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 Michigan Dept of Human Services 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, unless he or she opts off for the remainder of their term. In that case, the county board appoints a certified firearms instructor to replace the Prosecuting Attorney.

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