what does the district attorney in pa do

by Sandrine Greenholt 9 min read

We work to zealously enforce the law and, at the same time, protect the rights of crime victims. We fight for justice in the courts, seek appropriate punishment for those who commit crimes, provide complete assistance to victims of crime and offer community-based crime prevention programs to educate the public.

What does a district attorney do in Pennsylvania?

The District Attorney will ensure that all persons arrested for criminal offenses are processed in order to establish identity, prior criminal record, and mental health impact and thereby facilitate valid bail consideration and outstanding arrest warrant status.

What is the job of a district attorney?

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.

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.

Do district attorneys carry guns?

Although federal law allows prosecutors to carry weapons, federal policy stops prosecutors from taking personal guns to their offices, Cornyn said.Apr 4, 2013

How many years does it take to become a prosecutor?

Becoming a prosecuting attorney requires earning a bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctor (J.D.), which involves a minimum of seven years of postsecondary education.

Do state attorneys have power over police?

District Attorneys have the power to hold police accountable.

Why would a state attorney call me?

The DA is required to call you under the Victim Bill of Rights because this is a domestic violence case. They could get in trouble if they did not do so. They have to send you a victim impact statement, get your position on the case, find out...May 15, 2012

Are DA powerful?

District attorneys in California have tremendous power to impact the lives of millions of people, their families, and entire communities. If someone is accused of committing a crime, it is not the police but the DA who has the sole power to decide if criminal charges are filed and the severity of those charges.

When is the Philadelphia primary election 2021?

May 5, 2021. As Philadelphians gear up for this month’s primary election and consider choices for the city’s top prosecutor job, the candidates say the future of criminal justice in the city is at stake. Democratic challenger Carlos Vega, a former prosecutor, has pushed a message centered on gun violence and public safety.

What does "deny bail" mean?

Deny bail, effectively ordering the person detained until trial (which is required if the person is charged with first- or second-degree murder) Set cash bail, meaning the defendant may be released from custody by paying the court, but will be kept in custody if they cannot or do not pay.

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 a district attorney?

A district attorney is an elected official, chosen by the people, for the people. Within the DA’s office, assistant district attorneys (ADAs), District Attorney investigators and other support staff are hired to assist with everything from case research and courtroom prosecution to administrative tasks and public engagements.

What does the DA do?

Yes, that’s a major part of the job, but the DA’s office also has other responsibilities, such as working to prevent crime and protecting and supporting crime victims.

What is community education?

Community education programs designed to teach people to recognize and report crimes like child abuse, elder abuse, sexual abuse, and human trafficking. Supporting crime victims with emotional and mental health support to help them respond to the trauma they have experienced.

How does restorative justice work?

Restorative justice programs help offenders understand the harm they’ve caused to the community and ultimately restore relationships. Working with youth to promote positive lifestyle choices and the pursuit of education. Helping those with prior convictions to find job and re-enter society safely and effectively.

What is OSCR in court?

OSCR is used and accepted in court. Bring the scene to the courtroom with a virtual walk-through of your case. Seamless integration and sharing between agencies (law enforcement, judges, juries, etc.) OSCR provides context to the evidence you present in the courtroom.

What is an OSCR?

Built from the voices of prosecutors and law enforcement to be user-friendly and effective, OSCR is the single tool to store all digital evidence and present the case in court. An OSCR project can initially be created by a law enforcement office or a district attorney’s office.

What is a district attorney?

District attorneys, sometimes called county attorneys, state attorneys, or prosecutors, are responsible for representing the government against criminal offenders in court. In many places, a district attorney must be elected into the position. At the federal level, a district attorney is called a U.S. Attorney.

How many years does it take to become a lawyer?

It takes approximately seven years to become a lawyer. Four years consist of undergraduate studies and the remaining three years are spent in law school. Most states require potential lawyers to be graduates of an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school to qualify for admission to the bar.

What is environmental law?

Other lawyers may choose environmental law, joining forces with government programs, advocacy groups, and waste-management facilities to defend nature and uphold laws designed to protect the planet.

What is a district attorney?

A district attorney is an elected or appointed public official of a county or designated district whose duties are governed by state law.

What are the duties of a grand jury?

Specific duties may include the following: To attend on the grand juries, advise them in relation to matters of law, and examine and swear witnesses before them. To draw up all indictments and to prosecute all indictable offenses.

What is the job of a prosecutor?

It is the prosecutor's job to make certain the evidence available and admissible in the case is sufficient to meet this burden. The prosecutor generally relies on the police to produce sufficient evidence of the crime, but it is the prosecutor's ultimate responsibility to investigate illegal activity.

