Prosecuting Attorney

Areas of Responsibility

Criminal Justice

Investigative Function
  • Advise law enforcement agencies regarding criminal law and provide legal assistance on investigations in progress.
  • Draft and review search warrants.
Charging Function

Review investigative reports and determine whether criminal charges should be authorized.

  • Interview material witnesses.
  • Review pertinent legal decisions, statutes and other legal materials pertaining to the case.
  • Provide notification and assistance to crime victims and witnesses.
Court Proceedings

Service as Attorney for the People of the State of Michigan.

  • At pre-trial hearings and motions: analyze evidence and relevant legal authorities in evaluating the case and preparing for trial. Present testimony and legal arguments at motion hearings.
  • At trial: present opening and closing statements, examine and cross-examine witnesses and perform legal research related to trial issues.
Appeals
  • Research issues in post-trial cases, and prepare responses by submitting legal briefs, responses to motions, and answers to complaints for superintending control and/or mandamus in Ottawa County Courts, State Court of Appeals, Michigan Supreme Court and Federal Courts.
  • Present argument before State and Federal appellate courts.
  • Inform and educate victims concerning the outcome of appeals and/or effect of decisions.
  • Act as liaison between the Michigan Parole Board and victims, including contacting the parole board and/or appearing at parole hearings.
  • Review potential parole release cases following notification from the Parole Board and intervene if deemed necessary.
Victim Assistance Unit
  • Provide victims with notice of initial charges, their rights and all court proceedings.
  • Assist victims in seeking appropriate counseling or social services.
  • Assist and accompany victims during trial or court proceedings.
  • Provide an opportunity for victim input regarding trial decisions and any plea negotiations.
  • Assist victims in presenting sentence recommendations orally or in writing.
  • Assist victims in determining the amount of appropriate restitution and communicating restitution amounts to probation departments and the court.
  • Assist in securing court-ordered restitution from convicted defendants.
  • Assist victims in obtaining information about parole hearings and anticipated discharge dates for convicted defendants who are incarcerated.
Domestic Assault Intervention Program
  • Contacts victim of domestic violence cases within 24 hours after an incident occurs in which a perpetrator has been lodged in jail. Explain in detail how the safety net is accomplished with the assistance of the victim(s).
  • Coordinate with bond screening officer to ensure that the appropriate conditions of bond established, including no contact with the victim, live in an approved residence, no alcohol or drugs and no possession of firearms.
  • Conduct a minimum of three contacts with the victim per week.
  • Refer the victim and family to various agencies based on their needs, such as financial assistance, legal advise, counseling and temporary lodging.
  • Coordinate with the Center for Women in Transition to make available family counseling and resources.
  • Coordinate and exchange information with the Intensive Supervision Officers; review requests to lift no contact orders, when appropriate.
  • Report any violations of the conditions of bond or indications of misconduct to the courts.
  • Consult with assistant prosecuting attorneys and victim assistance staff regarding domestic violence victim status on pending prosecutions.

Family Court Division

Juvenile Court

Serve as attorney for the People and Petitioners in Delinquency and Abuse/Neglect proceedings involving children under 17 years of age.

  • Authorize petitions, present testimony and legal argument at pretrial hearings and motions.
  • Present arguments and examine witnesses at adjudication hearings (trials).
  • Present evidence and arguments at dispositional hearings (sentence proceedings).
  • Research, prepare briefs and argue appeals.
Mental Commitment Proceedings
  • Review and prepare commitment petitions seeking appropriate treatment for those suffering from serious mental illness or impairment.
  • Present evidence and legal argument at hearings seeking appropriate treatment.
Guardianships

Seek the appointment of responsible legal guardians for certain mentally impaired or developmentally disabled persons to assist in the handling of their financial and personal affairs.

Civil Division

Child Support & Paternity Division
  • Interview plaintiffs and prepare complaints seeking court-ordered child support and the determination of parentage of minor children.
  • Conduct arraignments and pretrials with the defendants.
  • Present evidence and legal argument at trials and motions.
  • Prepare orders of support or filiation.
  • Prepare and handle inter-state support and paternity actions.