1. How do you determine what charges should be filed in a case?

Each case is based upon the evidence submitted by law enforcement. I have an ethical obligation to only file charges that are supported by sufficient evidence to obtain a conviction. The evidence and applicable statutes are reviewed to determine what charges can be proven and should be filed.

2. What factors determine plea bargain decisions?

Many factors come into play when determining a plea offer. For example, if a victim is requesting restitution, that can only be ordered if the defendant is placed on probation. If the defendant goes to prison, restitution cannot be collected. The defendant’s criminal history is also taken into consideration and the wishes of the crime victim if there is one.

3. What steps would you take to reduce the amount of drug crime in Barry County?

The prosecutor’s office handles crime on the backend. Law enforcement is on the frontline for reducing drug crime. The prosecutor aides in that effort by allowing certain individuals to help catch the bigger fish, provide law enforcement with the appropriate search warrants and offer drug court to those that meet the criteria established by the court.

4. What steps would you take to reduce burglaries and thefts in Barry County?

Repeat offenders have their charges enhanced if at all possible so that their sentence is longer. If restitution is requested, we attempt to work with probation and parole to have it collected. If the defendant refuses to pay, then it’s simply time for them to go to prison. Keep in mind, the amount of time served by a defendant is not determined by the local prosecutor, but by the department of corrections and parole board.

5. What role should treatment and recovery programs play in crime reduction?

Treatment programs can help reduce crime, but only if the participant wants help. No program can stop someone from committing crimes, unless that person truly wants help getting his/her life back on track and drug free.