Who initiates charges against a criminal suspect?
The heart of the prosecution function is charging a defendant with a crime. Information concerning a possible crime is brought to the County Attorney’s Office by law enforcement where it is then reviewed to determine what charges, if any, will be filed. The decision whether or not to institute a criminal proceeding is solely within the discretion of the county attorney. Additionally, the specific charges to be filed are determined by the County Attorney’s Office, taking several factors into consideration, including available resources within the criminal justice system, legally sufficient and admissible evidence, and reasonableness of obtaining a conviction and seeking justice.

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1. Who initiates charges against a criminal suspect?
2. Can an individual initiate criminal charges against another?
3. I see where the County Attorney’s Office does some civil work. What kind of civil work does the office do?
4. If I can’t make it to court, who do I need to contact?
5. Can I talk with a prosecutor about my case?
6. Where can I go to obtain official or certified copies of court documents?
7. I have a ticket I need to pay. Where do I pay that ticket?
8. Where do I find information about a sex offender in my neighborhood?