what does a disttrict attorney do

by Josue Romaguera DDS 6 min read

Role & Duties of a District Attorney

  • Conduct a Grand Jury Investigation. The prosecution of a crime begins well before the perpetrator is ever charged. ...
  • Decide Whether to Prosecute. Prosecutors are given wide discretion over whether to prosecute an offender. ...
  • Investigate Evidence. ...
  • Offer Plea Bargains. ...
  • Conduct Trials. ...
  • Litigate Appeals. ...

A district attorney is a public official who is appointed or elected to represent the state in criminal judicial proceedings in a particular judicial district or county; an appointed or elected officer who prosecutes cases in a particular judicial district.

Full Answer

What is the job description of a district attorney?

No. The District Attorney's Office cannot provide legal advice or take legal action in such matters. You should consult with your lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, you can call the Lawyer Referral Service, which is operated by the San Mateo County Bar …

What is it like to be a district attorney?

Manhattan District Attorney's Office. MAIN OFFICE One Hogan Place New York, NY 10013 212.335.9000. HARLEM OFFICE 163 West 125th Street New York, NY 10027 212.864.7884. WASHINGTON HEIGHTS OFFICE 530 West 166th Street, Suite 600A New York, NY 10032 212.335.3320. ABOUT THE OFFICE. OUR WORK. EVENTS. NEWS.

What role does the district attorney perform?

The Monroe County District Attorney’s Office The District Attorney, whose work is mandated by state law, is a constitutional officer elected to a four-year term as the county’s Chief Prosecutor. In 2019, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office successfully prosecuted nearly 20,000 cases (not including Traffic Court), ranking it among the top DA’s offices in New York State based on …

What is the purpose of district attorneys?

District Attorney About The Office We are a diverse team of legal professionals pursuing justice for the citizens of Chatham County through fair, efficient, and ethical prosecution, strong victim advocacy, and community-based strategies to prevent and reduce crime.

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How powerful is a district attorney?

The DA has immense power in influencing an individual's decision to enter into a plea deal or to take their case to trial. More than 90 percent of all criminal cases end in a plea deal. The district attorney has the power to offer a sentence to the individual charged with a crime.

What is the difference between a lawyer and a DA?

A lawyer is simply one who is trained in the law. ... In comparison to lawyers who can be hired by anyone (including the government), the District attorney has only one client – the government and responsible for one job – to prosecute criminal defendants on behalf of the government.Apr 18, 2020

Is a DA the same as a prosecutor?

A district attorney is also referred to as a public prosecutor, state's attorney, or prosecuting attorney. The analogous position in the federal system is a United States Attorney.

How much do attorneys make?

Comparatively, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics the national average annual remuneration of a lawyer is just below $145 000, approximately $12 000 monthly. With a 2019 national average income (all industries) of $68 703 annually and $5 725 monthly.Apr 19, 2021

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Who is Sandra Doorley?

Elected in 2011, Sandra Doorley is the first female District Attorney in Monroe County history. In 2015 and 2019, Doorley was re-elected to her second and third four year terms. Prior to assuming office, Doorley served the District Attorney’s Office with distinction for nearly twenty years, successfully prosecuting thousands of high profile criminal cases and compiling an impressive record of victories. After joining the office in 1992, Sandra Doorley served under two consecutive administrations in the following capacities: 1 Chief of the Felony DWI Bureau (2004-2005) 2 Deputy Chief of the Major Felony Bureau (2005-2008) 3 Second Assistant District Attorney (2008) 4 First Assistant District Attorney (2008-2011) 5 Homicide Bureau Chief (2008-2011)

What is the Economic Crime Bureau?

Headed by Michael Bezer, the Economic Crime Bureau prosecutes cases of major fraud (involving amounts in excess of $10,000) on the part of individuals, businesses, or their employees. This bureau also investigates and prosecutes identity theft cases, felony insurance fraud, welfare fraud, and bank robberies not involving the use of firearms. In addition to the prosecution of these crimes, the Economic Crime Bureau works in cooperation with the County Child Support Enforcement Unit to identify and prosecute child support delinquency cases. The Chief of the Economic Crime Bureau reports directly to the Second Assistant District Attorney.

How many bureaus are there in Monroe County?

The Monroe County District Attorney’s Office is structured into twelve Bureaus, most are overseen by a Bureau Chief and Deputy Bureau Chief charged with the prosecution of specific crimes. The Chief of each Bureau reports to either the First Assistant District Attorney or the Second Assistant District Attorney, depending on the Bureau’s area of specialization. In 2012, the Special Victims Trial Division was created, integrating four discrete but similar bureaus into a single trial division in an effort to better facilitate the prosecution of these crimes.

Who is the Monroe County District Attorney?

The District Attorney, whose work is mandated by state law, is a constitutional officer elected to a four-year term as the county’s Chief Prosecutor. In 2019, the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office successfully prosecuted nearly 20,000 cases (not including Traffic Court), ranking it among the top DA’s offices in New York State based on caseload. The office is arranged into twelve bureaus, each overseen by a Bureau Chief whose team of legal professionals specialize in the prosecution of specific crimes.

Who is the second assistant district attorney?

The Second Assistant District Attorney is appointed by the District Attorney and is responsible for both office administration and the direct oversight of four interoffice bureaus. Mark Monaghan was appointed by District Attorney Sandra Doorley in 2018. Beginning his prosecutorial career in the Local Courts Bureau, Mr. Monaghan has served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Domestic Violence Bureau, DWI Bureau, and Non-Violent Felony Bureau, where he served as a trial assistant to the Economic Crime Bureau before becoming its Bureau Chief in 2012. Prior to coming to the Monroe County District Attorney's Office, Mr. Monaghan spent two years as a staff attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Rochester's Domestic Violence Program. Born and raised in the Town of Greece, Mark Monaghan completed his undergraduate studies at SUNY Geneseo, where he majored in history and political science before attending Indiana University's Maurer School of Law, graduating in 1999.

Who is the Grand Jury Bureau?

Headed by Michelle Crowley, the Grand Jury Bureau assist s prosecutors working on felony-level cases schedule and prepare arguments for presentation before the Grand Jury. The Grand Jury Bureau works closely with the Office of the Commissioner of Jurors to ensure the smooth operation of the several Grand Juries that are empanelled each court term in Monroe County. In addition to supervising the bureau, Ms. Crowley advises prosecutors on Grand Jury presentation procedures and techniques. The Chief of the Grand Jury Bureau reports directly to the Second Assistant District Attorney.

What is the victim witness bureau?

The Victim Witness Bureau assists the victims of serious crimes by helping them cope with the demands of the criminal justice system after what is often a traumatic and life-altering event. The Victim Witness Bureau regularly makes referrals to counseling, arranges rides to and from court, provides interpreters when needed, assists in preparation of victim impact statements, and makes referrals for assistance from the NYS Office of Victim Services. In addition to these roles, the staff of the Victim Witness Bureau works closely with the District Attorney’s Office and Probation to obtain court orders for the restitution of losses.

What is the Manhattan District Attorney?

The New York County District Attorney, also known as the Manhattan District Attorney, is the elected district attorney for New York County (Manhattan), New York. The office is responsible for the prosecution of violations of New York state laws ( federal law violations in Manhattan are prosecuted by the U.S.

When did the Bronx become a separate county?

On January 1, 1914 , the Bronx became a separate county with its own district attorney. Until 1822, the district attorney was appointed by the Council of Appointment, and held the office "during the Council's pleasure", meaning that there was no defined term of office.

What is the role of an attorney general?

As chief legal officers of the states, commonwealths, District of Columbia, and territories of the United States, the role of an attorney general is to serve as counselor to state government agencies and legislatures, and as a representative of the public interest.

What is the People's Lawyer podcast?

The People’s Lawyer is a biweekly podcast from NAAG that explores the role of state and territory attorneys general as chief legal officers and their work protecting the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.

What is the role of a public advocate?

Issuing formal opinions to state agencies. Acting as public advocates in areas such as child support enforcement, consumer protections, antitrust and utility regulation. Proposing legislation. Enforcing federal and state environmental laws. Representing the state and state agencies before the state and federal courts.

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