{"id":373444,"date":"2023-09-19T19:39:36","date_gmt":"2023-09-20T00:39:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/kansas-law\/kansas-district-attorneys.html"},"modified":"2023-09-19T19:39:36","modified_gmt":"2023-09-20T00:39:36","slug":"kansas-district-attorneys","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/kansas-law\/kansas-district-attorneys.html","title":{"rendered":"Kansas District Attorneys"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Kansas District Attorneys<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lisa Burden, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Most states have attorneys who prosecute violations of state laws that occur within their geographic jurisdiction. In general, they handle criminal cases. These lawyers are often called district attorneys or prosecutors. Kansas calls them County Attorneys, although a few offices are city attorneys. They are the chief law enforcement officer in their counties or cities.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

County attorneys have a range of responsibilities. They prosecute criminal, traffic, and juvenile cases. Kansas county attorneys are also responsible for handling involuntary commitments, county code violations, and family law matters such as "Child in Need of Care" cases.
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The County Attorney’s Office also oversees the preparation of search warrants and helps law enforcement agencies in investigations when needed.<\/p>\r\n

The prosecutors provide services to victims and witnesses as they go through the criminal justice system, including survivors of domestic violence.<\/p>\r\n

Kansas county attorneys advise county officials as the county counselor.<\/p>\r\n

The county attorney does not offer free legal advice. The county attorney doesn’t handle personal or civil matters. Private lawyers or Legal Aid handle those legal issues.<\/p>\r\n

Sometimes, criminal defendants decide to contact the prosecutor on their own. There may be times when you’ll want to discuss plea bargain<\/a> options or other details. It’s best to talk to an attorney before making such a move. Or, better yet, hire an attorney before talking to the district attorney’s office. A criminal defense attorney experienced in dealing with prosecutors will be careful not to reveal your defense strategy and will present your case in the best light.<\/p>\r\n

We don’t recommend self-representation except for simple legal actions such as expungement. Indeed, some county attorneys offer expungement information on their websites.<\/p>\r\n

Contact information for your local county or city attorney is below.<\/p>\r\n

Public Defenders<\/h2>\r\n

Public defenders<\/a> provide legal help in criminal matters to Kansans with low incomes. The income eligibility generally follows the federal poverty guidelines.<\/p>\r\n

Kansas also has federal public defenders<\/a>. They represent people in Kansas who can’t afford to hire an attorney and are:<\/p>\r\n