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Circuit Court Frequently Asked Questions
Circuit Court Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys can always answer questions that are specific to the case with which you are involved, but there are some frequently asked questions that many people seem to have. If you do not find your question among those listed below, please feel free to contact us.
Who works on my case?
What do I do if I receive a Subpoena?
How long will my case take?
Do victims have to appear for all court proceedings?
How should I dress for court?
Why is this case taking so long? I keep receiving Subpoenas every couple of months?
Once a case has reached the Circuit Court, how do I find out who to talk to about my role in the case?
Who works on my case?
Each case is assigned to a particular court and the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in that court handles the case, with the assistance of two support staff. In most cases, the same Assistant Prosecutor will handle the case at every step in the Circuit Court until its conclusion. Due to trial schedules or other conflicts, there may be times where another Assistant Prosecutor substitutes for the original Assistant Prosecutor assigned to the case. In these rare situations, the new Assistant Prosecutor covering your case will be aware of the facts and legal issues pertaining to the case and will be able to handle whatever matter for which he/she appears. That Assistant Prosecutor can also forward any questions or concerns you have to the original Assistant Prosecutor assigned to the case. The Victim Witness Section is also available to guide you through the Circuit Court process.
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What do I do if I receive a Subpoena?
The Subpoena will tell you if you are on standby. If you are a standby witness, you need not appear until you are contacted by an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney or a Police Officer with a specific date, time, and location. Then you must appear when they tell you. A standby witness must be available for court for the next 21 days following the date on the Subpoena and could be called at any time during that period. If a Subpoena does not say standby, you must appear on the date, time, and location designated. To limit any inconvenience to you, it is a good idea to contact the Officer in charge of the case or Assistant Prosecutor handling the case and leave phone numbers where you can be reached so that you can be contacted when your presence is necessary. You may also contact the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney assigned to your case to discuss specific arrangements for your appearance in court.
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How long will my case take?
Each case is different. Some cases can be resolved by plea at the arraignment (the initial step in the Circuit Court process). Others proceed through the entire Circuit Court process over a matter of many weeks or months, depending on the issues in the case. Cases involving psychiatric issues can take several months to come to trial. If a case must go to trial, we try to bring it into court as soon as possible. You can contact the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney or Victim Witness Advocate assigned to your case at any time to learn the status of your case.
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Do victims have to appear for all court proceedings?
No. The only proceedings for which you must appear are those for which you are Subpoenaed or told specifically to appear by the Judge, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, or Police Officer; however, victims can appear at any and all proceedings if they choose.
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How should I dress for court?
Court proceedings are formal and serious. Appropriate attire is required. You should try to make the best impression possible.
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Why is this case taking so long? I keep receiving Subpoenas every couple of months?
The court system is very busy with 13 judges handling thousands of criminal and civil cases every year. The court operates on a rotating schedule for trials, alternating a four week jury trial term for criminal then four weeks for civil cases. This may cause delays in your case. Further delays may result from certain criminal cases taking precedence over yours, i.e., a defendant in jail will take priority over a case involving a defendant not in custody; older cases go before newer ones; generally serious assaultive crimes are tried before others. There are also many other reasons why a case can be delayed. You may contact the Assistant Prosecutor assigned to the case to learn more specific details.
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Once a case has reached the Circuit Court, how do I find out who to talk to about my role in the case?
Cases are listed under the defendant's name. Contact the Prosecutor's Office 248-858-0656, give the defendant's name and ask to which Circuit Court Judge the case is assigned. Then ask which Assistant Prosecuting Attorney is assigned to that Judge. Generally, that will be the person to talk to or that person can put you in touch with the correct Assistant Prosecutor.
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