how to elect county attorney

Can a county have a district attorney and a county attorney?

Note: Some counties do not have both a county attorney and a district attorney. These counties have either a criminal district attorney or a combination county and district attorney. In these counties, one office performs the functions of both the county attorney and the district attorney.

What is the county attorney's relationship to the county board?

Following is a brief description of the duties of the county attorney and the county attorney's relationship to the county board. The county attorney is the legal advisor for the county board of commissioners, county officials and county departments.

What does the county attorney’s office do?

The county attorney’s office performs many services and duties. The most obvious responsibility is the prosecution of all violations of criminal law within the jurisdiction of the district court; that includes all misdemeanors, such as DUI offenses, other traffic violations, assault, and theft of less than $300.

Can a county attorney give legal advice to private citizens?

The county attorney is not authorized to provide civil legal advice to private citizens in his or her capacity as county attorney. As the legal advisor for the county, the county attorney serves in a role that is similar to that of an in-house corporate counsel.

What is the job of a county attorney?

The most obvious responsibility is the prosecution of all violations of criminal law within the jurisdiction of the district court ; that includes all misdemeanors, such as DUI offenses, other traffic violations, assault, and theft of less than $300.

How long does it take to become a county attorney in Kentucky?

County attorneys are elected in their counties of residence every four years. To become a county attorney in Kentucky, a person must be at least 24 years of age, is required to be a citizen of Kentucky, must have been a resident of the state for two years, and must reside in the county for which he or she serves, one year prior to the election. Lastly, the county attorney candidate must be a licensed practicing attorney for two years prior to election.

What is the first line of defense in the judicial system?

Many people refer to the county attorney as the public’s first line of defense in our judicial system because county attorneys come in contact with practically all criminals in our court system. County attorneys handle many types of cases: DUI, domestic violence, child abuse, all juvenile crime, traffic violations, misdemeanor theft, and assaults, in other words, every criminal case and misdemeanor that is heard in district court.

Who collects delinquent child support?

Most county attorneys contract annually with the Cabinet for Families and Children to collect delinquent child support payments in their counties. Even if a county attorney does not collect delinquent child support payments, he or she is responsible for prosecuting those who refuse to support their children.

Is there a trial in juvenile court?

There is no trial by jury available in juvenile criminal court cases and the terminology is different. “Sentences” are called “dispositions,” and “trials” are called “adjudications” in juvenile court.

Do parents have to pay for delinquent parents?

Most often, parents pay willingly, and the county attorneys’ offices do not have to become involved. But there are times when some will refuse to pay. That’s when the delinquent parents must deal with the legal consequences in either civil or criminal court.

Who can prosecute a bad check?

Although there are many check collection agencies, only county attorneys have the power to prosecute those who repeatedly write bad checks. At the request of the merchant, the county attorney ’s office will issue a letter to the writer of the bad check to advise the person that the check was not valid.

What is a county attorney?

The county attorney is the prosecutor in all cases involving juvenile offenders. These range from curfew violations to the most serious felony criminal behavior. County attorneys may also oversee diversion programs which allow juvenile offenders to receive consequences involving minor offenses without going to court.

Why is a county attorney important?

The county attorney plays an important role in seeking new laws to strengthen law enforcement, criminal justice, child protection, victim's rights, and other areas. The county attorney also participates in efforts to prevent or reduce crime in the local communities and statewide.

What is adult prosecuting?

Adult Prosecution. The county attorney primarily prosecutes felony crimes (crimes which carry a maximum penalty of more than one year in prison) which occur within a county. Examples of these crimes include murder, sexual assault, drug offenses, serious property offenses, and child abuse.

What is the mission of the Minnesota County Attorneys Association?

It is the mission of the Minnesota County Attorneys Association to improve the quality of justice in the State of Minnesota.

Is a county attorney a civil attorney?

The county attorney is not authorized to provide civil legal advice to private citizens in his or her capacity as county attorney. As the legal advisor for the county, the county attorney serves in a role that is similar to that of an in-house corporate counsel.

Can a juvenile be convicted as an adult?

Due to public safety concerns, for more serious offenses the county attorney may ask the Court to certify a juvenile to stand trial as an adult. Upon conviction, the juvenile could then receive all potential adult sanctions, including a prison sentence.