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FAQs and Disclaimers

General FAQs

PPO FAQs

Crime Victim Compensation Fund FAQs

Crime Victim FAQs

General FAQs

How do I get criminal charges issued?

Can I report crimes to the Prosecutor?

If the crime you want to report is an emergency, call 9-1-1.

In all cases, crimes are investigated by the police, not the Prosecutor. Crimes should be reported to the police department or other law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction where the crime occurred. For example, crimes occurring inside the City of Owosso should be reported to the Owosso Police Department. Likewise, crimes occurring within the boundaries of the following areas should be reported to their municipal police departments:

  • Bancroft
  • Corunna
  • Durand
  • Laingsburg
  • Lennon
  • Morrice
  • New Lothrop
  • Perry
  • Vernon

If the crime was committed elsewhere in Shiawassee County, the crime should be reported to the Sheriff. You may also contact the Michigan State Police.

For a list of all of the police agencies’ contact information, please click here.

Once the initial investigation has been completed, the police department’s report is filed with the Prosecuting Attorney. The Prosecutor reviewing the warrant request may send the case back to the police for further investigation. Ultimately, the reviewing Prosecutor decides what charge(s), if any, will be issued and when the charges(s) should be issued.

I am the victim. Can I drop the charges?

Many people incorrectly believe that a victim has the power to “press charges” against the abuser, or to later “drop the charges.”

All crimes are offenses against the community, not just the individual victim. Criminal complaints are prosecuted on behalf of the State of Michigan, not the individual who called the police or the person who may have been personally harmed by the defendant’s conduct. Only the Prosecuting Attorney can issue or dismiss charges. This is important because it takes the responsibility for prosecuting the abuser off the victim’s shoulders and puts it on the Prosecuting Attorney’s, where it legally belongs. It also means that the defendant cannot “pressure” the victim into dropping the charges.

Although the decision whether to prosecute or not prosecute is ultimately up to the Prosecuting Attorney, the victim’s opinion is important and the Prosecuting Attorney will take those wishes into account when making decisions about the case. A variety of factors are taken into account when deciding whether to honor a complainant’s request not to proceed with a prosecution, including the nature and extent of the defendant’s prior criminal history, the severity of the alleged crime, whether the defendant has other pending charges in the criminal justice system, and future danger to the community (including the current victim).

Can I issue counter-charges against someone having me prosecuted?

This request generally arises from assaults. Regardless of whether you have already been charged, if you believe that a crime has been committed against you, go to the appropriate police department to file a complaint and request an investigation. For a list of police agencies in Shiawassee County, click here. Your case will be reviewed on its own merits.

My property was seized. How do I get it back?

If your property was stolen and recovered by the police or if it was seized by the police during an investigation, it can sometimes be returned to you before the case is done; if the items are important pieces of evidence, in most cases we will need to keep the property secured in police custody. If a case has concluded and the defendant’s right to appeal has expired, property is more likely eligible for return. Ultimately, however, the decision whether evidence is released must be made by one of our office’s attorneys.

Fill out our online Request to Return Property form or e-mail Barbara Haber-Grinnell, our Victim-Witness Coordinator at bhaber-grinnell@shiawassee.net for an electronic copy of this form. Return the completed form to our office so an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney can review it. You may be asked to come to the office to present pictured identification, particularly if the item to be returned is a firearm.

How do I get a copy of a police report? Is it free?

If you are a defendant in a criminal or juvenile case, and you have an attorney, he or she will obtain a copy of the police report for you from our office; you can get a personal copy from your lawyer.

If you are a defendant and do not have an attorney, or are just an interested citizen, you can obtain a copy of a police report after the defendant has been arraigned on the charged offense. Note that you will be charged for a police report. Fill out a copy of a Freedom of Information Act request with sufficient information for the Prosecutor’s staff to identify the police report, and bring it with you to the Prosecuting Attorney’s office to pick up the report. You may want to call ahead (at the number above) to let them know you will be filing the FOIA request so that your copying fee can be determined, and sufficient time can be arranged by our staff to copy the report.

Where do I get court forms?

Most court actions require a specific form to be filed with the court. Some forms are “local forms,” and were created for use in one court, and you may be able to get a copy of a court form that you need by contacting the court clerk. Click the court below to obtain their contact information:

The Michigan State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) develops state-wide forms. Many are in PDF that can be filled in online, printed, and filed with the court.

Remember: Court forms are only tools to assist in the processing of a court case. The forms do not guide you through the court process. If you do not have an attorney, you will need to understand the laws pertaining to your type of case.

How can I get a copy of a person’s criminal record? Is it free?

The Michigan State Police operates the Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) where anyone can search the official MSP criminal history record database for $10 per search, using MasterCard or Visa. Non-profit, charitable organizations may qualify for free ICHAT searches if criminal history checks are needed on people who work with children or the frail elderly. For each search, you need the person’s full name, sex, race and date of birth.

ICHAT’s criminal history database covers only Michigan convictions, and is updated daily with felony and misdemeanor conviction information provided by law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys and courts throughout the State. Your search includes only Michigan felony or misdemeanor arrests where a person has been convicted in a court, and where the conviction has been added to that person’s criminal history record. It does not include arrests without a conviction, outstanding warrants, federal arrests or arrests from other states.

A search for a criminal record from another state requires you to correspond directly with the criminal record repository of that state.

Criminal history in prosecutor files are confidential and cannot be released to the public. Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) access rules prohibit prosecutors from releasing their reports to the public. Prosecutors may see broader information than the public’s MSP iCHAT report about convictions. Prosecutors might see information on pending, dismissed or non-public outcome cases.

Can you tell me if a charge has been issued yet? Can you tell me if an arrest warrant exists?

The short answer is: No.

The Prosecuting Attorney’s office only authorizes a criminal complaint; the court authorizes an arrest warrant, and the police department that investigates the case has the responsibility to find and arrest the defendant. The Prosecuting Attorney’s office may not know if an arrest warrant is still outstanding, because that information is known by the police and the court. The defendant (or anyone asking about whether a warrant is still open) must contact the police agency handling the case. That department may be able to answer the question.

If the Prosecuting Attorney’s office told a defendant that an arrest warrant was still outstanding, the defendant might flee.

Can you tell me a defendant’s next court date?

If the case is pending in the 66th District Court for Shiawassee County, search for the defendant’s name on the District Court’s Court Case Inquiry page. For other cases, our office may be able to provide you with information about upcoming court schedules if we filed charges against the defendant. Call us at 989-743-2373.

Crime victims can register online for VINELink to receive automated email or text messages about scheduled court dates.

I was the victim of a violent crime. Will the Prosecutor pay for my hospital bill and lost wages? Help me collect for pain and suffering?

No. However, the Michigan Crime Victim’s Compensation Fund may be able to help you with un-reimbursed medical expenses and lost income. With regard to compensation for pain and suffering, you may need to contact a private attorney.

The defendant is not paying the court-ordered restitution. Who can help me?

If the defendant is still on probation, you should call the probation department handling the defendant’s case. The probation officer can help you get your money if restitution was acondition of the defendant’s probation and if the defendant is still onprobation.

For District Court probationers:  Call the District Court’s probation department at 989-743-2261 and ask for the probation officer who is assigned to the case.

For Circuit Court probationers:  Call the Michigan Department of Corrections – Probation and Parole department at 989-743-2402 and ask for the probation officer assigned to the defendant’s case.

For Juvenile Court probationers:  Call the Family Court clerk at 989-743-2372 and ask for the probation officer supervising the defendant’s case.

If the probation has expired and your restitution has not been paid in full, you should consult a private lawyer. A criminal case restitution order is a court order that expires only when the restitution has been paid in full.  If the court-ordered restitution covers all of your claims, then you do not have to separately sue the defendant.  You can enforce the criminal case’s restitution order like any civil judgment (e.g, garnishment of wages, attachment of property, etc.) though a collections action in the court that ordered the restitution.

I was cheated by a contractor, a shopkeeper, or someone else who provides labor or services. Can the Prosecutor help me?

The Michigan Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division may be able to help, call them at 877-765-8388 (toll-free), or locally at 517-373-1140. They may also be able to refer you to an agency that can help you. See their website for further resources.

How can I become an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney?

Each of Michigan’s 83 counties elects a Prosecuting Attorney every four years (during the Presidential election). Depending on staffing needs and budgets, each Prosecuting Attorney may hire Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys (APAs). Small counties may not have any APAs, while the largest counties may have several hundred to handle high caseloads and the wide-ranging responsibilities imposed on prosecutors by statute.

Prosecuting Attorneys and APAs are lawyers, licensed to practice in Michigan. As with other, prosecutors generally complete a four-year college degree and then go to law school, which generally takes three more years. After graduation, most states (including Michigan) require lawyers to pass an examination to become licensed to practice law in that state. Michigan’s “bar exam” takes two days, but other states’ exams take three days.

Job openings in Prosecuting Attorney office occur periodically. If you are interested in working in a particular county, you should contact that Prosecuting Attorney for information on job openings, qualification requirements, etc. Our job postings, if we have any, can be viewed here.

I have been subpoenaed to appear in court as a witness in a criminal case. Can I get witness fees? What if I can’t attend on the date stated on the subpoena?

Whether a witness receives any witness fee is within the discretion of the court.  A court can order that you receive witness fees plus mileage.  Notify the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney of your wishes to be paid the witness fee, and that Assistant Prosecutor will make sure your request gets forwarded appropriately.

If you have a date conflict you should email our Witness Coordinator, Barbara Haber-Grinnell at bhaber-grinnell@shiawassee.net, immediately to discuss your conflict.

Is your job risky or dangerous?

Many of the cases we handle involve facts and people that are emotional. Occasionally, that emotion is directed at the prosecutor, who is representing the community’s interests in the case. Prosecutors in Michigan and throughout the country have been threatened, attacked, and tragically killed. But these incidents are rare. The physical risks in our jobs do exist, but they are not a significant component of our day-to-day careers.

I want a divorce. I also need help getting child support. Can the Prosecutor’s office help me?

The Prosecutor’s office cannot provide legal advice or take legal action in your divorce. You should consult with a private lawyer. In certain circumstances, the Shiawassee County Friend of the Court can help you obtain a child support order. For more information, see the Shiawassee County Friend of the Court page.

I want a restraining order to keep someone away from me. Will the Prosecutor do this for me?

Unfortunately, the Prosecutor’s Office has no authority to impose restraining orders or to seek one from the Circuit Court on your behalf. If you believe you need a personal protection order, you may seek one out by filing the appropriate paperwork with the Circuit Court; please see our Personal Protection Order (PPO) page for useful information on how to go about this process.

The criminal courts frequently impose no-contact orders against criminal defendants prohibiting them from having contact with crime victims as a condition of bond or otherwise during the pending case. If you are a named victim on a crime, you may appear at the District Court arraignment to express your wishes regarding a no-contact order at the time the defendant is being arraigned by the District Court Judge or District Court Magistrate.

Can I talk to Mr. Koerner? I think he’s the person who is working on my case since his name appears on my court documents.

Mr. Koerner is the elected Shiawassee County Prosecuting Attorney, so his name appears on most criminal court documents, and our office correspondence. However, he may not be personally handling your case in court. Please contact our office to talk with the Prosecutor handling your case, or to arrange a meeting. If you still have questions or concerns, you may request an appointment with Mr. Koerner.

How do I get a court-appointed lawyer?

The Prosecutor plays no role in whether you get a an appointed attorney. Generally at your arraignment you will have a chance to meet a with a Public Defender from the Shiawassee County Public Defender’s office who will make a determination if you qualify for their services. If you do, the Public Defender, with your permission, will ask the arraigning judge or magistrate to appoint the Public Defender’s office to represent you.

A Public Defender is not necessarily a “free” lawyer. You may still be required repay the County for some portion of your attorney’s representation.

If you have questions about appointed counsel before your arraignment, please contact the Shiawassee County Public Defender’s Office .

I am a defendant and I don’t like the lawyer who is representing me. Can I talk to one of the prosecutors about my case?

No.

All attorneys are governed by a State Bar of Michigan’s Rules of Professional Conduct, which prevent them from speaking directly to anyone who is already represented by an attorney on the same matter. As long as you are represented by an attorney, we may speak only to your attorney. Any questions that you have about your case should be answered by your attorney. If you continue to be dissatisfied with your public defender, you will have to contact Shiawassee County Public Defender Douglas Corwin to discuss your concerns.

Why are plea bargains offered?

There are not enough prosecutors, judges, courtrooms, or trial days on the calendar to put all the literally thousands of cases every year in Shiawassee County before a jury.  For those defendants taken to trial, or for those who plead guilty before a trial, there are not enough jail cells in the state to hold them all.  These genuine practical demands.  In addition, the following are all interests that are considered by the Prosecutor when deciding how to proceed:

  • Defendant’s Speedy Trial Rights
  • Deterrence
  • Public Safety
  • Punishment
  • Rehabilitation
  • Seriousness of the Cases
  • Strengths or Weaknesses of Cases
  • Victim’s Wishes

The Prosecuting Attorney and the staff of Assistant Prosecutors all strive to balance these competing interests before deciding whether to offer a plea bargain in any particular case.  Most cases are resolved in a relatively short time by the defendant’s plea, many times a plea to the charged offense.

Where is Shiawassee County?

Shiawassee County is located in the south-central area of Michigan’s lower peninsula (the part that looks like a mitten). Shiawassee County is bordered to the east by Genesee County (Flint, Burton, Grand Blanc, Flushing, Mt. Morris, etc.), to the north by Saginaw County (Saginaw, Chesaning, etc.) and to the west by Clinton County (St. Johns, DeWitt, etc.) and a tiny piece of Gratiot County (Ithaca, Alma, etc.), and to the south by Ingham County (Lansing, East Lansing, Mason, Okemos, etc.) and Livingston County (Howell, Brighton, etc.). Shiawassee County is easy to get to. Interstate highway I-69 (which runs from Port Huron, MI south through Indiana and beyond) spans Shiawassee County, from our eastern edge to our south-west corner. Two state highways cross through the heart of Shiawassee County: M-52 crosses into south central Shiawassee County near Perry and enters into north-central Shiawassee County near Henderson. M-21 enters west-central Shiawassee County at Ovid and east-central Shiawassee County at Lennon.

Shiawassee County had 68,094 residents in the 2020 census. The City of Corunna (population 3,497) is the county seat. Our largest city is the City of Owosso (population 15,194), in the center of the county. Some of the communities in Shiawassee County are:

What if I have a question that isn’t answered in these FAQs?

Call or visit our office. Each work day, an attorney is assigned to answer such questions. However, the Shiawassee County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is not a “free legal clinic.” We cannot give legal advice on private legal issues.