County Attorney

Welcome to the office of Todd County Attorney

Mission Statement: The mission of the Todd County Attorney’s Office is to serve the people of Todd County with compassion and professionalism when prosecuting criminals, protecting our most vulnerable, and furthering the greater good in all county matters.

In each of Minnesota’s 87 counties, a county attorney is elected to handle numerous criminal and civil legal responsibilities. Below is a brief description of the duties of the county attorney‘s office.

Adult Prosecution

The county attorney primarily prosecutes felony crimes (crimes which carry a potential penalty of time in prison) which occur within Todd County. The county attorney also has responsibility for the prosecution of misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors (crimes which carry a maximum penalty of less than one year in jail) that occur outside of incorporated areas as well as in those cities for which the office holds prosecution contracts (Bertha, Burtrum, Clarissa, Eagle Bend, Grey Eagle, Hewitt, West Union). Prosecution involves working closely with law enforcement, reviewing the investigation provided by law enforcement officers, filing criminal complaints, presenting cases before a grand jury, representing the state in court hearings and trial, and making sentencing recommendations.

Civil Advice and Litigation

The county attorney is the legal advisor for the county board of commissioners, county officials and county departments. As the legal advisor for the county, the county attorney serves in a role that is similar to that of an in-house corporate counsel. The county attorney also files involuntary commitment actions to provide necessary treatment for individuals who are mentally ill, chemically dependent, or intellectually disabled. Additionally, when a family is receiving public assistance, the county attorney brings actions to obtain or enforce child support obligations, or to establish the paternity of a child, in order to obtain reimbursement for assistance and other costs to the taxpayers. The county attorney also starts legal proceedings to protect the health and safety of vulnerable adults within the county when they are in need of assistance.

Juvenile Prosecution and Child Protection

The county attorney is the prosecutor in all cases involving juvenile offenders. These range from curfew violations to the most serious felony criminal behavior for which a juvenile may stand trial as an adult and receive an adult sanction, including a prison sentence. This office also administers a diversion program, which allows juvenile offenders to receive consequences involving less serious offenses without going to court. The program is intended to hold the juvenile accountable and often include educational and restorative justice components to reduce recidivism. The county attorney initiates CHIPS (Child in Need of Protection or Services) petitions to protect abused or neglected children in the county and enforce truancy laws.

Victim and Witness Assistance

County attorneys provide information and assistance to the victims and witnesses who play a vital role in the criminal justice system. They advise crime victims of their legal rights and status of their case, and will help the victims request restitution for losses suffered.