Table of contents:
Introduction
The Brown County District Attorney’s Office is a vital part of the county’s criminal justice system. The office is responsible for prosecuting all felony crimes that occur in the county, as well as representing the county in civil matters. The District Attorney’s Office is also responsible for providing legal advice to county officials and law enforcement agencies.
The District Attorney’s Office was established in 1849, and it has a long and distinguished history of serving the people of Brown County. The office has been led by some of the county’s most respected attorneys, and it has a reputation for excellence in prosecution and legal advice.
Mission and Values
- To seek justice for victims of crime
- To protect the rights of the accused
- To uphold the rule of law
Functions and Responsibilities
- Prosecuting all felony crimes that occur in Brown County
- Representing the county in civil matters
- Providing legal advice to county officials and law enforcement agencies
- Enforcing the county’s ordinances
- Collecting child support payments
Responsibilities and Jurisdiction
The Brown County District Attorney’s Office is responsible for enforcing the law and protecting the rights of citizens within Brown County. The office is led by the District Attorney, an elected official who serves a four-year term.
The District Attorney’s Office has a wide range of responsibilities, including:
- Prosecuting criminal cases
- Representing the state in civil litigation
- Providing legal advice to law enforcement agencies
- Enforcing child support laws
- Protecting victims of crime
Geographic Jurisdiction and Population Served
The Brown County District Attorney’s Office serves the entire Brown County, which has a population of approximately 250,000 people. The office is located in the county seat of Green Bay.
Types of Cases Handled
The District Attorney’s Office handles a wide variety of cases, including:
- Felonies
- Misdemeanors
- Traffic violations
- Civil lawsuits
The office also handles cases involving juvenile offenders.
Staff and Organization
The Brown County District Attorney’s Office is led by District Attorney David W. Maas, an experienced prosecutor with over 20 years of experience. He is assisted by a team of highly qualified attorneys and support staff dedicated to serving the community.
The office is structured into several divisions, each responsible for handling specific types of cases:
Criminal Division
- Prosecute felony and misdemeanor crimes
- Work closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases
- Represent the State of Wisconsin in court
Civil Division
- Handle civil lawsuits on behalf of Brown County
- Provide legal advice to county officials
- Represent the county in administrative hearings
Family Support Division
- Enforce child support orders
- Assist families in obtaining financial assistance
- Provide legal representation in family court matters
Victim Witness Services Division
- Provide support and assistance to victims and witnesses of crime
- Coordinate victim impact statements
- Educate the public about victims’ rights
Community Involvement and Outreach
The Brown County District Attorney’s Office is committed to community engagement and outreach programs. These initiatives aim to educate the public about the legal system, promote crime prevention, and provide support to victims.
One key initiative is the office’s community outreach program, which includes presentations to schools, community groups, and businesses. These presentations cover topics such as the role of the district attorney, the criminal justice process, and the importance of reporting crime.
Crime Prevention
The office also works closely with law enforcement and community organizations to implement crime prevention programs. These programs focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and unemployment.
Victim Support
The District Attorney’s Office provides a range of services to victims of crime, including victim advocacy, counseling, and financial assistance. The office also works to ensure that victims have a voice in the criminal justice process.
Notable Cases and Accomplishments
The Brown County District Attorney’s Office has a proven track record of handling high-profile and impactful cases that have shaped the legal landscape and made a lasting impact on the community.
Landmark Prosecutions
The office has successfully prosecuted numerous high-stakes cases that have set precedents and influenced legal policies. One notable example is the landmark prosecution of a local politician for corruption, which resulted in a groundbreaking conviction and substantial reforms in campaign finance regulations.
Community-Focused Initiatives
Beyond its prosecutorial role, the Brown County District Attorney’s Office has also played a pivotal role in implementing innovative community-based programs. These initiatives, such as the restorative justice program and the youth diversion program, have helped reduce recidivism, foster community healing, and provide alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders.
Recognition and Awards
The Brown County District Attorney’s Office has been recognized for its exceptional work with numerous awards and accolades. In recent years, the office has received the National District Attorneys Association’s Outstanding Prosecutor Award and the Wisconsin Bar Association’s Distinguished Service Award. These recognitions are a testament to the office’s commitment to justice, innovation, and community engagement.
Challenges and Opportunities
The Brown County District Attorney’s Office faces several challenges and opportunities in the current criminal justice landscape.
One significant challenge is the ever-increasing caseload, which strains resources and limits the office’s ability to provide individualized attention to each case. Additionally, the office must navigate the complexities of evolving criminal statutes and case law, requiring ongoing professional development and training.
Emerging Trends in Criminal Justice
The criminal justice system is constantly evolving, and the District Attorney’s Office must adapt to emerging trends to remain effective. These trends include:
- Increased focus on diversion programs and restorative justice practices, which aim to reduce recidivism and promote rehabilitation.
- Greater emphasis on data-driven decision-making and evidence-based practices to improve outcomes and ensure fairness.
- Growing recognition of the need for specialized units, such as those focused on domestic violence, child abuse, or mental health issues, to provide tailored services.
Contact Information and Resources
The Brown County District Attorney’s Office is committed to providing accessible information and support to the community. Here you can find our contact details and additional resources for legal information and assistance.
Contact Information
- Address: 100 N Jefferson St, Green Bay, WI 54301
- Phone Number: (920) 448-4200
- Website: www.browncountyda.org
Additional Resources
In addition to our office, there are various resources available to assist you with legal matters:
- Wisconsin State Bar Association: www.wisbar.org
- Legal Aid Society of Brown County: www.lasbc.org
- Brown County Public Library: www.browncountylibrary.org
