Leading perhaps the most complex aspect of our Multidisciplinary Team, prosecutors from the Criminal Division of the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s office evaluate cases to decide if charges should be brought against an offender. Once charges are filed, a Victim Witness Coordinator is assigned to the case. This coordinator’s role is to keep victims, family members, and professionals updated about the court case, including dates for preliminary hearings, trials, sentencing, and other proceedings. Each case is also assigned an Assistant District Attorney (prosecutor), who is responsible for presenting the case facts to the judge and jury.
The prosecutor often meets with the child victim and the non-offending caregiver before any court proceedings. During this meeting, they offer a tour of the courtroom to help reduce anxiety. The prosecutor explains where everyone will be seated in the courtroom and outlines what to expect on the day of the court appearance.
The Juvenile Division of the District Attorney’s Office plays a crucial role in implementing safety plans for at-risk children by managing Child in Need of Care cases. Collaborating with EMCU investigators, the Assistant District Attorneys in the juvenile division help determine whether a child can safely remain at home. If it is deemed unsafe for the child to stay at home, they may be placed in the State’s Custody.