Detroit father arraigned on Failure to Pay Child Support charge

Detroit father arraigned on Failure to Pay Child Support charge

Mount Clemens, Mich. - Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 38-year-old Terry Michael Smith, of Detroit, was arraigned on one count of failing to pay child support after finding that he had the ability to pay and all efforts to work with him on payment options were exhausted.

On May 24, 2019, Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Tracy A. Yokich ordered Smith to pay child support. It is alleged that Smith failed to comply with the court's order. It is further alleged that he accrued a child support arrearage of $8,121.84 with the last payment made in June 2025. There have been seven show cause hearing and three bench warrants issued to obtain compliance.

After determining that Smith has the ability to pay, and with no enforcement options remaining or being effective, the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office charged Smith with the following:

• Failure to Pay Child Support, a felony, which carries a potential penalty of up to four years in prison
• Habitual Offender, Fourth Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor.

There are the maximum criminal charges available based upon the evidence presented to date.

On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Smith was arraigned before Magistrate Ryan Zemke in the 41-B District Court in Clinton Township, Michigan. Magistrate Zemke set Smith's bond at $1,310, cash only. The bond amount was based on the alleged arrearage at the time the warrant was issued. The alleged arrearage has continued to accrue and has increased since the warrant was signed.

Smith is scheduled for a Probable Cause Conference before Judge Sebastian Lucido at the 41-B District Court on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.

"Children deserve the financial support and stability that court-ordered child support is designed to provide. When parents disregard their obligations, it is children who bear the burden. Protecting children and supporting their well-being will remain a central priority of my office," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

Prosecutor Lucido proposed the creation of a Child Support Specialty Court, a pilot program aimed at helping parents behind on child support payments find work, pay arrears and avoid felony convictions. "Our goal is simple: get children the support they're owed while addressing the barriers that keep parents from paying," Lucido said. The pilot court has launched and is working with individuals as they seek acceptance into the program.

Under Lucido's direction, the office has focused on securing compliance rather than simply filing charges. The Family Division of the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office oversees felony nonsupport cases where arrears exceed $5,000, payments have not been made for three consecutive months, and there is evidence that the noncustodial parent has the financial means to pay.

Since 2022, the division successfully collected nearly $5.4 million for children from delinquent parents.

For assistance with starting a child support case, contact the Office of Child Support at (866) 540-0008.

For cases involving arrears of $5,000 or more, reach out to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office Family Division at (586) 493-4488. Please note: the Prosecutor's Office can only speak directly with the person who owes or is owed child support.

The Macomb County Prosecutor's Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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