Macomb County Prosecutor's Office fast tracks discovery process

The important process of requesting and receiving criminal case discovery has been made easier with an update to the Macomb County prosecutor’s website and new technology from Evidence.com.

“Law enforcement must manage a rising tide of digital evidence and this new technology is helping us do that with help from the Macomb County Commission and County Executive,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office provides prompt service using Evidence.com to share discovery by emailing a download link to defense attorneys. Previously, defense attorneys were required to drive to the Prosecutor’s Office to pick up a copy of a DVD or USB drive.  The most obvious security risk for DVDs and USB drives is that they are easily lost or stolen, and there is no audit trail for who views a USB video.  In the new system, all evidence is protected and only available to the prosecutor and defense attorneys on each specific case, with an audit trail showing who receives it and when.

The online form streamlines the prior outdated and sometimes cumbersome process into a more efficient discovery system shortening the processing time. It reduces data entry and provides immediate email receipt confirmation. It reduces the need for defense attorneys to contact the Prosecutor’s Office with status requests. The form also ensures that the prosecutor gets complete information.