Duties & Divisions of the Office

Duties

The Dakota County Attorney's Office promote​s justice, public safety and effective government by prosecuting crime, protecting those in need and representing Dakota County.

Divisions

Civil Division

• Provide legal counsel to the Dakota County Board of Commissioners and county departments on legal matters such as contracts, labor laws, environmental laws, real estate acquisition and data privacy.
• Represent the county in civil litigation.

Criminal Division

• Prosecute all adult felony crimes that occur in the county.
• Prosecute all misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor crimes committed by adults in the unincorporated areas of the county.
• Sponsor diversion programs for adults.
• Take part in treatment courts like Drug Court, Veterans Treatment Court and more.

Juvenile and Protective Services Division

• Prosecute all crimes committed by juveniles.
• Sponsor diversion programs for youth offenders.
• Protect children from neglect, abuse and physical harm by initiating child in need of protection or services (CHIPS) petitions.
• Safeguard vulnerable adults from harm and financial exploitation.
• Help those with mental health or substance use disorders access treatment by initiating involuntary commitment actions.

Child Support Division

• Obtain and enforce child support obligations.
• Help establish paternity for children whose parents are not married.