To protect the rights,
safety, and security of Lapeer County residents through
diligent efforts to prosecute criminal offenses in Lapeer
County as well as establish paternity and secure child support
payments.
Overview
The Prosecuting Attorney
appears for the State or County in all criminal prosecutions in
Circuit Court and District Court, as well as appearances in
delinquency, neglect, mental incompetence, and adult
guardianship proceedings in both Probate Court and the Family
Division of the Circuit Court. The Prosecuting Attorney shares
jurisdiction with the Michigan Attorney General for any crime
that is committed in Lapeer County, but is independent of that
State office. The Prosecuting Attorney is an elected official
with a four-year term, chosen at the time of the Presidential
election, on the partisan ballot.
The office is divided into the following divisions: Criminal,
Appellate, Family Law and Juvenile. Each division has specific
attorneys assigned to it and is structured to serve that
division’s unique needs. Additionally, the Victim/Witness Unit
of the office performs services for victims of crime as
mandated under the Crime Victims Rights Act.
The Prosecuting Attorney’s office is responsible for other
legal functions, including:
Keeping victims notified of case
status, their right to participate, and to protect/preserve
their rights
Representing custodial parents in
support and paternity proceedings
Providing information on juvenile
offenders to the Lapeer Intermediate School District
Representing the County in
forfeiture actions
Selected Goals
Prosecute violations of State law in
District and Circuit Courts within Lapeer County
Administer all procedural and
substantive matters relative to appeals that the Prosecutor’s
Office has appeared in as counsel; from writing briefs to
oral arguments
Provide legal advice to law
enforcement/social service agencies involved in the Lapeer
County judicial system
Protect and preserve the rights of
victims
Provide legal representation in
paternity and child support litigation
Mission Statement