte, Grand Ledge, Potterville
• Parking: Free parking available at courthouse

56th Circuit Court

• Location: 1045 Independence Blvd, Charlotte, MI 48813
• Handles: All felonies, divorces, child custody, CPS cases, appeals from district court
• Covers: All of Eaton County
• Same building advantage: Both courts located in the same courthouse complex

Still Not Sure Which Court?

• Check your court paperwork - it will specify district or circuit court
• Call the court clerk offices - they're helpful in directing you
• Traffic tickets will show district court on the citation
• Felonies and family matters go to Circuit Court

First 24 Hours: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Find Out Where They Are

• Eaton County Jail: 1025 Independence Blvd, Charlotte, MI 48813
• Charlotte Police Department: 111 E Lawrence Ave, Charlotte, MI 48813 (temporary holding)
• Grand Ledge Police Department: 100 W Jefferson St, Grand Ledge, MI 48837 (temporary holding)

Step 2: Check If They've Been Processed

• Eaton County Jail information: 517-543-3512
• Online roster: Available through Eaton County Sheriff website
• What you need: Full legal name, date of birth if possible

Step 3: Understand the Timeline

• Arraignment: Must happen within 72 hours (excluding weekends/holidays)
• Weekend arrests: Arraignment typically Monday morning at District Court
• Holiday arrests: First business day after holiday

Step 4: Bail/Bond Information

• Cash bond: Full amount paid to court
• 10% bond: Pay 10% to bondsman, they cover the rest
• Personal recognizance: Released on promise to appear
• Bond posting: Available 24/7 at Eaton County Jail
• Bond location: 1025 Independence Blvd, Charlotte, MI 48813

Step 5: What Information Helps

• Bring to jail: Valid ID, exact cash amount for bond
• Don't bring: Cell phone, weapons, large bags (security restrictions)
• Parking: Free parking available at jail facility
• Jail visiting hours: Check current schedule before arriving

When to Call an Attorney:

• Immediately if: Felony charges, domestic violence, repeat offenses
• Can wait until morning if: Minor misdemeanor, first offense, person is coherent
• Eaton County advantage: Smaller county means more personalized attention from court staff

⚠️ EMERGENCY DISCLAIMER: If you or someone else is in immediate physical danger, call 911 first. This section covers legal emergencies that require urgent action but are not life-threatening situations.

Emergency Protection Orders (24/7)

• After hours: Call Eaton County Sheriff dispatch: 517-543-3512
• Weekends: Emergency magistrate available through dispatch
• What qualifies: Immediate physical danger, threats of violence
• Required: Specific incidents, dates, witnesses if available

Emergency Child Custody

• When needed: Child in immediate danger, parental kidnapping
• After hours process: Through Eaton County Friend of the Court
• Required documentation: Existing custody orders, police reports
• Timeline: Emergency orders typically last 7-14 days until full hearing
• Court location: 56th Circuit Court in Charlotte

CPS Emergency Situations

• Report immediately: 855-444-3911 (24-hour hotline)
• When to call: Child abuse, neglect, abandonment
• What happens next: Investigation within 24 hours for emergencies
• Your rights: Request investigator name and case number
• Eaton County CPS: Local office can be reached during business hours

Immediate Warrant Issues

• Outstanding warrants: Can be resolved 24/7 at Eaton County Jail
• Bench warrants: Must go through issuing court during business hours
• Traffic warrants: District Court during business hours
• Payment location: Court clerk offices at courthouse

⚠️ Remember: For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911 first. These resources are for urgent legal matters that need immediate attention but are not medical or safety emergencies.

Michigan Attorney General (Consumer Protection)

• When to contact: Scams, fraud, unfair business practices
• Phone: 877-765-8388
• Online: mi.gov/ag
• What they handle: Consumer complaints, civil rights violations, charitable organization fraud

Eaton County Prosecutor's Office

• Location: 1045 Independence Blvd, Charlotte, MI 48813
• Victim Services: 517-543-7500
• When to contact: Restitution issues, victim rights questions, plea negotiation concerns
• Services: Victim advocacy, court accompaniment, safety planning

Michigan Secretary of State (License Issues)

• Driver License Problems: 888-767-6424
• When to bypass local: License restoration appeals, medical review hearings
• Online services: michigan.gov/sos
• Local offices: Charlotte area office available for routine license services

Department of Health & Human Services

• CPS Appeals: Different from emergency reports
• Benefit Issues: Food assistance, Medicaid, cash assistance
• Phone: 855-275-6424
• When to escalate: Local office not responsive, complex multi-county cases

Michigan Civil Rights Commission

• Discrimination complaints: Housing, employment, public accommodations
• Phone: 517-335-3165
• Timeline: File within 180 days of incident
• Free service: No cost for filing complaints

Eaton County Advantages:

• Smaller county with more personalized court attention
• Both district and circuit courts in same courthouse complex
• Free parking available at courthouse and jail
• Experienced local representation familiar with Eaton County procedures

Free 30-Minute Consultation

• Honest assessment of your situation
• Clear explanation of which court handles your case
• No pressure, just information to help you decide

Payment Plans Available

• 40% down payment, remaining balance over 3-12 months
• Same quality representation regardless of payment method
• Use our online calculator to see exact costs