Prosecuting Attorney

The Prosecuting Attorney is the Chief Law Enforcement Official in the county. The Prosecuting Attorney is an elected official with a four-year term of office, as provided by the Michigan Constitution. The current Prosecuting Attorney, Beth M. Hand, has been a licensed attorney in Michigan since 1992. Prosecutor Hand was an assistant prosecutor from October 1992-May 2024, at which time she was appointed interim Prosecuting Attorney.  She ran for office in 2024 and was elected to serve the citizens of Mason County.

Elections occur at the time of the Presidential election. The Prosecuting Attorney is independent of the Michigan Attorney General.  The Prosecuting Attorney is responsible for over 250 statutory responsibilities in our county, some of which include:

• Reviewing reports prepared by law enforcement agencies and making charging decisions.
• Prosecuting violations of the criminal laws of the State of Michigan for adult and juvenile offenders.
• Representing the People of the State of Michigan in criminal matters before the District, Circuit, and Family Division Courts of Mason County.
• Filing and responding to appeals of court rulings when necessary.
• Attending contested mental health commitment hearings.
• Representing and advising the County Board of Commissioners and other County departments on legal matters.
• Reviewing and responding to requests under the Freedom of Information Act.
• Filing and prosecuting actions to establish paternity.
• Filing actions to establish a family support order.  

Updated November 17, 2025