What a County District Attorney Office Handles
Your county district attorney (DA) office is the government agency that prosecutes criminal cases on behalf of the state. The district attorney is an elected official, and their office employs prosecutors (also called assistant district attorneys or ADAs) who decide whether to charge someone with a crime, negotiate plea deals, and represent the state in court. They handle felonies and misdemeanors that occur within the county — everything from theft and assault to drug offenses and homicide.
The DA's office does not defend people accused of crimes; that is the job of a public defender or private defense attorney. The DA's office also does not handle civil lawsuits between private parties, traffic tickets, or small claims disputes. Those go to different courts and different offices. What the DA does is decide whether the evidence supports criminal charges and, if so, prosecute the case.
Each county has its own district attorney office. The size and structure vary widely — a rural county might have one DA and a handful of staff, while a large urban county might have hundreds of prosecutors organized into specialized units like homicide, white-collar crime, or victim services.
Key Takeaways
- The district attorney office prosecutes criminal cases on behalf of the state and decides whether to charge someone with a crime based on police reports and evidence.
- You can contact the DA's office to report a crime, ask about the status of a case you are involved in, or request victim services if you have been harmed.
- The DA's office is separate from the police department, the courts, and the public defender's office, though all four work together in the criminal justice system.
- If you are accused of a crime, you do not contact the DA's office directly; you work with your own attorney or request a public defender through the court.
When to Contact Your County District Attorney Office
Contact the DA's office if you have been a victim of a crime and want to report it or understand what happens next. Many DA offices have victim advocates or victim services units that can explain the process, help you prepare for court, and connect you to counseling or emergency information. If police have already taken a report, you can call the DA's office to ask about the status of the case or whether charges have been filed.
You can also contact the DA's office if you witnessed a crime and want to report what you saw. The office will decide whether the information is relevant to an ongoing investigation or whether it warrants opening a new case. If you are a witness in a case that is already in court, the DA's office will tell you when and where you need to appear.
Do not contact the DA's office if you are the person accused of a crime. Instead, work with your own attorney or, if you cannot afford one, request a public defender through the court. Anything you say to the DA's office can be used against you in court.
How to Find Your County District Attorney Office
Search online for "[your county name] district attorney office" or "[your county name] DA." Most offices have a website with phone numbers, office hours, and information about different divisions. You can also call your county courthouse and ask for the district attorney's contact information.
If you are reporting a crime that is happening right now or poses an when ready threat, call 911 first. The police will respond and take a report. You can then contact the DA's office later to follow up on the case or speak with a victim advocate.
Some counties have a main office in the county seat and satellite offices in other towns. If you are unsure which office to call, start with the main number and ask to be transferred to the right division or unit.
What Happens After You Contact the DA's Office
If you are reporting a crime, the DA's office will take your information and determine whether it is part of an existing case or a new matter. They may ask you detailed questions about what happened, when it happened, and whether you have any evidence or witnesses. Be prepared to provide names, dates, locations, and a clear account of events.
If you are a victim seeking information about a case, the office will tell you the current status — whether charges have been filed, whether the case is still under investigation, or whether it has been closed. They may not share all details of an ongoing investigation, but they should tell you enough to understand what is happening and what comes next.
If you are a witness, the DA's office will let you know if your testimony is needed in court. They may ask you to come in and give a statement, or they may contact you closer to the trial date with information about when you need to appear.
The Difference Between the DA's Office, Police, and Public Defender
The police investigate crimes and make arrests. The district attorney decides whether to charge someone based on the evidence the police collected. The public defender represents people who are accused of crimes and cannot afford a private attorney. These are three separate offices with different jobs, though they work together in the criminal justice system.
If you report a crime to police, they will investigate and may arrest someone. The police then send their report to the DA's office. The DA reviews the evidence and decides whether to file charges. If charges are filed and the accused person cannot afford an attorney, the court appoints a public defender to represent them. The case then goes to trial, where the DA prosecutes and the public defender defends.
Understanding these roles helps you know who to contact and what to expect. If you want to report a crime, start with police. If you want to know about charges or the status of a case, contact the DA. If you are accused of a crime, work with your attorney or the public defender.
Victim Services and Support Through the DA's Office
Many district attorney offices have a victim services or victim advocacy unit. These staff members help people who have been harmed by crime understand the legal process, prepare for court, and connect with resources like counseling, emergency shelter, or financial information. Victim services are usually free.
A victim advocate can explain what will happen at trial, help you prepare a statement, and sometimes sit with you in the courtroom. They can also tell you about restitution — money that a convicted person may be ordered to pay to the victim to cover losses like medical bills or property damage.
If you have been a victim of crime, ask the DA's office whether a victim advocate is available. They can make a significant difference in understanding the process and feeling supported as the case moves forward.
What the DA's Office Cannot Do
The DA's office cannot force police to investigate a case or reopen a closed investigation, though they can request that police look into new information. They also cannot overturn a jury verdict or a judge's decision — that requires an appeal to a higher court.
The DA's office cannot help you with civil matters, such as disputes over money, property, or contracts. Those cases go to civil court, not criminal court. They also cannot help with family law matters like divorce or custody, which are handled by family court.
If you believe a case was handled unfairly or that evidence was overlooked, you can speak with a supervisor at the DA's office or file a complaint with the state bar association if you believe an attorney acted unethically. You can also consult with a private attorney about whether an appeal is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I talk to the district attorney directly?
In most counties, you will speak with a victim advocate, an administrative staff member, or an assistant district attorney, not the elected district attorney themselves. The DA is typically focused on high-profile cases and office management. If your matter is urgent or involves a serious crime, ask to speak with a supervisor or the victim advocate.
What if I disagree with the DA's decision not to charge someone?
The DA has discretion to decide whether to file charges based on the strength of the evidence. If you disagree with that decision, you can ask to speak with a supervisor or request a written explanation. You can also file a complaint with the state bar association or consult a private attorney about whether other legal options exist, though the DA's decision is generally final.
Will the DA's office tell me if someone is arrested?
If you are a victim or witness in a case, the DA's office should notify you when an arrest is made and when charges are filed. Some offices have automated systems that send updates by phone, email, or text. Ask about notification options when you first contact the office.
Do I have to testify in court if the DA asks me to?
If you receive a subpoena (a court order to appear), you are legally required to testify. If you do not appear, you can be held in contempt of court. If you have a legitimate reason you cannot testify, contact the DA's office to explain your situation — they may be able to work with the judge on a solution.
Can the DA's office help me get a restraining order?
The DA's office does not file restraining orders, but they can tell you how to request one through the civil court in your county. Some victim advocates can help you understand the process or connect you with legal aid organizations that help people file for free.