Message from the Jackson County State's Attorney

We are also working closely with federal prosecutors to identify, and remove from our community, felons who possess weapons in violation of federal laws. The men and women of the state’s attorney’s office have dedicated themselves to making our community safer. Whether it is an attorney prosecuting a violent criminal, or a staff member notifying a victim or witness about the status of a case, or a victim advocate providing assistance in obtaining an Order of Protection from an abusive partner, everyone in our office works diligently to make our community safer.

It is also my job to evaluate and prosecute other offenses including non-violent felonies, misdemeanors, juvenile, and traffic cases. For these cases, we have looked carefully at the facts of each case and have kept in mind that serving justice does not always require a state prosecution or conviction. Dispositions which include restitution to victims, public service, probation or supervision may be sufficient to ensure deterrence and are usually preferable to prison sentences, especially when dealing with first-time offenders, addicts and people with mental health issues. My office is working cooperatively with the court, the defense bar, probation and the police agencies to handle cases which do not involve serious violent crimes in ways that include meaningful penalties without life-long impediments to future productivity.

Finally, as the legal representative for all Jackson County office holders and agencies, my office is working to ensure that the county, and its board and agencies, have competent and capable representation in civil litigation and to ensure that county officials have the necessary training and guidance to be in compliance with laws dealing with conflicts of interest, open meetings and freedom of information. Together, we are all working to better serve you and to make it easier for you to discover what is going on in your county government.