COUNTY ATTORNEY
The County Attorney is to defend the County in all lawsuits; issue civil legal opinions upon request to all elected officials and department heads; prepare and/or review all contracts entered into by the County; and conduct legal research required to assist all county departments; and actively serve as advisors to County officials and department heads and Child Protective Services (“Clients”). Additionally, the office proactively seeks ways to prevent the County and its employees from being exposed to legal actions; efficiently and effectively provides all the civil legal services for the County and certain services for the state, including Child Protective Services; provides effective litigation services; and assures adequate delinquent collections of bail bond forfeitures and unpaid drainage district improvements. The duties and responsibilities of the County Attorney are broadly defined in Section 45.179 of the Government Code.
Prosecute all violations of state criminal laws and county ordinances.
Provide legal advice to the Board of Supervisors and county and township officers concerning county matters.
Represent and defend the state, county, and its officers in officially related cases.
Recover all monies (debts, fines, penalties, etc.) owing to the state or county.
Present all mental health commitment proceedings and all juvenile delinquency and child in need of assistance cases.
In his or her OFFICIAL capacity, the County Attorney is NOT a lawyer for a private group or person.