Frequently Asked Questions

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The law requires live testimony in criminal cases.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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