(A) Issuance of Summons; Warrant. On finding probable cause to believe that a probationer has violated a condition of probation, the court may
(1) issue a summons in accordance with MCR 6.103(B) and (C) for the probationer to appear for arraignment on the alleged violation, or(2) issue a warrant for the arrest of the probationer. An arrested probationer must promptly be brought before the court for arraignment on the alleged violation.(B) Arraignment on the Charge. At the arraignment on the alleged probation violation, the court must
(1) ensure that the probationer receives written notice of the alleged violation,(2) advise the probationer that
(a) the probationer has a right to contest the charge at a hearing, and(b) the probationer is entitled to a lawyer’s assistance at the hearing and at all subsequent court proceedings, and that the court will appoint a lawyer at public expense if the probationer wants one and is financially unable to retain one,(3) if requested and appropriate, appoint a lawyer,(4) determine what form of release, if any, is appropriate, and(5) subject to subrule (C), set a reasonably prompt hearing date or postpone the hearing.(C) Scheduling or Postponement of Hearing. The hearing of a probationer being held in custody for an alleged probation violation must be held within 14 days after the arraignment or the court must order the probationer released from that custody pending the hearing. If the alleged violation is based on a criminal offense that is a basis for a separate criminal prosecution, the court may postpone the hearing for the outcome of that prosecution.(D) Continuing Duty to Advise of Right to Assistance of Lawyer. Even though a probationer charged with probation violation has waived the assistance of a lawyer, at each subsequent proceeding the court must comply with the advice and waiver procedure in MCR 6.005(E). (E) The Violation Hearing.
(1) Conduct of the Hearing. The evidence against the probationer must be disclosed to the probationer. The probationer has the right to be present at the hearing, to present evidence, and to examine and cross-examine witnesses. The court may consider only evidence that is relevant to the violation alleged, but it need not apply the rules of evidence except those pertaining to privileges. The state has the burden of proving a violation by a preponderance of the evidence.(2) Judicial Findings. At the conclusion of the hearing, the court must make findings in accordance with MCR 6.403.(F) Pleas of Guilty. The probationer may, at the arraignment or afterward, plead guilty to the violation. Before accepting a guilty plea, the court, speaking directly to the probationer and receiving the probationer’s response, must
(1) advise the probationer that by pleading guilty the probationer is giving up the right to a contested hearing and, if the probationer is proceeding without legal representation, the right to a lawyer’s assistance as set forth in subrule (B)(2)(b),(2) advise the probationer of the maximum possible jail or prison sentence for the offense,(3) ascertain that the plea is understandingly, voluntarily, and accurately made, and(4) establish factual support for a finding that the probationer is guilty of the alleged violation.(G) Sentencing. If the court finds that the probationer has violated a condition of probation, or if the probationer pleads guilty to a violation, the court may continue probation, modify the conditions of probation, extend the probation period, or revoke probation and impose a sentence of incarceration. The court may not sentence the probationer to prison without having considered a current presentence report and may not sentence the probationer to prison or jail (including for failing to pay fines, costs, restitution, and other financial obligations imposed by the court) without having complied with the provisions set forth in MCR 6.425(B) and (D).(H) Review.
(1) In a case involving a sentence of incarceration under subrule (G), the court must advise the probationer on the record, immediately after imposing sentence, that
(a) the probationer has a right to appeal, if the underlying conviction occurred as a result of a trial, or(b) the probationer is entitled to file an application for leave to appeal, if the underlying conviction was the result of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere.(2) In a case that involves a sentence other than incarceration under subrule (G), the court must advise the probationer on the record, immediately after imposing sentence, that the probationer is entitled to file an application for leave to appeal.
Mich. Ct. R. 6.445
Amended May 25, 2016, effective September 1, 2016; last amended effective December 14, 2016; amended March 25, 2021, effective March 24, 2021.