What is the role of a prosecutor in a criminal case?

Conduct Trials. If a criminal case goes to trial, the prosecutor must first work with the defense attorney to select a jury to hear the case. The prosecutor must investigate the background of jurors for potential bias and may excuse any candidate who likely cannot render an impartial verdict.

What is plea bargain?

A plea bargain is when the state, through its prosecutor, agrees to charge the defendant with a lesser crime carrying less penalty in exchange for a waiver of the defendant's right to a trial.

What is the role of the Department of Justice?

Each state government maintains a department of justice responsible for the prosecution of crimes. Counties, cities and towns also employ attorneys to prosecute crimes against state or local ordinances. These departments are staffed by attorneys who present the government's evidence to a judge or jury for a final determination of guilt.

What is the purpose of a grand jury?

The prosecutor presents evidence in the form of witness testimony before the grand jury, whose members then decide whether there is probable cause for a criminal charge. Grand jury proceedings are closed to the public and are not subject to the rules of evidence. As such, hearsay evidence and testimony otherwise inadmissible in a trial may be introduced to the grand jury. In most jurisdictions, grand juries are reserved for the indictment of felony crimes only .

What is the discretion of a prosecutor?

Prosecutors are given wide discretion over whether to prosecute an offender. Even if the evidence seems solid in the grand jury proceedings, there is always the possibility that the evidence will not be enough to move forward; witnesses disappear; or evidence reveals that another perpetrator was actually responsible. Criminal charges stemming from a police investigation, as opposed to a grand jury, often present a prosecutor with the difficult choice of accepting the charges or declining to prosecute. Citizen complaints alleging criminal activity are often declined due to a lack of evidence.

Is a grand jury open to the public?

Grand jury proceedings are closed to the public and are not subject to the rules of evidence. As such, hearsay evidence and testimony otherwise inadmissible in a trial may be introduced to the grand jury. In most jurisdictions, grand juries are reserved for the indictment of felony crimes only.

What is a local district attorney?

1. The local -or state- district attorney is an elected office, like the mayor or city council. The public (voters) votes them in -or out- of office just like any other elected office. Only a handful of states have appointed local district attorneys.

Who is Cynthia Jones?

Cynthia Jones, an expert on criminal law and procedure, who also teaches at American University’s Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C., says, “The role of a prosecutor is due justice. Prosecuting people who have committed crimes; and, advocating on behalf of victims.

What is the job of a prosecutor?

It is the prosecutor’s job to make certain the evidence available and admissible in the case is sufficient to meet this burden . The prosecutor generally relies on the police to produce sufficient evidence of the crime, but it is the prosecutor’s ultimate responsibility to investigate illegal activity.

What is the role of a prosecutor in a criminal case?

Conduct Trials. If a criminal case goes to trial, the prosecutor must first work with the defense attorney to select a jury to hear the case. The prosecutor must investigate the background of jurors for potential bias and may excuse any candidate who likely cannot render an impartial verdict.

What is the 22nd district in Louisiana?

Louisiana is divided into districts, each consisting of one or more parishes. The 22nd Judicial District, for example, consists of St. Tammany and Washington Parishes. Each district has an elected District Attorney. The District Attorney’s Office prosecutes crimes against state laws and local ordinances and is staffed by attorneys who present ...

What is a grand jury investigation?

Conduct a Grand Jury Investigation. The prosecution of a crime begins well before the perpetrator is ever charged. A grand jury is convened prior to the issuance of an indictment.

What is the discretion of a prosecutor?

Prosecutors are given wide discretion over whether to prosecute an offender. Even if the evidence seems solid in the grand jury proceedings, there is always the possibility that the evidence will not be enough to move forward; witnesses disappear; or evidence reveals that another perpetrator was actually responsible. Criminal charges stemming from a police investigation, as opposed to a grand jury, often present a prosecutor with the difficult choice of accepting the charges or declining to prosecute. Citizen complaints alleging criminal activity are sometimes declined due to a lack of evidence.

What is a plea bargain in criminal law?

A plea bargain is when the state, through its prosecutor, agrees to charge the defendant with a lesser crime carrying less penalty in exchange for a waiver of the defendant’s right to a trial. The prosecutor must present the plea agreement to the judge, who will review the new charges with the defendant and make certain he understands the agreement.

Is a grand jury open to the public?

Grand jury proceedings are closed to the public and are not subject to the rules of evidence. As such, hearsay evidence and testimony otherwise inadmissible in a trial may be introduced to the grand jury. Grand juries are reserved for the indictment of major felonies.

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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