Description:
The State's Attorney's Office is primarily a prosecuting agency representing the citizens of the county and the victim(s) of crime. The office handles felony, misdemeanor, infraction, and traffic cases as well as juvenile court matters, child support enforcement, and mental health hearings. The State's Attorney is legal counsel for all county officials and chief prosecuting officer of the county. The State's Attorney is an elected official who stands for election every four years. If someone feels that he or she is the victim of a crime (as opposed to a civil matter) they should report it to law enforcement for investigation. If the crime occurred in city limits it should be reported to the local police department. If the crime occurred in the county it should be reported to the county sheriff's department. After the investigation is complete, the State's Attorney's Office will review the matter and make a determination whether criminal charges will be filed and what the charges will be. The Victim/Witness Coordinator will notify victims of any upcoming court proceedings or open plea recommendations pertaining to their case. There is no fee for any services of the State's Attorney's Office. PLEASE NOTE: STATE LAW PROHIBITS THE STATES ATTORNEY FROM ADVISING PERSONS ON PRIVATE MATTERS, CIVIL MATTERS SHOULD BE HANDLED BY A PRIVATE ATTORNEY.