MCR 3.903(A)(10) defines “[f]ormal calendar” as “judicial proceedings other than a delinquency proceeding on the consent calendar, a preliminary inquiry, or a preliminary hearing of a delinquency . . . proceeding.”
“The court may authorize a petition to be filed and docketed on the formal calendar if it appears to the court that formal court action is in the best interest of the juvenile and the public.” MCR 3.932(D). The court shall not authorize a delinquency petition, however, “unless the prosecuting attorney has approved submitting the petition to the court.” MCR 3.932(D); see also MCL 712A.11(2). The juvenile must be advised of his or her right to counsel, right to trial by judge or jury, right to the presentation of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and privilege against self-incrimination when the court is proceeding on the formal calendar. See MCL 712A.17c(1); MCR 3.915(A)(1); MCR 3.935(B)(4)(a)-(c); MCR 3.942(C).
“[I]f at any time before disposition the court determines that a case should not proceed on the formal calendar but that the protective and supportive action by the court will serve the best interests of the juvenile and the public[,]” the court may transfer the matter to the consent calendar under MCL 712A.2f. MCL 712A.11(1); see also MCR 3.932(D).