What a County Attorney Actually Does

 

1. What is the County Attorney?

 

The County Attorney is the chief prosecutor and legal representative for the county. They ensure the law is followed, cases are handled fairly, and the public is protected.

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2. Does the County Attorney handle criminal cases?

 

Yes. The County Attorney prosecutes individuals accused of committing crimes. This includes:

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• Violent crimes (homicide, assault, robbery)

• Sexual assaults

• Domestic violence

• Drug offenses

• DUIs

• Property crimes

 

Their job is to protect the community and ensure justice for victims.

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3. Do they also handle non-criminal matters?

 

Yes. The County Attorney oversees four main divisions:

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• Criminal — prosecutes law violations

• Civil — advises and represents county departments

• Juvenile — handles child abuse, neglect, juvenile offenses

• Child Support — establishes and enforces child support orders

 

These divisions keep county government running safely and legally.

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4. How does the County Attorney work with law enforcement?

 

County Attorneys partner closely with law enforcement to review investigations, file charges, and prepare cases for court. They work with:

• The Lincoln Police Department

• The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office

• The Nebraska State Patrol

 

This teamwork ensures strong, evidence-based cases.

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5. Does the County Attorney decide who gets charged?

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Yes. Prosecutors review police reports and evidence to determine whether charges should be filed, what charges are appropriate, and whether a case should proceed to trial. They must follow state law, legal standards, and ethical rules — not political pressure.

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6. What happens if someone is a first-time or non-violent offender?

 

The County Attorney can use diversion programs or problem-solving courts, which may include:

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• Drug Court

• DUI Court

• Veterans Court

• Mental Health Diversion

• Juvenile Diversion

• Truancy programs

 

These programs reduce repeat crime, address root issues like addiction or mental health, and save taxpayer dollars.

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7. How does the County Attorney support victims?

 

Victim support is a critical part of the job. The office:

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• Notifies victims about court hearings

• Provides updates on case progress

• Ensures victims’ rights are protected

• Helps victims prepare impact statements

• Connects victims with resources and advocacy services
  
   

8. Does the County Attorney influence public policy?

Indirectly. County Attorneys often sit on state committees or professional associations that help improve:
 

• Juvenile justice

• Problem-solving courts

• Victim protections

• Law enforcement processes

• Legal standards

But they do not create laws or set political agendas.

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9. Does the County Attorney represent the county government?

 

Yes. The Civil Division gives legal advice to county departments and defends the county in legal matters. This includes:

• Contract reviews

• Employment law issues

• Litigation

• Legal compliance for county agencies
  
   

10. How does the County Attorney promote transparency?

 

By publicly sharing case data, legal outcomes, and office performance. In Lancaster County, the Prosecutor Dashboard provides:

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• Case referrals

• Filed charges

• Dispositions

• Outcomes

• Status updates

 

This helps residents understand how the justice system is working.

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