The Prosecuting Attorney is an elected official with a four-year term of office, as provided by the Michigan Constitution. Elections occur at the time of the Presidential election, on the partisan ballot. The elected county Prosecuting Attorney is independent of the Michigan Attorney General.

The Prosecuting Attorney’s office is responsible for a wide array of legal functions for the County, including:

• Act as the chief law enforcement official in the County
• Review, authorize and prosecute violations of felony and misdemeanor criminal laws of the State of Michigan and County ordinances committed inside the County
• Authorize and prosecute felony & misdemeanor juvenile delinquency offenses
• Represent the County in criminal matters before the District & Circuit Courts; juvenile delinquency, parental neglect and miscellaneous probate matters in the Family Court, and appeals in the Court of Appeals and Michigan Supreme Court
• Advise the Family Independence Agency on child abuse & neglect petitions, and actions to terminate parental rights
• Attend contested mental health commitment hearings
• Presides at a monthly Concealed Weapon Permit Board
• File and prosecute actions to establish paternity
• file actions to establish family support orders
• represent and advise the County Board of Commissioners and other County departments on legal matters

Victim Assistance

CRIME VICTIMS CAN TURN TO PROSECUTING ATTORNEY OFFICES for help. Many offices have created Victim Assistance Programs to help crime victims during their involvement with the criminal justice system … to answer questions … to keep them informed … to provide referrals to counseling and support groups … and to provide personal assistance when possible.

Upon request, services can include:

• Status information on your case
• Referrals for counseling, support groups and
• Emergency services (food, shelter and clothing)
• Crime victim compensation information
• Victim impact statements
• Restitution information and assistance
• Help with the return of personal property
• Accompanying a victim to court
• Employer intervention
• Courtroom orientation & information on how the court works
• Privacy prior to appearing in court
• Informing the community about victim’s rights