Criminal Prosecution

One of the most important responsibilities of a prosecutor is to review criminal investigations referred by law enforcement and make a decision as to whether an individual will be charged with a crime. Prosecutors review police reports, draft criminal complaints, appear at court hearings, interview and prepare witnesses for trial, handle grand jury proceedings, conduct jury trials, and provide legal advice and training to law enforcement, and participate in criminal justice system initiatives. The criminal court processes are established by the Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure.

The prosecutors in the Douglas County Attorney’s Office represent the State of Minnesota. They do not represent individual citizens and cannot give individual citizens legal advice.

Prosecutors cannot take reports of crimes. If you wish to report a crime you should contact your local law enforcement agency or call 911.

Prosecutors do not represent defendants and cannot give defendants legal advice. Individuals charged with a crime may be eligible for a public defender and may request the appointment of a public defender from the Seventh Judicial District Public Defender’s Office at their first court appearance.