Michigan Criminal Attorneys Blog
In Michigan when an individual is charged with probation violation the Court can either issue a summons directing the probationer to appear before the Court or issue an arrest warrant. The Court has an obligation under Michigan Court Rule 6.445 to make sure that the probationer receives written notice of the alleged violation.
When the probationer appears before the Court, the Judge must advise the probationer that he or she has a right to a contested hearing. The probationer has a right to retain counsel to defend him or her at the contested hearing, and may petition the Court for a public defender if the probationer is financially unable to afford a lawyer.
The probationer has the option to admit to the probation violation instead of having a contested hearing. If the probationer pleads guilty, he or she gives up the following rights: