I feel that a crime has been committed. How do I press charges? Can I report directly to the Prosecutor's Office?

Crimes are investigated by 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 Greenville should be reported to the Greenville Department of Public Safety. Likewise, crimes occurring in boundaries of Carson City, Home Township, Lakeview, and Stanton should be reported to the municipal policy departments. If the crime was committed elsewhere inside Montcalm County, or in an area where the Montcalm County Sheriff is the contracting law enforcement agency (e.g., Howard City, Edmore, Eureka township, and Crystal township), the crime should be reported to the Sheriff. You may also contact the Michigan State Police Department.

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 charge(s) should be issued.

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1. I feel that a crime has been committed. How do I press charges? Can I report directly to the Prosecutor's Office?
2. How do I press counter-charges against someone?
3. I am a victim. Can I drop the charge(s)?
4. Can you tell me if a charge has been issued of if an arrest warrant exists?
5. How do I get my property back?
6. Where do I get court forms?
7. How do I get a copy of a police report?
8. How do I get a copy of a person's criminal record?
9. How can I get help if a defendant is not paying court-ordered restitution?
10. I was a victim of a violent crime. How can the Prosecuting Attorney help me with my medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc?
11. Can the Prosecuting Attorney help me if I have been cheated by a contractor, shopkeeper or other person who provides labor or services?
12. I have been subpoenaed to appear 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?
13. Can I talk to Andrea Krause? I think she's the person who is working on my case since her name appears on my court documents.
14. How do I get a court-appointed attorney?
15. I am a defendant and do not like the attorney who is representing me. Can I talk to a Prosecuting Attorney about my case?
16. Why are some cases plea bargained?
17. I want a divorce and need help getting child support. Can the Prosecutor's office help me?
18. What if I have a question which is not answered in your FAQs?