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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

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2. How do I get a new trash can lid?

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3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

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4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

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5. How do I get a garage sale permit?

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6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

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1. Why am I receiving a subpoena?

The law requires live testimony in criminal cases.

2. Why was this case rescheduled?

Cases are rescheduled for many reasons. Witnesses or attorneys may be unavailable. Multiple hearings are set each day and the court decides the scheduling priority of each case.

3. How can I get my medical bills paid for or my loss of wages covered?

The Crime Victim Compensation Fund is able to help with medical, counseling, funeral, and crime scene cleanup expenses. It can also cover loss of wages or support. These expenses, however, can only be covered for victims with physical injuries as a result of a crime. Call our office for assistance.

4. Why are some cases plea-bargained?

The practical demands of the court system, plus the defendant's speedy trial rights, the seriousness of the cases, the victims' wishes, public safety, etc., are all interests that are considered by the Prosecutor when deciding how to proceed. A plea agreement is always designed to balance these competing interests.

5. What is the difference between no-contact orders and PPOs?

A no-contact order is issued as a condition of bond, automatically in some cases. This is placed by the judge. If a victim wants the no contact removed, they may contact District Court to request a hearing.

PPOs are initiated by a victim and are outside the criminal case. If successful, the court orders another person to stop threats or violence against you.

Law Enforcement can respond to either violation.

6. How do I press charges?

If you are a victim or witness to a crime, call the appropriate Law Enforcement Agency as they have to investigate before it reaches the Prosecuting Attorney. Once the report reaches the prosecuting attorney she will decide what, if any, charges to press.

7. Can I drop charges?

Charges are brought on by Law Enforcement and the prosecuting attorney working together. Crimes are committed against the victim, but also the community. Thus, the State of Michigan presses chares, leaving that burden on the prosecutors. The victim's opinions are important but ultimately it is the prosecutor's decision.

8. Will I get to speak in court?

Often time the first opportunity to speak will be at sentencing. This is called a victim impact statement. 

• Victim Impact Statement (PDF)
• Victim Impact Statement Tips (PDF)

9. How would I get reimbursement for other financial losses?

A defendant is often times ordered to pay what is called restitution when they are sentenced. Make a Request for Restitution.

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1. How old do children have to be before they no longer need a car seat?

A child must ride in a car seat or booster seat until they reach the age of 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall, whichever comes first.

2. How do I determine what kind of car seat my child needs?

Each car seat is labeled with a maximum height and weight. Make sure the car seat is appropriate for your child's weight and height.

3. How do I schedule a car seat inspection?

To schedule a car seat inspection, just call the Alpena County Sheriff's Office at 989-354-9855. If you are unable to reach a car seat technician leave your name and contact information and they will call you back.

4. What laws are there for children in vehicles?

Children younger than age 4 are to ride in a car seat in the rear seat if the vehicle has a rear seat. If all available rear seats are occupied by children under 4, then a child under 4 may ride in a car seat in the front seat. A child in a rear-facing car seat may only ride in the front seat if the airbag is turned off.

Children need to be properly buckled in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall. Children must ride in a seat until they reach the age requirement or the height requirement, whichever comes first.

Children under 16 years old must wear seat belts no matter where they are sitting in a vehicle.

5. Do car seats expire?

Yes, car seats expire after about 6 years from the date of manufacture. Some of the newer car seats are actually labeled with an expiration date.

6. My car seat is expired what do I do?

If your car seat is expired, you should cut the straps and remove the covering for the shell, making the car seat unusable.