what can you ask a district attorney

by Mohammad Crooks 4 min read

Ask for a continuance, or extension of your trial date. If you are a defendant – in traffic court, for instance – and wish for more time to prepare your defense, you can sometimes write the district attorney for a continuance, though in some jurisdictions, you will need to appear in person to do so.

Some DA offices ask hypothetical questions to get a sense of your ethics/morals and to see how you work through an issue. What would you do if you were assigned a case you were morally opposed to? How would you reconcile the conflict between your personal beliefs and the case?

Full Answer

What does a district attorney do?

Jan 22, 2022 · Hypothetically, a person accused of a crime can try to speak with the D.A., the district attorney’s office, and/or a deputy district attorney. But note that the ethics rules state bars say that a prosecutor or DA’s office cannot speak with a defendant if a lawyer knows that he/she is represented by a defense attorney.

What can I write to the district attorney?

Reach over 250 million candidates. Interview Questions for District Attorneys: 1. Which factors in determining legal merit might junior prosecutors neglect? Demonstrates the candidate’s experience and their ability to provide inexperienced prosecutors with guidance. 2. Can you explain what tasks you typically would delegate to associates?

How do I contact the district attorney for a criminal case?

Apr 27, 2014 · Questions we should ask DA candidates. I had a front row-seat to the recent district attorney candidate forum. As with most forums, the questions were decent, however, being limited to three-minute sound bites restricts the ability to explore vital issues. I’m not expecting a re-creation of the Lincoln-Douglas debates, but more in-depth ...

How do I find the district attorney for a traffic ticket?

2. Make contact as early as possible with the attorney assigned to your case. Stay in communication with the attorney throughout the case. Once police complete their investigation and send their report to the District Attorney's Office, many women wait passively to hear from the DA assigned to their case.

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How to get a continuance in court?

If you are a defendant – in traffic court, for instance – and wish for more time to prepare your defense, you can sometimes write the district attorney for a continuance, though in some jurisdictions, you will need to appear in person to do so. State the reason you need a continuance – i.e.

How to communicate during a trial?

During the course of a trial, you may need to send written statements or other information to the district attorney, or ask questions. Do not write the district attorney if you are the defendant in a criminal case.

How to reduce a traffic ticket?

1. Know that you can write a letter to the district attorney to reduce the cost of or even dismiss a traffic ticket. Even if you were at fault, DAs will often reduce the level of the fine or change the nature of the charge so no points accrue to your license if you have a previously clean driving record.

What are the victim impact statements?

All 50 states allow victim impact statements, which allow victims to indicate the toll the crime has take on them, and which may impact the judge’s sentence. These statements may include descriptions of: Injury caused by the crime. Emotional damage caused by the crime. Financial cost of the crime.

1. Which factors in determining legal merit might junior prosecutors neglect?

Demonstrates the candidate’s experience and their ability to provide inexperienced prosecutors with guidance.

2. Can you explain what tasks you typically would delegate to associates?

Evaluates the candidate's experience and ability to assign suitable tasks to legal clerks and associates.

3. What are your recommendations for increasing successful prosecutions?

Assesses the candidate’s knowledge of the criminal justice system and their ability to increase prosecution success rates.

4. Can you describe your proudest achievement as a prosecutor?

Reveals the candidate's knowledge and experience, as well as their ability to fulfill the mandate of a district attorney.

5. Which procedures would you implement to address criminal prosecution backlogs?

Highlights the candidate’s experience, as well as their ability to resolve challenges associated with the role.

What is a district attorney?

A district attorney typically works for a county or state government and acts as the prosecutor in criminal cases. Each state maintains a justice department responsible for criminal prosecutions. Cities, towns and counties also maintain justice departments responsible for prosecuting crimes against local and state ordinances.

Requirements for a district attorney

Here are the requirements that aspiring district attorneys need to fulfill before finding work in the field:

Top skills for district attorney

Here are the top skills that a district attorney typically needs to succeed:

Work environment for district attorneys

While much of a district attorney's job can take place in a legal office, they can also work in other locations like libraries and courtrooms.

Salary and job outlook for district attorneys

The national average salary for attorneys in the United States, including district attorneys, is currently $94,578 per year, which is a very competitive salary. However, the compensation that a district attorney receives can vary depending on their education level, experience and skills obtained throughout their career.

What is the preponderance of evidence standard?

Family court operates on the 'preponderance of evidence standard', sometimes called the 'more likely than not' standard. So, if the defendant has been charged with domestic violence in the criminal system, that is usually sufficient for the family court to hold that the defendant is a perpetrator of domestic violence.

How long does it take for a suspect to be released from jail?

If this arraignment doesn't happen within 48 hours of arrest, then the jail must set the suspect free. This means that if the suspect is in custody, the DA must review the police report and decide which, if any, charges to file well within the 48 hour period, or the suspect will be set free.

