County Attorney

Pursuant to Minn. Stat. §388.01 “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. Before entering upon duties, the County Attorney shall take an oath. The oath must be filed for record with a county recorder.”

Legal counsel and representation, criminal prosecution and victim support services.

Mission Statement:

To seek justice and protect the common good through the fair pursuit of timely and proportionate redress for violations of the law.

County Attorney roles and responsibilities

County Attorneys in the State of Minnesota are responsible for the prosecution of all felony level crimes committed by adults in the respective County as well as lesser crimes in the townships and all juveniles regardless of the severity of the offense. The responsibility of prosecution also includes providing support and assistance to victims of crimes.

The County Attorney serves as the legal advisor for the County Board, other county departments and represents the county in all civil litigation in which the county has no insurance coverage.

The County Attorney and staff do not represent or provide legal services to private citizens.

The Olmsted County Attorney's office hires law clerks for the academic year and summer. This program offers courtroom experiences as well as research and writing assignments. The Olmsted County Attorney's office seeks law clerks that have an interest in public service and greater Minnesota.

The main areas of practice within the County Attorney's office are: