Minnesota District Attorneys

The county attorney's other responsibilities include:

• Representing the county in civil lawsuits
• Enforcing county ordinances
• Enforcing child support
• Child protection
• Handling cases involving juvenile offenders (the county attorney may ask the court to allow a juvenile to stand trial as an adult if public safety is a concern)
• Representing the county in mental health commitments

The county attorney is an adviser. The county attorney serves as the chief legal counsel to county government officials. The county attorney provides legal help, including answering legal questions, to the county board of commissioners and county departments.

The county attorney's office also assists crime victims and witnesses as they navigate the criminal justice system. The office works closely with various victim services groups. They help victims file claims for restitution.

The county attorney is an elected official with a four-year term.

To perform duties required under state law, the county attorney has a staff of assistant county attorneys, legal assistants, and a crime victim and witness coordinator.

The county attorney can't provide legal advice to private citizens.

The cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have city attorneys.

Case Investigation

During criminal investigations, attorneys in the county attorney's office:

• Advise law enforcement officers
• Visit crime scenes
• Prepare search and arrest warrants

The prosecutors also draft criminal charging documents and handle matters through trial and sentencing.

Elements of a Crime and the Burden of Proof

Many people who aren't trained in the law may not understand how to determine the elements of a crime. Understanding the prosecution's obligation and the evidence in your case may give you leverage during plea negotiations.

To charge a crime, the county attorney must show there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed the alleged crime on a certain date in the county.

To convict, the county attorney must prove those facts beyond a reasonable doubt. Failure to do so means you can't be convicted.

Communicating With the Prosecution

In addition to bringing charges to trial, county attorneys also make plea deals. A plea agreement could result in reduced charges, a dismissal of certain charges, or a reduced sentence.

You might be considering contacting the prosecutor's office for a plea deal. But most people are unfamiliar with the evidence-gathering and trial process. So, it's hard to know when and what information should be communicated. If you talk to the prosecution without an attorney, you could reveal sensitive information about your case. You could even make damaging admissions that the prosecution could use against you later at trial.

Contacting the county attorney's office is risky. After all, they're the ones prosecuting the case against you. Before talking with the prosecutor's office, you should consider having a criminal law expert represent you. A criminal defense attorney can advise you on legal matters and advocate for you in court hearings.

If substantial fines or jail time are at stake, self-help, such as representing yourself, is not recommended.

Public Defender

If you need a lawyer and can't afford one, you can request a public defender. Public defenders provide legal advocacy for indigent defendants facing criminal cases. The court will make a referral to the public defender's office after you complete an application. The form can be filled out online.

At the district court level, public defenders provide services for cases ranging from felonies to gross misdemeanors to probation violation.

They also provide legal representation in:

• Criminal appeals
• Post-conviction proceedings in district court
• Parole revocation proceedings

Minnesota Legal Aid also provides legal services in civil matters for Minnesota residents with low incomes.

Minnesota Attorney General

The Minnesota Attorney General's Office is home to the state's chief legal officer. The A.G. represents the state in legal matters. This includes defending state laws in court and providing legal advice to state officials and agencies.

The A.G.'s office also protects the rights of Minnesota residents in consumer protection, civil rights, and other matters.

Minnesota County Attorneys

Below are links to Minnesota district attorneys, organized by county.

Note: We strive to provide the most current website information available for the D.A. offices in this state. However, this information is subject to change. If you have found contact or website information that is not current, please contact us.

Speak With an Attorney Before Contacting the District Attorney

Facing criminal charges can be a trying time for you and your family. It's especially unnerving to know that a team of prosecutors is working very hard to make a case against you. The good news is that you don't have to go through this alone. Legal representation is available. Reach out to a local Minnesota criminal defense attorney today to discuss your case and learn about your legal rights.