Attorney

The County Attorney's position is unique in that it is provided for in the state constitution. Other offices are products of legislation.

Primary Responsibilities

The attorney's primary responsibilities are to provide legal counsel for the board of supervisors, elected county officials, department heads, and to act as a legal representative for the county in court cases. In cases where a crime has been committed in the county, he/she acts as the prosecuting attorney and presents the county's case at the trial. The county attorney is also responsible for juvenile justice which includes delinquency, abuse, and child neglect cases.

County Attorney's Duties

The County Attorney does:

• Prosecute all violations of state criminal laws and county ordinances.
• Provide legal advice to the Board of Supervisors and county and township officers concerning county matters.
• Represent and defend the state, county, and its officers in officially related cases.
• Recover all monies (debts, fines, penalties, etc.) owing to the state or county.
• Present all mental health commitment proceedings and all juvenile delinquency and child in need of assistance cases.
• In his or her official capacity, the County Attorney is not a lawyer for a private group or person.

Your County Attorney in his or her official capacity does not:

• Give legal advice to or represent private groups or persons.
• File lawsuits for private persons or defend them against lawsuits, including actions for dissolution of marriage.
• Prepare wills, deeds, or other legal documents for private individuals.

Unrepresented Defendant

If you are an unrepresented Defendant and wish to make contact with our office regarding your case you must obtain written Court approval prior to contacting the County Attorney's Office.