Beth Hand announces candidacy for Mason County prosecutor

Beth Hand

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor

LUDINGTON — Mason County Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Beth Hand has announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination for Mason County prosecutor.

Hand is among three candidates who have announced their intention to run for the Mason County prosecutor position. Lauren Kreinbrink, who is currently the Mason County prosecutor, is not seeking re-election.

Hand graduated with honors from Kalamazoo College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1989. She went directly into law school at University of Detroit, which is now U of D Mercy. She graduated with honors from there in May of 1992 with her law degree.

Hand has served as Mason County’s chief assistant prosecuting attorney since January of 2021. “Prior to accepting the position here, I worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Oakland County from October 1992 to January 2021. “If memory serves me correctly, I think I took less than a week off in between jobs,” she said.

“I have 31 plus years as an assistant prosecutor. In those 31 years, I have done everything from writing arrest warrants, search warrants, appellate work, juvenile cases, motions, evidentiary hearings, conducted preliminary examinations, mental health hearings and more. During my career, I have tried in excess of 200 jury trials ranging from misdemeanor retail frauds to double homicides. I have tried numerous drug conspiracy cases with multiple defendants against multiple attorneys without the benefit of a second chair. 

“In 2001, I was appointed to the position of leader of the narcotics section, where I supervised three attorneys and a support staff member. I remained the section leader until I left in 2021. Not only do I have a vast amount of courtroom experience, I also have extensive managerial experience. I have taught members of law enforcement at the local, state and federal level. Additionally, I have taught other attorneys at the request of the National District Attorneys Association. My dedication to law enforcement and the cases I have handled, has resulted in reward from local and federal law enforcement agencies. 

“If elected prosecuting attorney, I will continue to zealously advocate for the victims of crime in this community as I have since I began serving here. Victims need to know they have a voice. The tragedy that methamphetamine and fentanyl sales and use bring to our county must be countered with strict enforcement of the Public Health Code. I firmly believe in personal accountability. As prosecutor I would ensure the rights of defendants are protected while simultaneously holding those who violate our laws accountable. My goal would be to send the firm message that crime is not tolerated in Mason County and that actions have consequences. Additionally, communication with the judicial and other branches of our county government is key to the successful operation of the prosecuting attorney’s office. I have developed strong working relationships with the staff here at the prosecuting attorney’s office as well as many of the other hardworking individuals who serve our citizens in other capacities here at the county. As prosecutor I would continue to grow those relationships to ensure a well-run office. 

“My husband and I have owned property in this community since 2005. He grew up in Lake County and attended school at Manistee Catholic Central. We have long intended to relocate back north upon his retirement. I, however, was not quite ready to call it quits and was fortunate enough to get a job continuing to do what I love so much — being a prosecutor. In doing so, I have garnered a wonderful working relationship with the law enforcement community. I am extremely appreciative of the support from Sheriff (Kim) Cole in my endeavor to continue my work here as the elected prosecutor. This is my home, and I want what is best for the people who live here. People deserve to feel safe and they deserve to have their voices heard. I have always said and will continue to say that being a prosecutor isn’t something you do, it is who you are. I am hoping the people of this county give me their trust to allow me to continue being who I am for the next four years.”

Ludington attorney Becky Lederer and Manistee Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jordan Miller have also announced they are seeking the Republican nomination for Mason County prosecutor.

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