Is domestic violence a felony?

The case is charged as one count misdemeanor domestic violence. It should be charged as one count felony brandishing a weapon, one count misdemeanor domestic violence, and a felony threat to kill. Many times it is just that easy to see that the case is undercharged. Other times it takes more knowledge and experience.

What is a district attorney?

In the United States, a district attorney ( DA ), state's attorney, prosecuting attorney, commonwealth's attorney, or state attorney is the chief prosecutor and/or chief law enforcement officer representing a U.S. state in a local government area, typically a county. The exact name and scope of the office varies by state.

What is a DA?

In the United States, a district attorney ( DA ), state's attorney, prosecuting attorney, commonwealth's attorney, or state attorney is the chief prosecutor and/or chief law enforcement officer representing a U.S. state in a local government area, typically a county. The exact name and scope of the office varies by state.

What is the role of a prosecutor?

In carrying out their duties, prosecutors have the authority to investigate persons, grant immunity to witnesses and accused criminals, and plea bargain with defendants. A district attorney leads a staff of prosecutors, who are most commonly known as deputy district attorneys (DDAs).

What does a county attorney do?

For example, in Arizona, Missouri, Montana, and Minnesota a county attorney represents the county and state within their county, prosecutes all felonies occurring within the county, and prosecutes misdemeanors occurring within unincorporated areas of the county.

What is an assistant district attorney?

The assistant district attorney (assistant DA, ADA) (or state prosecutor or assistant state's attorney) is a law enforcement official who represents the state government on behalf of the district attorney in investigating and prosecuting individuals alleged to have committed a crime. In carrying out their duties to enforce state and local laws, ...

Is the salary of an ADA lower than the salary of an elected DA?

The salary of an ADA will be lower than the elected DA. The non-monetary benefits of the job induce many to work as an ADA; these include the opportunity to amass trial experience, perform a public service, and network professionally.

Joseph Briscoe Dane

You're absolutely right to be concerned about talking to a DA investigator. They're law enforcement and yes, anything you say could potentially be used against you.

Craig Allen Renetzky

I suggest you hire an attorney who will protect your interests. I am a former Deputy District Attorney, and can promise you that if a DA investigator is asking questions it easily could result in criminal charges.#N#More

Steven Alan Fink

Perhaps you should hire an attorney for the limited purpose of communicating with D.A. to find out the issue.#N#The response given is not intended to create, nor does it create an ongoing duty to respond to questions. The response does not form an attorney-client relationship...

What to do if you are a victim of a crime?

Listed below are several things you should keep in mind or consider if you are the victim of a crime. Develop a good relationship with law enforcement officials and the prosecutor handling your case. Keep the district attorney’s office informed during all stages of the criminal justice process, and contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator.

What does "no" mean in media?

To say “no” to an interview. To select the spokesperson or advocate of their choice. To select the time and location for media interviews. To request a specific reporter. To refuse an interview with a specific reporter even though they have granted interviews to other reporters.

How do citizens participate in criminal justice?

Citizen's Involvement in the criminal justice system typically begins with them being a victim, witness, or defendant of a crime. Arrests are made generally by a judge-issued warrant or by a police officer observing a crime in process. Law enforcement may also arrest someone if it has probable cause to believe the person committed a criminal offense. When individuals are arrested they are routinely advised of their Miranda Rights upon arrest, advising them that they have the right to remain silent and that anything they say will be used against them in court. On being questioned, defendants have the right to have their attorney present or to have one appointed if they are indigent.

What does "no" mean in an interview?

To say “no” to an interview even though they have previously granted interviews. To release a written statement through a spokesperson in lieu of an interview. To exclude children from interviews. To refrain from answering any questions which are uncomfortable or the victim feels are inappropriate.

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What Is A District Attorney?

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A district attorney typically works for a county or state government and acts as the prosecutor in criminal cases. Each state maintains a justice department responsible for criminal prosecutions. Cities, towns and counties also maintain justice departments responsible for prosecuting crimes against local and state or…
See more on indeed.com

Requirements For A District Attorney

  • Here are the requirements that aspiring district attorneys need to fulfill before finding work in the field:
See more on indeed.com

Work Environment For District Attorneys

  • While much of a district attorney's job can take place in a legal office, they can also work in other locations like libraries and courtrooms. Because district attorneys typically work for counties and state governments, they often collaborate with other professionals, like specialists and paralegals, to gather evidence to use in criminal prosecutions. While district attorneys usually have full-tim…
See more on indeed.com

Salary and Job Outlook For District Attorneys

  • The national average salary for attorneys in the United States, including district attorneys, is currently $94,578 per year, which is a very competitive salary. However, the compensation that a district attorney receives can vary depending on their education level, experience and skills obtained throughout their career. Attorneys also typically receive employment benefits in additio…
See more on indeed.com