Detroit lawyers to prosecute some misdemeanor cases to ease Wayne County caseload

September 3, 2025

Detroit City Council has passed an ordinance allowing city attorneys to prosecute certain misdemeanor offenses starting in July 2026, shifting this responsibility from Wayne County prosecutors. The measure, which passed 8-1, will cost Detroit an additional $750,000 annually and require six new staff members in the Law Department. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy supports the change as it will help her office focus on more serious crimes, though Council President Mary Sheffield opposed it citing concerns about funding and accountability.

Who is affected

Detroit residents, particularly those who might face misdemeanor charges
Wayne County Prosecutor's Office staff
Detroit Law Department employees (including six new staff members)
36th District Court system
City taxpayers funding the $750,000 annual cost

What action is being taken

Detroit city attorneys are preparing to prosecute misdemeanor offenses starting July 2026
The Law Department is being funded with federal pandemic money in anticipation of the change
The City Council is encouraging Detroit attorneys to offer delayed sentencing, referral to specialty courts, and restorative justice options
The county is continuing to prosecute domestic violence cases while the city takes over other misdemeanors

Why it matters

This shift allows Wayne County prosecutors to focus on more serious crimes like murders
The change brings local oversight and control to how minor crimes are handled in Detroit
It addresses efficiency concerns and backlogs in the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office
The financial impact includes $750,000 in additional costs to the city, initially funded by pandemic relief money but eventually requiring General Fund dollars
Most other communities in Wayne County already prosecute their own minor misdemeanors

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com