January
2007 - January 2011
The Prosecuting Attorney is an elected position, partisan,
4-year term. Duties are established by state constitution
and statutes.
Mission: To represent the interests of the State
of Washington in the prosecution of criminal actions occuring
within Whatcom County; to provide legal advice to County
officials and employees; to represent and defend the County in
all civil actions in which the County is a party.
Areas of responsibility include:
- District Court: Violation of state statutes
involving misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors committed
by adults or criminal traffic violations by juveniles
16 & over; representation of the State's interest
at involuntary commitment hearings relating to alcohol
abuse.
- Superior Court: Violation of state statutes
involving felonies committed by adults, and all crimes committed
by juveniles; Representation of the State's interest at
involuntary mental commitment hearings; Civil practice
includes paternity establishment, enforcement of child support
orders, tort actions, and defense of lawsuits brought against
the County.
- Appellate Courts: Handle appeals of lower court
decisions to the Court of Appeals, Washington State Supreme Court
and potentially to the United States Supreme Court.
- Legal Advisor to all County departments including
the County Council and County Executive.
- Crime Victim Assistance: Assist victims of
crime with restitution recoupment process, as a legal
advocate facilitating prosecution and as a referral source
for community services. Special assistance for victims
of sexual assault and domestic violence.
- Law Library: Prosecutor currently serves as Chair of
the Whatcom County Law Library Board of Trustees.
Law Library
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