The decision to either charge a suspect with a crime or decline prosecution is one of the most important functions performed by the Prosecuting Attorney. The District Court Division of the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office coordinates and oversees the work done in the office to bring formal criminal charges against someone. After the police investigate criminal activity, they present the results of their investigation to our office. It is our job to review the case for both legal and factual sufficiency. If the complaint meets the charging standard, a complaint and warrant is issued, and the case officially enters the criminal justice system.

Our Division, which includes the Witness Unit, is comprised of lawyers, victim advocates and legal assistants. In addition to charging, we are the people who do most of the trial and related court work on misdemeanor prosecutions.

The attorneys assigned to the District Court Division handle the prosecution of misdemeanor cases in the seven district courts, prosecute preliminary hearings on felony cases which are held at the District Court level and represent petitioners at mental commitment hearings held in Probate Court. The Division also handles tickets issued by police officers.

The District Court Division is made up of the following employees:

Scott W. Brower - Division Leader

DISTRICT COURT ASSISTANT PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS
Ramie Almeda
Kenneth N. Barnard
Chris Ann Johnson
Donald H. Smith
Kathleen Whitfield
Daniel M. Zomer

DISTRICT COURT WITNESS UNIT
Lauren Brady
Gay Colby
Diane Klauer

VICTIM ADVOCATES
Lauren Brady
Kerrie LeClercq

SUPPORT STAFF
Nicole Anderson
Patricia Nicholson
Melissa Scott
Cindy Shoemaker
Shellie Stapert
Michelle Sutton