About Us
Criminal Division
The major responsibility of the Criminal Division is to decide whether or not to charge persons with crimes. This decision is based on the investigations of law enforcement agencies. The prosecutors draft criminal complaints and prepare cases for hearings and trials. Prosecution of crimes includes interviewing and preparing witnesses, and may involve presentation of the case to a Grand Jury. Prosecutors are available 24 hours a day to provide legal advice to law enforcement agencies and to draft search warrants and criminal complaints. Prosecutors also provide training to law enforcement agencies, assistance to local criminal justice programs, and participate in community education and awareness programs.
Civil Division
The Civil Division of the County Attorney’s Office provides legal advice and support to all County departments. This responsibility has taken on greater significance as County government has come under increasing regulations and mandates from other governmental units. Civil Division attorneys’ duties include giving advice, developing departmental policies with department staff, and drafting documents and other materials for their assigned departments.
Civil Division attorneys also represent the County, its departments, and employees in litigation matters. Attorneys appear in State District Court, Workers’ Compensation Court, Tax Court, the Minnesota Court of Appeals, and the Minnesota Supreme Court. The division also represents the County in Federal Court cases. Types of litigation include tort claims, workers’ compensation, tax appeals, contract disputes, labor disputes, human rights, civil rights complaints, and and use and environmental enforcement actions, and criminal forfeitures.
The Civil Division does not provide legal counsel or advice to private citizens in St. Louis County.
Social Services
The primary responsibility of the Social Service Division is to provide legal representation and advice to St. Louis County Social Services in matters concerning child protection, adult protection, child support, involuntary commitment of mentally ill, and chemically dependent adults. In addition, the Division is responsible for prosecution of all juvenile delinquency matters occurring within St. Louis County and investigates and prosecutes welfare fraud, criminal non-support, and paternity matters.
Victim/Witness Assistance
The primary responsbility of the Victim/Witness Division of the St. Louis County Attorney's Office is to assist victims of criminal conduct and to ensure compliance with the Minnesota Victim Rights Law. Services include emergency medical and financial assistance, counseling and advocacy services, court-related assistance including notices pertaining to court actions, claims assistance, and public education and training. The staff assists the Criminal and Social Services Divisions in trial preparation by locating and assisting witnesses, obtaining records, organizing files, preparing exhibits, and communicating with law enforcement agencies.