What a County Attorney Does
“There shall be elected in each county a county attorney who shall be licensed to practice law in this state, and whose term of office shall be four years and until a successor qualifies.”
Minn. Stat. § 388.01
The County Attorney:
- Develops a budget proposal for approval by the county board
- Hires and supervises Assistant County Attorneys
- Appears in all cases in which the county is a party
- Gives opinions and advice to the county board or any county officer when requested about matters in which the county is or may be interested, or in relation to the official duties of the board or officer
- Participates in the Minnesota County Attorneys Association
The County Attorney’s Office appears in the following types of cases on behalf of the county:
Civil Cases
- Child Protection
- Child Support / Paternity
- Civil Commitment
- Civil Forfeiture
- Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO)
- Guardianships / Conservatorships
- Administrative Hearings (Maltreatment appeals, Licensing appeals)
- Appeals
- A variety of other civil areas including land issues, tax issues, election questions, restoration of rights, name changes, etc.
Criminal / Juvenile Cases
- Felonies, gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors, petty misdemeanors
- Violations of municipal ordinances, charter provisions, and rules or regulations
Because the office handles such a wide variety of matters, experience is crucial.
Learn More
Watch my informational videos to help clarify the scope of what the county attorney’s office does: