Criminal and Juvenile Prosecution

The Lake County Attorney’s Office has two prosecutors. They are responsible for prosecuting adults charged with felonies, gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors, petty misdemeanors, and ordinance violations in Lake County.

The prosecutors also prosecute juvenile offenders who break the law within Lake County.  In addition to public safety concerns, the prosecutor must consider the particular needs of the juvenile.  Our prosecutors handle cases ranging from petty offenses (e.g., tobacco and alcohol) to murder in the first degree.  As part of the charging process, the prosecutor must also decide whether to file motions to certify a child to stand trial as an adult or motions to designate the child an Extended Jurisdiction Juvenile (EJJ).  These decisions are based on the severity of the offense as well as the child’s age, prior offense and programming history.

One of the most important responsibilities of a prosecutor is to review criminal investigations referred by law enforcement and make a decision as to whether an individual will be charged with a crime.  Prosecutors review police reports, draft criminal complaints, appear at court hearings, interview and prepare witnesses for trial, handle grand jury proceedings, conduct jury trials, and provide legal advice and training to law enforcement, and participate in criminal justice system initiatives.  The criminal court processes are established by the Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure.

The prosecutors in the Lake County Attorney’s Office represent the State of Minnesota.

Prosecutors cannot take reports of crimes.  If you wish to report a crime, please contact your local law enforcement agency or call 911.