Michigan § 49.160 - Special prosecuting attorney; appointment; powers and duties; assistant prosecuting attorney.
Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 49.160 — Special prosecuting attorney; appointment; powers and duties; assistant prosecuting attorney., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 49.160. Special prosecuting attorney; appointment; powers and duties; assistant prosecuting attorney.
If the prosecuting attorney of a county determines himself or herself to be disqualified by reason of conflict of interest or is otherwise unable to attend to the duties of the office, he or she shall file with the attorney general a petition stating the conflict or the reason he or she is unable to serve and requesting the appointment of a special prosecuting attorney to perform the duties of the prosecuting attorney in any matter in which the prosecuting attorney is disqualified or until the prosecuting attorney is able to serve.
If the attorney general determines that a prosecuting attorney is disqualified or otherwise unable to serve, the attorney general may elect to proceed in the matter or may appoint a prosecuting attorney or assistant prosecuting attorney who consents to the appointment to act as a special prosecuting attorney to perform the duties of the prosecuting attorney in any matter in which the prosecuting attorney is disqualified or until the prosecuting attorney is able to serve.
A special prosecuting attorney appointed under this section is vested with all of the powers of the prosecuting attorney for the purpose of the appointment and during the period of appointment, including the power to investigate and initiate charges. The cost of prosecution, other than personnel costs, in any matter handled by a special prosecuting attorney shall be borne by the office of the prosecuting attorney who has been determined to be disqualified or otherwise unable to serve.
This section does not apply if an assistant prosecuting attorney has been or can be appointed by the prosecuting attorney pursuant to section 18 of chapter 16 of the code of criminal procedure, 1927 PA 175, MCL 776.18, to perform the necessary duties within the constraints of that section or if an assistant prosecuting attorney has been otherwise appointed by the prosecuting attorney pursuant to law and is not disqualified from acting in place of the prosecuting attorney.
Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 49.160
What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 49.160 cover?
Section 49.160 ("Special prosecuting attorney; appointment; powers and duties; assistant prosecuting attorney.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Michigan § 49.160?
A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 49.160" (Michigan). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Michigan law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Michigan official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Michigan attorney.
How does Michigan § 49.160 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.