(1) Question: What types of cases does the Office of Prosecuting Attorney handle?

Answer: We prosecute cases in the District Court, Circuit Court and Family Court. In District Court we handle cases such as drunk driving, assault and theft cases under $1,000. In Circuit Court we handle felony cases such as car theft, home invasion, robbery and homicide. In Family Court we handle cases of juvenile delinquency, abuse and neglect of children and child paternity matters.

(2) Question: Why would a good attorney want to be the prosecutor?

Answer: The Prosecutor's Office offers significant rewards in helping victims and the community. I found my time spent in Family Court exceptionally gratifying in pointing juvenile delinquents in the right direction and protecting young children from abuse and neglect.

(3) Question: How does Kalamazoo County rate in the arrest versus conviction ratios?

Answer: The Kalamazoo County Prosecutors's Office has one of the, if not the best records on felony convictions when compared to other counties similar in size. Our office routinely sees a higher percentage of felony cases bound over from Distirct Court to Circuit Court than other counties. In addition, Kalamazoo County statistics show an approximate 93% conviction rate on those felony charges. This is a direct result of our philosophy that keeps experienced Assistant Prosecutors on duty making charging decisions. Our average duty Assistant Prosecutor has between 8-10 years experience.