When the County Attorney Gets Involved
The County Attorney is responsible for a number of special matters, including:
- Child Support: If a child is receiving public assistance, the taxpayers have a right to recoupment from that child’s noncustodial parent. Child Support Officers refer these cases to the County Attorney. The County Attorney brings a court action seeking a child support order. Collection of child support can reimburse the taxpayers. Sometimes the additional income can mean that the child and custodial parent can manage financially without public assistance.
- Commitments: Commitments may be brought on the basis of mental illness, chemical dependency, or developmental disability. These cases are investigated by a County Mental Health Worker. They are brought into court and advocated by County Attorneys.
- Juvenile Delinquency: When juveniles violate criminal laws, prosecution is performed by the County Attorney.
- Juvenile Protection: Juvenile protection cases are investigated by peace officers and social workers. They are brought into court and advocated by County Attorneys.
- Paternity: Paternity establishment is important for children born out of wedlock. Paternity establishment can mean a child has the right to child support, inherit property, social security income and other financial and social benefits. Paternity cases are investigated by County Child Support Officers. They are brought into court and advocated by County Attorneys.