News & Resources

When you hear “your case is bound over,” it can feel like everything just leveled up. If this is your first time in the system, you might wonder: new judge, new rules, new risks—what exactly changes now? We’ll walk you through what “bound over” means, how the day-to-day feels different in Circuit Court, how the calendar shifts, what’s at stake for first-timers, why trial-readiness matters even more at this stage, how we build a defense, and the practical questions to ask any lawyer here before the next date.

A felony label can make your stomach drop, especially if this is your first time dealing with the system. Most of our clients are first-time defendants facing the criminal justice system for the first time, and the early felony steps in the 86th District Court—probable-cause conference and preliminary examination—can feel mysterious until someone walks you through them.

If you were just charged in or around Traverse City, the calendar probably shows a “pre-trial conference” coming up—and the label alone can spike your stress. At True North Legal Group, we help good people when bad things happen in Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties. Most of our clients are first-time defendants facing the criminal justice system for the first time, and the pre-trial conference is often the first date that feels like “real court.” Our job is to make it understandable and manageable. 

If you were just arrested in or around Traverse City, the first question on your mind is simple: “Can I go home—and what strings are attached?” This guide walks through where the case happens, how the local process works, and—most importantly—what cash, 10% (deposit), and surety bonds really mean in the 86th District Court. We’ll also talk about what’s at stake for first-time defendants in Grand Traverse County and Leelanau County, why preparation matters, how we build a defense, the questions to ask any lawyer here, and practical next steps you can take today.

If you were just arrested in Traverse City, your mind is probably racing: What do I do now? When is court? Who do I talk to? At True North Legal Group, we help good people when bad things happen in Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties. Most of our clients are first-time defendants facing the criminal justice system for the first time. Our job is to steady the moment, explain what each step means, and help you make clear, informed choices—not rush you into decisions.

Welcome back to “The Quarterly Compass,” the email newsletter of True North Legal Group.  This resource is designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, executives, and business-minded professionals in Northern Michigan.

Every quarter, we’ll head in four directions.  First, the “East” section (directly below) will be dedicated to legal updates from TNLG that may be relevant to your venture.  Then head “South,” where we’ll highlight a local business or entrepreneur doing great things in Northern Michigan. Out “West,” you’ll find information about future events or developments that may soon impact you, your business, or your employees.  Finally, True “North” will include a short, actionable insight for personal or business growth.

At True North Legal Group, we help good people when bad things happen in Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties. Most of our clients are first-time defendants facing the criminal justice system for the first time. If your case has been “bound over” from the 86th District Court to the 13th Circuit Court in Traverse City, this guide explains what that means, how felony cases generally move in Grand Traverse County, and what first-time defendants should expect from the process, the people involved, and the day-to-day workings of this courthouse.

At True North Legal Group, we help good people when bad things happen in Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties. Most of our clients are first-time defendants facing the criminal justice system for the first time. If that’s you, bond is likely the first court decision shaping your daily life—where you can go, who you can see, whether you must test, and how closely you have to check in. This guide explains how bond and bond conditions usually work in the 86th District Court and 13th Circuit Court for Grand Traverse County cases, what first-time defendants commonly experience, and how we approach these issues so you can stay compliant and keep your case on track.

An arrest in Traverse City can upend everything in a single afternoon or night. If you’ve never been in trouble before, the mix of booking, jail, and an unfamiliar courtroom can feel disorienting. At True North Legal Group, we help good people when bad things happen in Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties. Most of our clients are first-time defendants facing the criminal justice system for the first time. This guide explains the local process from the moment of arrest through the arraignment and bond hearing in the 86th District Court, so you know what’s coming, what decisions you’ll be asked to make, and how to protect your options.

When you’re arrested or charged in Grand Traverse County, the 86th District Court in Traverse City is where your case begins—and for misdemeanors, where it ends. If this is your first experience with the criminal justice system, the unfamiliar terms and fast pace can feel overwhelming. At True North Legal Group, we help good people when bad things happen in Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties. Most of our clients are first-time defendants facing the criminal justice system for the first time. Our goal in this guide is to make the process predictable, stage by stage, so you understand what will happen, who you’ll see in court, and the decisions that typically come up in this court.